#95 Lectio Divina: a Simple Guide
Lectio Divina is a method for digging deeper into what the Bible is saying. Lectio Divina translates from Latin to divine reading. Lectio Divina is founded on the idea that you can come to understand what the Bible says by letting the Holy Spirit work in you to reveal the truth in God’s word to you. This should not be taken as literally the case at all times. There are many things in the Bible that benefit from more context and understanding of the past. Yet Lectio Divina can be a powerful tool to use in the process of understanding what the Bible is communicating today.
The steps to completing Lectio Divina for a passage is reading, meditation, prayer, and contemplation. In the reading stage we read the whole passage and focus on each word one at a time. Then in the meditation stage you ponder the meaning of each phrase, word, and passage as a whole. Then you pray through the passage seeking to find the heart of God in it. Then you get to the contemplation stage. This is when you rest in God’s presence and let His words seep into your soul. Overall giving you a sense of peace and communication with God.
Lectio Divina has been practiced by christians for over a thousand years and you can find the inspiration for this method throughout the Bible such as in Psalm 119:14-16 which reads “I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies, as much as in all riches. I will meditate on Your precepts and regard Your ways. I shall delight in Your statutes; I shall not forget Your word” (NASB). These verses hold several of the steps of Lectio Divina. I challenge you to give it a try and see how it goes.
To employ Lectio Divina in your Bible study process I would suggest first reading the passage. Then completing any word studies and comparing to similar passages in the Bible. Then consult commentaries or dictionaries for any ideas you don’t understand. Then you go into the Lectio Divina process with the information you need to parse out the ideas in the passage. And all the while taking notes on your findings.
