Lectio Divina

Lectio Divina is a simple pattern of prayer

This is a way of praying that starts with and involves our silence. In it, through the Scriptures, we reflect together in a loving community. We often make the mistake of thinking prayer is about what we say to God. It is actually the other way round. God wants to speak to us. He will do this through the Scriptures. So don’t worry about what to say. Don’t worry if nothing jumps out at you at first. God is patient. He will wait for the opportunity to get in. He will give you a word and lead you to understand its meaning for you today. We offer this model of Lectio Divina for you to try and develop as we seek to create a holy space for God to speak.

How to practice it:

1. Stilling

• Make sure you are sitting comfortably, breathe slowly and deeply.
• Welcome the Holy Spirit with words based on this prayer: “Holy Spirit, help us to hear you in each other and to seek your Kingdom above all things.”

2. First reading of the passage: Listen

• One individual reads the passage slowly, or you can read a shared translation one sentence at time around the group..
• As you hear or read the passage, listen for a word or phrase that attracts you.
• Allow it to arise from the passage as if it is God’s word for you today.
• Sit in silence with the word or phrase in your head for a period of several minutes.
• Each person shares the word or phrase around the group, take around 3 minutes, no discussion.

3. Second reading of the passage: Ponder

• Another person reads the passage slowly, or you share it again around the group.
• As you read or hear the passage again ask how this word or phrase speaks to your life and why it has connected with you.
• Ponder it carefully.
• Don’t worry if you get distracted – it may be part of your response to offer it to God.
• Sit in silence and then each person identifies where this passage touches their life today.
• Each shares a few thoughts, taking a total of 3-5 minutes, no discussion.

4. Third reading of the passage: Apply

• The passage is read for a third time.
• As you hear or read the passage for the last time ask what Christ is calling from you.
• What is it that you need to do or consider, to relinquish or take on as a result of what God is saying to you in this word or phrase?
• In the silence that follows the reading pray for the grace of the Spirit to plant this word in your heart.
• Each person names what they’ve heard and what they believe God wants them to do or be as a result of this.
• Share this together for 5-10 minutes with no discussion.

5. Ending

• Each person prays for those on their right, reflecting on what was shared in the different steps.
• Pray the Lord’s Prayer together, to end your time of prayer.