Prayer Retreat Week 2
Lectio Divina
What is Lectio Divina?
Latin translation: “Divine Reading”
Lectio Divina means “divine reading” in Latin. It’s a meditative way of reading the Bible in which we let go of our own agendas and open ourselves to what God is trying to say to us.
Origin
Many historians and theologians’ credit St. Benedict of Nursia as the first teacher of Lectio Divina. St. Benedict spoke to the importance of divine reading in his Rule of St. Benedict, encouraging readers to live a life devoted to work and prayer (especially through reading). However, this method of prayer likely originated even earlier than the time of St. Benedict, who passed away during the 6th century.
It wasn’t until a few centuries ago that you could find a Bible in homes, hotels, and churches around the world with the invention of the printing press in the 15th century. It also wasn’t the norm that entire communities had the ability to read or write.
Unlike today, with most Christians having Bibles in their homes or access to a digital Bible, communities shared physical Bibles and even relied on certain individuals to read scripture aloud. This practice of listening to Scripture read aloud was very popular in monastic communities — prompting them to “listen with their hearts.”
It’s not the same as Bible study
While Lectio Divina is a great way to study the Bible, it isn’t the same thing as a Bible study. Lectio Divina offers something more specific, more personal to you, in the moment you are praying. Bible studies lead us to interpret the Bible by asking questions and at times, doing research, and looking at the Bible as a whole. Lectio Divina, on the other hand, asks us to intentionally focus on a short section of Scripture. This prayerful focus could be one passage, one verse, or even just one word.
Why do we pray with Lectio Divina?
To become better listeners
There are countless ways to sit with God and grow closer to Him. From the Examen to the Rosary and everything in between, Christians might feel like their prayer toolbox is already full. However, Lectio Divina might become your favourite way to pray. Lectio Divina becomes more about divine listening than divine reading when we take the time to do it.
This is why we pray Lectio Divina — to become better listeners of the Lord.
When it feels like we can’t say the right thing in prayer, turn to Lectio Divina. Simply open the Bible to a passage, and try to listen well. In doing this, we might hear more clearly what God is asking of us — opening ourselves to peace, gratitude, and living rooted in Christ.
When do we pray with Lectio Divina?
This prayer method is one of the most accessible types available to all of us. You can pray with the Word, with a physical Bible, or even with a passage of Scripture you have memorized. God is with you and in Scripture at all times — whether it’s before you go to sleep or on your commute to work.
How to pray Lectio Divina
The time you spend praying the Lectio Divina is entirely up to you and varies by person. Remember it’s quality not quantity.
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Read
Take a short passage from the Bible and listen to it carefully. Let it soak in.
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Meditate
Then, after reading or listening for a second time, consider: What sticks out to you? Perhaps it’s a particular image, phrase, or single word. Let that be your focus, meditating on what might God be trying to show you through what stands out.
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Pray
Respond to the text and to God. Ask God to show you what He wants you to take from it. This could lead you to offer thanks, ask forgiveness, or simply talk with God about what the passage brought to your heart.
4. Contemplate
Rest with God. Be aware of God’s presence with you. Listen for His voice.
At the end of the Lectio Divina, close with the Our Father and the Sign of the Cross.
Adapted from article by Alex jones ‘ How to pray lectio Devina’
5 Journal
You may find it useful to record your experience in your journal. What were your feelings as you read you passage?
Was there any word or phrase that stands out to you? Why? Spend time with this.
How did you feel at the end of the prayer session?
Exercises
1. You may like to try to listen to a short guide of how to pray this way. Please click on the link to try it: https://pray-as-you-go.org/player/special/3662-lectio-divina-part-2-guide
If you’re not sure which verse or meditation to pray, try some of these suggestions Click on the link to be taken to the relevant chapter then scroll to find the correct verses. Try one a day or if you want to try one over a few days. Your prayer time your choice.
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Matthew 6: 25-35 – Do not worry - https://www.catholic.org/bible/book.php?id=47&bible_chapter=6
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John 15: 1-17 – Vine and Branches https://www.catholic.org/bible/book.php?id=50&bible_chapter=15
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John 13 1-17 – Jesus washes the disciple’s feet https://www.catholic.org/bible/book.php?id=50&bible_chapter=13
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Luke 10:38-42 -Jesus’ visit to Mary and Martha https://www.catholic.org/bible/book.php?id=49&bible_chapter=10
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Matthew 5:3-12- The Beatitudes https://www.catholic.org/bible/book.php?id=47&bible_chapter=5
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Luke 11: 1 – 4 – Jesus teaches the apostles to pray
https://www.catholic.org/bible/book.php?id=49&bible_chapter=11
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Mark 6: 1-13 – Jesus sends out the Apostles
https://www.catholic.org/bible/book.php?id=48&bible_chapter=6
Reflect on the Week
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Look through your prayer journal for the week. Is there a theme or anything that stands out to you?
Overall has this prayer form ‘worked’ for you?
What did you find useful?
Did you find anything difficult about it?
Did you learn anything about yourself and your prayer life from the experience of this week?
Going forward will this be a prayer form you re visit?
