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The 4 Components of Lectio Divina

In our ongoing Lenten series, last week’s article focused on the question of “how do I pray?” This week we’ll take you through one of the oldest forms of Christian prayer, the Lectio Divina. I know what you are going to say…” I can’t do that, I don’t speak Latin, I don’t even know what that means!”

Let me assure you, it is easy, and it is LIFE Changing!

Lectio Divina literally translated means Divine Reading and it has 4 easy components:

Lectio (Reading)

Here’s where we read God’s Word in scripture and ask generally “what does it say?”

Meditatio (Meditation)

Here we ask what does this scripture passage, sentence, or word that pops out say to me and about my life? Some people find it helpful to insert themselves into the scripture during this meditation: “who would I be in this story?”

Oratio (Prayer)

What is on my heart to speak back to God in response to the reading and meditation? Here we can thank Him, question Him, or ask Him in plain conversation about what we just “heard” in our time with Him.

Contemplatio (Contemplation)

Since every encounter with the Lord is a two-way street, even as we are asking of Him, He is asking of us. Here we contemplate what the Lord is asking us to do, change, correct, etc. in our lives and hearts to draw closer to Him and to do His will.

How to prepare:

I like to go into my home office, early when the house is very quiet and plan on spending 15-30 minutes every day in conversation with God. Do I always do it? No, sometimes I miss a day or two, but I always plan on making the time. Creating this “alone time” with God is a habit that needs cultivating!

Prepare

I’d suggest starting with a block of 15 minutes to read, mediate, pray and contemplate the Lord’s promptings. Once 15 minutes is easy, you can increase from there. For me, my habit is to go into the office, light a holy candle and just quietly breathe for a few minutes, getting into a place of comfort with the Lord. Then I say “Good morning Lord, thank you for bringing me safely through the night, please open my heart to hear you this morning”. Then I open Scripture and begin.

As you can see there is nothing mysterious or difficult about the Lectio Divina! It is our hope that this ancient prayer practice brings you much hope, consolation and fruit this Lenten season and going forward.