Lectio Divina

Returning to our series on lectio divina, we arrive at the final step, contemplation (contemplatio). [featured-image single_newwindow=”false”] Thus far we have read (lectio) the passage of scripture, meditated (meditatio) on it, and prayed (oratio) to God, relating everything back to Him. It is now our duty to rest in the presence of God and simply absorb the moment. This is how Father Luke Dysinger, OSB, describes it:

After reading (lectio) the passage of scripture and meditating (meditatio) on it, the third step of lectio divina involves praying (oratio) to God and relating everything you have received back to Him. It means pouring out your heart to God, not leaving any stone unturned. [featured-image single_newwindow=”false”] This is often the easiest step in lectio divina, as it involves relating to God

Often when we hear the word “meditation,” we think of a Buddhist monk sitting on the floor, eyes closes, and emptying his mind from everything so that he literally thinks about nothing. That is why many people balk at the idea of meditating on God’s Word, either not knowing what to do or being intimidated

We live in a culture of immediacy and often we take that same thought process into our prayer life. We don’t want to sit-down and read the whole bible…we want it to be summarized in three short sentences. [featured-image single_newwindow=”false”] Lectio divina can help curb that habit, especially in regards to the first step in

In this context, I would like in particular to recall and recommend the ancient tradition of “Lectio divina“: “the diligent reading of Sacred Scripture accompanied by prayer brings about that intimate dialogue in which the person reading hears God who is speaking, and in praying, responds to him with trusting openness of heart” (cf. “Dei