Lectio Divina is a form of prayer that places us to listen to the word of God and allows us to get to know you better. Is pious reading of biblical texts It has been strongly promoted by the Church since the Second Vatican Council, which considers it a path of spiritual growth for all Christians. It consists of four stages: lectiomeditatio, oratio and contemplatio.
You must first understand what this first stage of lectio (reading) consists of and how to put yourself in the right conditions to reap its fruits.
What is lectio?
“Speak, Lord, your servant listens” (1 Samuel 3 : 10)
This first step consists of reading a passage from the Bible. However, it is not to be read like a newspaper article, quickly to get the general idea. Lectio is a phase of slow and calm reading in which you have to listen to each word, listen fully to the word of God. Through words, it is the voice of the Lord that we seek. Through the text, a presence is sought.
The word is food for the soul; this stage is therefore the one that allows us to taste it. It is important to give yourself completely in this experience to savor a delicate dish: with curiosity and attention to every nuance, to every subtle detail that awakens in us.
How to proceed with the lectio?
a receptive posture
A suitable posture (bodily, mental and spiritual) should be sought for listening and contemplation. Here are some items to get in good condition:
– Choose a favorable moment and a quiet place.
– relax the bodytake a few deep breaths to avoid physical and mental dispersion.
– Before you start reading, invoke the Holy Spirit to help us accept this word and open our hearts to the divine message.
Three slow reads
Read as if we were discovering a new place, with all our hearts and with all our bodies. It is recommended read the passage at least three times, slowly; with, if possible, at least one reading aloud. If a word or an expression calls us, let us repeat it, let it impregnate us. We can try to remember a passage and “ruminate it” during the day. It may be interesting to bring a notebook and pencil and allow yourself the opportunity to copy certain passages.
Pay attention to our feelings
Be attentive to the thoughts, sensations, feelings that cross our minds while we read. Let us welcome him without judgment but with interest. Perhaps there are things that resonate in a special way with us? Expressions, images that reassure us? Others that annoy us?
Finally, this first step ends with a time of silence to adequately internalize all this, before moving on to the second stage: the meditatio.
Which sacred text to choose?
lectio divina is prayerful reading of the Holy Scriptures. It can be made from any passage in the New or Old Testament. We can decide to immerse ourselves in the reading of a book of the Bible and advance each day with a passage from this book, or choose to follow the liturgy and read the gospel of the day.
It can also be interesting to let yourself be carried away by desire, the attraction to a text or to be advised, in particular by a priest. It is possible that we need to reread a text that we already know. Let us be careful to read it as if it were the first time, guided by the Holy Spirit.
With , welcome the word of God with all your heart
offers you numerous options for you to learn to pray, to read the sacred scriptures and to grow in your daily prayer life.
For example, if you join the “reflection of the day” community, you can, through the Holy Scriptures, have a spiritual moment and live an encounter with God through prayer.
In addition, with this community, you will be able to meditate on the word of God, in the company of other brothers and sisters who are part of the same online community.
You can also deposit a prayer intention, so that other Christians pray with you for your request.