Meet Christ Through the Scriptures

Lectio Divina means "Divine Reading" and refers specifically to a method of scripture-reading that was practiced by monastics since the beginning of Church.

The early centrality of reading of Sacred Scripture, and then meditating and praying over its meaning, is evident in the 48th chapter of the Rule of St. Benedict (A.D. 480-453), a book written by the Great Saint to guide monastic life.

It is known as the Stairway to Heaven. These are the steps:

1. Lectio ( reading): Read the text. What is the common sense idea of the text? What does it mean? What story does it tell? What does it tell any ordinary reader?

2. Meditatio (meditation): React to the text. What is it telling me in particular? What word(s) or phrase in the text strikes a vital chord in me?

3. Oratio (prayer): Converse with Jesus about this striking word(s) or phrase. Wrestle with the Word. Tell Jesus your difficulties if you were to live out His Word.

4. Contemplatio (contemplation): Go into the quiet. You have already presented your case before the Lord. Now, simply listen. Allow the Lord to give you spiritual insight about the text. Let God work in you.

5. Actio (action): Discern what God wants from you and resolve to do something concrete about what you have prayed about.

Resources:
The New Evangelization Resource Book (NERB)

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