Lectio Divina

Divine reading.

It is an ancient practice - a way to immerse oneself in the Word of God, to allow the heart to be completely soaked in divine revelation.

It's not hard, but it does take patience.

Lectio: to read

Take a passage from scripture, not too long, mind. Make it two or three paragraphs at the most.
Read it over. If you are alone, read it out loud. Then read it again, slowly. Read it a third or a fourth time. Let it soak in.

Meditate
Think over the content. Look at its literal meaning. Chew on that for a bit. Then look at it from the perspective of Christ - is he speaking here? Does it speak of him in some way? We know that scripture is the Word of God. Jesus is the Word of God, so all scripture speaks of him.

What is the moral meaning? What impact does this passage have on my attitudes and behavior? Does it call me to account? Does it encourage or strengthen? Does it challenge?

Contemplate
Moving from words to silence. The silent gaze on God from what I have seen and sensed.

Pray
Speak to God from the heart as a result of this experience of thought and silence.

It takes time. Although lectio has a structure, it is no method. Not like baking a cake (you know, "add two tablespoons and stir reapidly"). No, it is an exercise of the heart, and only through perseverance can its fruits be seen.

But worth it - totally.