Lectio Divina, or “divine reading,” is another form of mediation by the reading of Scripture in the context of prayer. It is a traditional Benedictine practice intended to promote communion with God and to increase the knowledge of God’s word. It does not treat Scripture as texts to be studied but as the Living Word.

Guigo, the Carthusian (1083-1136) was a Carthusian monk who formally outlined the classic method of Lectio Divina in a work called the Ladder of Monks. He described simple steps for praying with sacred Scripture.

The steps

Lectio — read and reread a Scripture passage. According to Pope Benedict XVI, “Lectio consists in pouring over the biblical text for some time, reading it and rereading it, as it were, ruminating on it as the Fathers say, and squeezing from it, so to speak, all its juice, so that it may nourish meditation.”

Meditatio — Reflect or think about the things that struck you in the reading.

Oratio — Speak with God about these things as you apply them to your life.

Contemplatio — Is a simplification of prayer or a passage from active to passive or infused prayer.

Operatio — For the careful cultivation of Lectio to truly bear fruit that lasts, it must result in a life of virtue.

Coming up next issue: How to Deal with Distractions in Prayer.