How to Start Lectio Divina

Lectio Divina (“divine readings”) is the reflective, prayerful reading of Scripture that leads to contemplation. The reader treats the Bible as the real living word of God, not merely an academic text or a history of the early Jews and Christians.

Monks in the sixth century were among the first to take up the practice of Lectio Divina. They were followed by nuns, priests and even some laypeople.

We recommend giving Lectio Divina a try. Here are a few tips for getting started.

1. Read the text.
2. Meditate on the text.
3. Pray with the text.
4. Contemplate the text.

Study in preparation for steps one and two.
You can’t love what you don’t know. And you shouldn’t expect to simply open the pages of Scripture and hear the Lord reveal everything to you. He will speak to you, but He wants you to exercise your mind.

Do some study of the passages you’re reading before diving in.

The Church Fathers are a great place to start.
In his “Catena Aurea,” St. Thomas Aquinas compiled the best commentary on the Gospels from the Church Fathers. You can also search through New Advent’s collection of Church Fathers’ writings for commentaries on the other books of Scripture.

Stay close to the sacred pages.
The words of Scripture transcend all other writing because they are inspired by God Himself. Make your study a supplement — not a replacement — for the actual sacred text.

Try this schedule.
To ease yourself into the practice of Lectio Divina, don’t study and read on the same day. On day 1, read a Scripture passage and meditate on it. On day 2, do a bit of reading from the “Catena Aurea” or another commentary. On day 3, go back and reread the Scripture passage with your new knowledge.

Give Lectio Divina a try for a couple of weeks. You may find that it becomes a fruitful lifelong practice!