CONTEMPLATIVE TUESDAY

Allowing the Words of Scripture to Penetrate Your Soul

The power of sacred reading in the form of Lectio Divina

Created in Canva by Nancy Blackman

Spirit, come. We welcome you to join us.

Right around Easter 2022, I wrote about Lectio Divina. It is a wonderful way of allowing the words of Scripture to penetrate your soul. There is such a power in this type of sacred reading.

As a Spiritual Director, when I am sitting with clients, I will read through a passage(s) three times. Each of the readings of sacred text or poetry is done slowly so that the brain can digest the true contents of the words.

There are four movements to Lectio Divina:

1. Read (Lectio)

2. Reflect (Meditatio)

3. Respond (Oratio)

4. Rest (Contemplatio)

It’s also important to know that Lectio Divina can be done in one of two ways: 1) through listening to someone read, or 2) from you reading the text yourself. If you choose the latter, read slowly and allow yourself to meditate on each of the words (as necessary).

The purpose of the ancient spiritual practice of Lectio Divina is to experience the presence of God through the four movements of reading…