Lectio Divina

Lectio Divina, literally meaning "divine reading," is an ancient practice of praying the scriptures. During Lectio Divina, we listen to the text of the Bible with the "ear of the heart," as if we are in conversation with God, and God is suggesting the topics for discussion. The method of Lectio Divina includes moments of reading (lectio), reflecting on (meditatio), responding to (oratio) and resting in (contemplatio) the Word of God with the aim of nourishing and deepening our relationship with the Divine.

Like Centering Prayer, Lectio Divina cultivates contemplative prayer. Unlike Centering Prayer, Lectio Divina is a participatory, active practice that uses thoughts, images and insights to enter into a conversation with God. Lectio Divina also is distinguished from reading the Bible for edification or encouragement, Bible study, and praying the scriptures in common, which are all useful but separate practices.

If you would like a fuller description of the Method of Centering Prayer, you may follow this link to a page on the Contemplative Outreach International web site.  The page has the same description of the guidelines above, plus 1) a link about the history of the practice; 2) a link to purchase a booklet about Lectio Divina; 3) a link to download a Lectio Divina Brochure; and 4) a link to a video  with Fr Thomas Keating who was one of the founding members of Contemplative Outreach.