Lectio Divina - Godly Reading

Lectio Divina : Praying with Scripture

This style of prayer is particularly suited to the psalms, the prophets, the letter of Paul, and other non-story passage.

Lectio Divina is a slow, contemplative prayer, praying with scripture which has long been used in the monastic tradition. It invites God to speak into our life through scripture and for us to respond. The following step-by-step guide could help you pray with a Bible passage.

• Choose a text from Scripture that you wish to pray with.

• Make an act of the presence of God.

• Ask for what you want from God in this time of prayer. Ask too for the help of the Spirit as you pray.

• Read the text slowly, until a word or phrase catches your attention, or somehow says, "I am for you today.”

• Chew over, ponder upon the word or phrase. Let it speak into your life.

• Allow this reflection to invite you into dialogue with God, sharing what is with you.

• Rest in God. When ready return to the text and continue reading.

• At the end of your prayer time, finish with a prayer such as the Our Father.

Bear in mind that each person will engage with the God through the text in their own way. There is no right or wrong way! Don’t worry if nothing gets your attention when reading the passage.

Further Resources

Printable Page on Lectio Divina

Workshop on Lectio Divina on YouTube