What Is Lectio Divina?

Written By Emilee Williams

Lectio divina, which literally means ‘sacred reading,’ is a rich opportunity to connect with sacred text on a deep, personal, and transformative level by slowly meditating on the words of scripture.

As a practice, it invites us to slow down and encounter the text prayerfully, as if we were reading God’ s words spoken to us personally today. As Raymond Studzinksi writes, “In lectio divina, readers realize the words have to do with them and God’s love for them . . . much like a rediscovered love letter.”

Traditionally, lectio divina has four movements, often called the 4Rs:

1. Read (lectio) the passage slowly, multiple times, noticing words that stand out.

2. Reflect (meditatio) on why certain words, phrases, or scenes struck you or stood out.

3. Respond (oratio) to this text by considering its implication for your life.

4. Rest (contemplatio) prayerfully with the insights and graces of your reading.

The 4Rs are not meant to be rigidly followed, but offer a map. There are many ways to tailor the steps to your context. The important piece of lectio divina is taking the time to truly chew on a text, even just a sliver of one. As James Martin reflects, “the sacred words you chew over and digest become a part of you.”

“Lectio divina is an opportunity for God to bring things up for you to notice and then for you to respond to God about those things. Trust that God has pointed out something in this passage to you for a reason. If you are drawn to it in prayer, then most likely God drew you there.”

- James Martin, Learning to Pray: A Guide for Everyone

Lectio divina has been a long-loved contemplative practice in our Christian history and has been revised, renewed, and reimagined over the years.

 For example, this four-stage movement we now know (lectio, meditatio, oratio, contemplatio, unpacked above) was originated in the twelfth century by a Carthusian monk named Guigo. In the same way buckets of juice could be squeezed from a single grape or a single well can produce overflowing water, he reminded readers of sacred texts that even a single word can reignite our hearts and connect us with God. Therein is the logic of lectio divina: read a small set of words carefully rather than many words less mindfully and see how God minsters to your heart.

“Lord, how much juice you can squeeze from a single grape.
How much water you can draw from a single well.
 How great a fire you can kindle from a tiny spark.
How great a tree you can grow from a tiny seed. 
My soul is so dry that by itself it cannot pray, 
Yet you can squeeze from it the juice of a thousand prayers.” - Guigo II (1140-1193)

Lectio divina is adaptable and flexible as a sacred reading practice. It can take different shapes and forms depending on one’s context. Below are an assortment of resources to support your journey in sacred reading. Whichever resources you find helpful, at the heart of each one is the unified belief that our scriptural texts are windows into the heart of God. Read slowly and contemplatively, there we will find God for us.

Lectio Divina Resources for Going Deeper

Emilee Williams
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What is a Rhythm of Grace?