Lectio Divina - Contemplative Listening to God

Lectio Divina (Divine Reading) is a way to invite the spirit into your time reading the Bible. It is not a Bible analysis. It’s a prayerful, ancient practice involving four movements: read, meditate, pray, and contemplate. The idea is to encounter the same scripture multiple times, listening for God rather than analyzing.

The Four Movements

Lectio (Read):
Read slowly. Notice one word or phrase that stands out. Let the text sink in.

Meditatio (Meditate):
Repeat that word/phrase. Imagine the scene, notice your feelings. How does this connect to your life today?

Oratio (Pray):
Let what resonates lead you to honest prayer. What is God saying to you? Respond in conversation.

Contemplatio (Contemplate):
Rest in God’s presence silently. Now that you’ve spoken to God, give Him a chance to speak to you. With unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory (2 Corinthians 3:18)

Group Process

Opening: Settle in silence, invite the Holy Spirit in prayer.
First Reading (Lectio): Listen for a word/phrase.
First Sharing: Each person briefly shares what stood out (no explanations).
Second Reading (Meditatio): Notice emotions/life connections.
Second Sharing (Oratio): Share feelings/life situations or offer short prayers if desired.
Third Reading (Contemplatio): Listen for God’s invitation/challenge.
Final Sharing: Optionally share responses or invitations from God.
Closing Prayer: Pray together.

Mark 10:46-52 (NIV)

38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Journaling & Reflection Spaces

Word/phrase that stood out:
Feelings/life connection:
Prayer:
God’s invitation/action:

Slow down, listen deeply, receive, not analyze. Silence is sacred space.