Advent 2023-Lectio Divina part 7

This Advent I am going to look at the practice of Lectio Divina, mostly because it is my favourite form of prayer and meditation. Lectio Divina means “Divine Reading” in Latin. It is a systematic way of reading the Bible dating back to the early centuries of the Christian church.

Lectio Divina has four parts:

1. Reading: Read the passage slowly and carefully.
2. Meditation: Think deeply about the text.
3. Prayer: Have a loving conversation with God.
4. Contemplation: Rest in God’s presence.

This is like the easiest step of Lectio Divina to explain but the most challenging one to actually do. Contemplatio, in Latin, means taking a chill pill. Just kick back and relax in the presence of God. Do nothing and rest.

This is not about listening to God. That was in the reding part.
It is not about reflecting on what you have heard. That was the meditation part.
Neither is it about talking to God. That was the praying part.
This part is about resting. Only resting.

Some versions of Lectio Divina mention making a decision about something you’ve got to do after you’re done with Lectio Divina, but don’t worry, I’ll save that for the next post.

So, you’ve settled down with the Bible and asked God to talk to you. Whether God has spoken or not, you’re here at the end. Don’t just get up and do something, just take a break. Remember that piece of paper where you wrote all those distracting things and put it face down at the start of the Lectio Divina session? It’s still there and can wait a few more minutes. If something else is bothering you, add it to the list. This is a time to relax.

If you’re relaxing and your mind starts to wander, bring it back to rest. Put those distractions aside and just focus on relaxing. Don’t let anything else get in the way of your chill time.