Lectio Divina (pronounced lex.ee.o di.veen.a)
always includes taking a passage of Scripture
(or other writings), reading it slowly, and
repeating it as you work your way down to where
you have just a word or small phrase from the
passage that you are 'meditating' on (repeating
over and over). Basically, you are coming up
with a mantra-like word or phrase that has been
extracted from a passage of Scripture, which,
according to contemplatives, if repeated for
several minutes, will help you get rid of
thoughts and distractions, so then, they say,
you can hear the voice of God and feel His
presence (going into the silence). NOTE: God
never asks His followers to empty their minds,
but Satan always does! There are four steps
in lectio divina.
1. Reading (lectio)
Slowly begin reading a biblical passage as if
it were a long awaited love letter addressed to
you.
2. Reflecting - Ponder this word or
phrase for a few minutes. Let it sink in slowly
and deeply until you are resting in it.
3.
Expressing, These may be prayers of
thanksgiving, petition, intercession, lament,
or praise.
4. Resting (contemplatio)Allow
yourself to simply rest silently for a time in
the stillness of your heart remaining open to
the quiet fullness of Gods love and peace.
Lectio Divina is not traditional Bible study,
not reading the Scriptures for understanding
and edification, and not praying the Scriptures
... lectio divina is an introduction into the
more intense practicescontemplative prayer and
centering prayer.
In conclusion, Lectio
Divina is a bridge TO Eastern-style meditation.
If indeed, this is true, then it will lead
Christians away from the message of the Cross
and the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and thus
Christians should not practice lectio divina.
