​Lectio Divina (or 'Holy Reading') is a meditative way of reading the Scriptures. Or, perhaps more accurately, it is a prayerful way of listening to the Lord speak through the Scriptures.

Sometimes we read a book to find out 'what happens next' in the story. In lectio we read to hear the Lord speak to us, perhaps about what he calls us to next in our story.

Typically in lectio we take a short passage of scripture and listen to see if there is a particular word, or phrase or sentence that engages us. And we stay there, opening to the Lord, seeking to know what he says to us.

We can pray with any passage of scripture. A good way of starting is by choosing a reading from Sunday Mass that caught our attention. It may have offered comfort; it may have challenged us; it may simply have puzzled us. The fact that a passage caught our attention often suggests that there is something more there for us to explore and receive from the Lord.

A simple process for lectio is available here. It is a description of a process for a time of lectio with others, but can easily be adapted for use when praying alone. 

It is the process used in our parish lectio group that meets on Sunday afternoons. More details here.

Carving from the Palais des Papes, Avignon. (Photo (c) 2014, Allen Morris.)