Lectio Divina — Method of the four steps

The Lectio Divina — in Latin, divine reading — is the most ancient method of the Church for prayer with Sacred Scripture. Practised by monks since the first centuries, it was systematised in the 12th century by Guigo II, 9th Prior of the Grande Chartreuse († 1188), in the brief treatise Scala Claustralium (also called Scala Paradisi) — totally in the public domain. Guigo II identifies four steps to ascend from the biblical text to the contemplation of God, comparing them to Jacob’s ladder: Lectio (reading), Meditatio (meditation), Oratio (prayer), Contemplatio (contemplation). Benedict XVI, in the exhortation Verbum Domini (2010) nn. 86-87, solemnly commended the practice to all the faithful. This method may accompany the reading of the Gospel of the day, of the Psalms, of the Liturgy of the Hours, or of any biblical passage chosen.

Preparation. Recollect yourself in silence. Make the Sign of the Cross. Invoke the Holy Spirit, for example: «Come, Holy Spirit, open the Scripture to me as you opened it to the disciples of Emmaus». Open the Bible at the chosen passage (generally short — an evangelical pericope, ten verses of a Psalm).

1. Lectio (Reading). Read the passage with calm, in a low voice or in silence. Ask yourself: «What does the text say in itself?». Read again a second time, paying attention to a word or phrase which touches the heart — without seeking; let it impose itself. Guigo II compares to the «chewing of bread»: it is not yet food, but it is the beginning.

2. Meditatio (Meditation). On the word or phrase which touched the heart, linger with the intellect. Ask yourself: «What does the text say to me?». Examine it in the light of faith and of life. Compare with other places of the Scripture that come to mind. Confront with the doctrine of the Church. Guigo II compares to the «chewing that extracts the flavour».

3. Oratio (Prayer). Now speak with God about what the reading and the meditation awakened. Ask yourself: «What do I say to God starting from the text?». It may be praise, thanksgiving, petition, repentance, desire. Guigo II compares to the «swallowing that causes the food to descend».

4. Contemplatio (Contemplation). At the end, fall silent and remain in silence before God. Ask yourself: «What is God doing in me?». No longer think, no longer ask — only be loved. Guigo II compares to the «satiety of food». This step does not depend on me: it may happen or not. When it happens, prolong it. When not, return to the text.

Conclusion. End with an Our Father. Make the Sign of the Cross. Possibly note, in a notebook, the word that remained.

Lord Jesus Christ, eternal Word of the Father, teach me your Scripture as you taught the two disciples on the way to Emmaus, making their hearts burn while you «opened to them the scriptures» (cf. Lk 24:32,45). Amen.