Neo Lectio Divina - A contemporary form of prayerful reading

Originally posted on Facebook - October 25, 2010

“Lectio Divina” – The Golden Reading

A Modified Form by

Rev. Murray Speer

We begin by entering a contemplative time and space, where we can be relaxed, free of distractions, and focused entirely on the task at hand. Set aside at least 30 minutes for contemplation and reflection. Choose a passage that is a reasonable length – possibly only a few verses.

Lectio Divina traditionally consists of four stages, but they are difficult for “moderns” and “post-moderns” to embrace. My form retains the content of the traditional form but puts it in a new box, so to speak.

Step One (“Getting Familiar”): Read the passage silently to yourself at a comfortable rate. Do not begin to look for meaning at this time. Focus on the passage as a whole. Remember to stay relaxed.

Step Two (“Paying Attention”): Read the passage aloud, with a slow pace. This time, pay attention for words, thoughts, phrases, or images that “jump out” or have power for you. Remember to relax. You may want to use pencil and paper to write down the words that draw your focus, or to draw a picture or diagram.

Step Three (“The Spirit Works”): Ask what message God has for you in this moment of engagement with scripture. Allow the Holy Spirit to work within you and illuminate the meaning of the words. This is not an act of thought, but of prayer. Don’t forget to relax.

Step Four (“We Respond”): Take the meaning you have discerned into your heart. Let it touch and transform your deepest self. When feelings or memories arise, allow them to blossom and then speak over them the message that God has illumined for you. If you used pencil and paper in Step Three, you may want to write or draw your way through this step as well. Continue to meditate on the feelings and memories that are triggered by God’s message, until you feel release.

Step Five (“We Rest”): Relax again. Rest in the wordless embrace of God until you are ready to re-enter the world. This stage may last many minutes - do not rush yourself.