Lectio Divina

A Simple Approach

Many of us were taught to read the scriptures through an analytical lens. In

fact for most of us, when we “take in” a text through our eyes, we have a
hard time doing anything but analyzing it. Taking a scripture passage in
through our ears, however, can help us to experience it as the Living Word,
rather than “seeing” it as something to be analyzed for context, structure,
parallel texts, etc. This is the simple beauty of Lectio Divina.

The practice of Lectio Divina (or “Divine Reading”) dates as far back as the
3rd century and was firmly established as a Benedictine practice by the 6th
century. Thus, it comes to us from a time when literacy was far less common
—when reading the scriptures actually required having someone present
who knew how to read. This is, in part, why rather than reading for
ourselves, Lectio focuses on hearing the same passage of scripture read
several times.

This simple version of Lectio is done in three “moves.” It can be helpful to

explain all three moves to the group before beginning.

Move 1—A word or phrase…

 Participants are invited to sit comfortably with their eyes closed.
 The reader reads the passage1 aloud, slowly.
 Participants are encouraged to listen for a word or phrase that
“catches” in their mind or heart. There is no need to analyze why that
particular word of phrase may have caught. Participants are
encouraged to simply “sit with” the word or phrase.
 In the silence after the reading, each participant is encouraged to
“speak the word or phrase” that has stuck for them—without further
commentary. (Each participant shares once.)

Move 2—I see God …

 After an appropriate silence, the reader reads the same passage a
second time.
 Participants are encouraged to “watch” in the text for what they see
God is doing. This could be something or something interpretive.
 In the silence after the reading, each participant is encouraged to
share what they see God is doing in the passage. (Again, without
commentary, each participant shares once.)

Move 3—I sense God’s invitation to…

1
You may select any passage you like. Often a Gospel passage is chosen, but if the basic questions are
modified (see below), an Old Testament passage can be used as well.
 Lectio Divina
A Simple Approach

 After an appropriate silence, the reader reads the same passage a

third time.
 Participants are encouraged to “wait” in the text for the “invitation” they
sense from God. This could be something literal or something
interpretive.
 In the silence after the reading, each participant is encouraged to
share the invitation they sense from God. (Again, without commentary,
each participant shares once.)

For Group Sharing (of there is still time):

 How did you experience God speaking to you?
 Which move in the process was most meaningful? Which was most
challenging?
 How do you sense God inviting you to live out the invitation you
received?