Lectio Divina: What It Is and How to Practice It in 5 Minutes

We live in a world of skimming. We scroll through news, skim emails, and fast-forward videos. But the soul cannot be skimmed. Lectio Divina (Divine Reading) is the ancient antidote to modern hurry.

The 4 Steps of Lectio Divina

It sounds fancy, but it's incredibly simple. Think of it as eating a meal:

1. Lectio (Read) - The Bite

Read a short passage (e.g., Psalm 23) slowly. Ideally, read it out loud. Don't analyze it; just taste the words.

2. Meditatio (Reflect) - The Chew

Read it again. Does a specific word or phrase "shimmer" or stand out to you? Stay with that word. Why did it catch your attention?

3. Oratio (Respond) - The Savoring

Read it a third time. Now, talk to God about that word.

• "Lord, why does the word 'restore' hurt my heart today?"
• "Father, thank you for the promise of 'green pastures'."

4. Contemplatio (Rest) - The Digestion

Put the text down. Just sit in God's presence. No words needed. Let the truth sink deep into your spirit.

Why It Works

Lectio Divina shifts us from informational reading (reading to know) to transformational reading (reading to become).

Start Small

You don't need a monastery. You need 5 minutes and a quiet corner.