Lectio Divina
- Hilda Castillo-Landrum
- 4 days ago
- 6 min read
What Is Lectio Divina?
Let’s start with how to say it properly:
Lectio Divina is pronounced LEK-tsee-oh dee-VEE-nah.
It’s Latin for “divine reading”—a sacred, intentional way of reading Scripture slowly and prayerfully to encounter God Himself through His Word.
Origins:
Lectio divina, which means “divine reading” in Latin, is an ancient Christian practice of prayerfully reading and meditating on Scripture to deepen one’s relationship with God. It first developed in the early centuries, shaped by the way the early church fathers and monks approached Scripture with slowness and reverence.
3rd–4th century beginnings: Early fathers like Origen (c. 185–254) encouraged believers to read Scripture prayerfully—not just to gain knowledge, but to be transformed by it.
6th century: St. Benedict (480–547), often called the father of Western monasticism, formalized the practice in The Rule of St. Benedict. Monks were instructed to spend portions of each day in lectio divina—slow, meditative reading of God’s Word.
12th century refinement: Guigo II, a Carthusian monk, wrote The Ladder of Monks, clearly outlining the four classic steps we still use today:
Lectio – reading
Meditatio – meditating
Oratio – praying
Contemplatio – contemplating / resting in God
Modern use: Through the centuries, lectio divina has remained alive in Christian monastic communities and has recently been rediscovered by believers across many denominations who desire deeper, slower engagement with Scripture.
Lectio divina is over 1,500 years old in its formal structure and firmly rooted in Christian tradition. At its core, it’s not about “studying for information,” but about encountering the living God through His Word—allowing Scripture to move from the mind into the heart, shaping our prayer, our faith, and our daily walk with Christ.
So, rather than studying the Bible academically or rushing through passages, it invites a slow, contemplative approach in the above four steps: lectio (reading the passage carefully), meditatio (reflecting on its meaning and what God might be saying personally), oratio (responding to God in prayer), and contemplatio (resting in God’s presence and allowing His word to transform the heart). This practice is less about gaining knowledge and more about encountering God intimately through His living Word.
To be clear, you do learn from Scripture in lectio divina, but the goal is different from a Bible study. In a traditional study, the focus is often on gaining historical, theological, or literary knowledge about the text—understanding context, language, and meaning. In lectio divina, the emphasis is more relational and spiritual: you’re listening for how God is personally speaking to you through the passage. So while knowledge may naturally come as you reflect, the deeper purpose is to let the Word move from your mind into your heart—shaping your prayer life, faith, and daily living.
In short: Bible study seeks information, while lectio divina seeks transformation.
The Biblical Roots of Lectio Divina:
Although the term itself is Latin, the practice of meditating on Scripture is thoroughly biblical and affirmed by both Catholic and Protestant theology.
Old Testament Foundations
Psalm 1:2–3: “His delight is in the law of the Lord, and on His law he meditates day and night.”
Joshua 1:8: “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night.”
These verses show that godly meditation involves active engagement with God’s Word, not emptying the mind.
New Testament Fulfillment
Luke 2:19: “Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.”
John 15:7: “If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”
Hebrews 4:12: “The word of God is alive and active, sharper than any double-edged sword.”
The biblical call to meditate, ponder, and remain in God’s Word directly supports lectio divina as a legitimate spiritual discipline, not a man-made ritual.
What Lectio Divina Is Not:
Because lectio divina involves quiet reflection and meditation, it’s sometimes mistaken for or equated with New Age or Eastern practices. But that comparison collapses under close theological examination.
It is not:
A form of mind-emptying meditation or self-hypnosis
A means to “manifest” desires or energy
A mystical experience detached from Scripture
About self-focus or inner divinity
Rather, lectio divina is anchored in Scripture and centered on Christ alone.
When you practice lectio divina, you are not detaching from reality—you are attaching yourself more closely to God’s truth. You’re not seeking to silence your thoughts to hear your inner voice; you’re seeking to quiet distractions to hear God’s voice through His Word.
Catholic and Protestant Affirmations:
✦ Catholic Understanding
The Catholic Church upholds lectio divina as a traditional form of prayer rooted in Scripture, not mysticism. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 2705–2708) explains that Christian meditation is “above all a quest. The mind seeks to understand the why and how of the Christian life, in order to adhere and respond to what the Lord is asking.” This is the heart of lectio divina—seeking understanding and relationship through God’s revealed Word.
✦ Protestant Understanding
Many Protestant traditions also embrace this form of prayerful Scripture reading. Reformers such as Martin Luther and John Calvin emphasized the living power of God’s Word to speak directly to the believer. They did not oppose meditating on Scripture—in fact, Luther encouraged believers to “ruminate” on God’s Word daily.
Modern evangelical theologians such as Richard Foster, Dallas Willard, and Tim Keller affirm the value of contemplative Scripture reading when it remains Christ-centered and biblically grounded.
The Protestant version of lectio divina often uses terms like “Scripture meditation,” “prayerful reading,” or “devotional reflection,” but the essence is the same—listening to God through His Word, guided by the Holy Spirit.
Why It’s Not New Age:
Both Catholic and Protestant theology firmly reject the idea that lectio divina resembles New Age spirituality.
It is not self-focused—it is Christ-centered.
It is not about “energy” or “frequency”—it is about the living Word (Hebrews 4:12).
It is not detached from truth—it is rooted in the Bible, the inspired Word of God.
The difference lies in direction: New Age practices turn inward toward the self; lectio divina turns upward toward God.
In Christian meditation, we don’t empty our minds; we fill them with God’s truth and rest in His presence.
As Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
Lectio divina simply helps us see that light more clearly.
Key Difference from New Age Meditation:
Aspect | Lectio Divina (Christian) | New Age / Eastern Meditation |
Focus | Gods Word and presence | Self, energy, or universal consciousness |
Goal | Relationship and obedience to Christ | Self-realization or detachment |
Authority | The Bible | The self or cosmic energy |
Action | Reading, reflecting, praying, responding | Emptying, chanting, or visualizing |
Result | Spiritual growth and sanctification | Inner peace without transformation |
Both Catholics and Protestants affirm that Christian meditation is not about emptying the mind, but about filling it with God’s truth and renewing it (Romans 12:2). Learn more about Christian Meditation on my other blog post HERE.
The Purpose of Lectio Divina:
The purpose is to encounter God in His Word—to move beyond simply reading Scripture to living it. It teaches believers to slow down, listen, and respond personally.
In lectio divina, you’re not just asking, “What does this passage mean historically?” but also, “What is God saying to me right now?”
As Jesus said, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27).
The aim isn’t analysis—it’s relationship.
Who Practices Lectio Divina?
Originally monastic, lectio divina is now practiced by believers across the spectrum:
Catholic and Orthodox monks who maintain the ancient rhythm of Scripture and prayer
Protestant believers who incorporate it into daily devotionals
Small groups and ministries seeking deeper spiritual reflection
Pope Benedict XVI encouraged its revival in 2005, calling it “a source of new spiritual life for the Church.” Meanwhile, Protestant writers such as Eugene Peterson (Eat This Book) and John Piper emphasize meditating deeply on Scripture as essential to knowing God intimately.
How to Practice Lectio Divina
The fourfold rhythm provides structure for communion with God:
Lectio — Reading: Slowly read a chosen passage. Listen for a word or phrase that stands out.
“Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.” (1 Samuel 3:9)
Meditatio — Meditation: Reflect on what God might be saying to you personally.
“I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways.” (Psalm 119:15)
Oratio — Prayer: Respond in heartfelt prayer. Praise, confess, ask, or thank.
“Let my prayer be set before You like incense.” (Psalm 141:2)
Contemplatio — Contemplation: Rest in God’s presence. This is not about thinking or analyzing, but about abiding — simply being with Him in stillness.
“But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me.” (Psalm 131:2)
Some believers add a fifth step: Actio — Action, applying what God revealed in daily life (James 1:22).
Why Practice Lectio Divina?
The benefits are both spiritual and practical:
Deeper intimacy with God: You learn to recognize His voice.
Heart transformation: Scripture takes root and produces fruit (Luke 8:15).
Peace and clarity: Stillness quiets distractions, revealing divine truth.
Renewed mind: The Holy Spirit renews your thinking (Romans 12:2).
Faith in action: Listening leads to obedience (James 1:22).
Unity in Spirit: It bridges denominational divides, uniting believers in God’s Word.
Lectio divina is not a mystical innovation—it’s a timeless Christian discipline that invites believers to listen deeply to God’s living Word. Both Catholics and Protestants affirm its value when practiced biblically: with Scripture as the foundation, Christ as the focus, and the Holy Spirit as guide.
In a hurried world, lectio divina reminds us to slow down and truly hear God—to move from reading about Him to encountering Him personally.
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.”
— Colossians 3:16
Explore the Lectio Divina Guide and journal HERE
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