An ancient practice the church has used in regard to reading the sacred Scriptures is what is called lectio divina. In this practice of reading the bible, there are four movements. 1.) Lectio: simply reading the text of Scripture 2.) Meditatio: meditation on what is being read 3.) Oratio: the response to what is being read back to God, commonly known as prayer 4.) Contemplatio: this is resting in the Word of God while contemplating, or thinking about, the text.

Lectio (Reading) Acquaintanceship

• Read the Scripture
• Gather the facts
• “Listen” to God’s word
• What word/phrase speaks to you?
  (allow 1-2 min quiet time)

Meditatio (Meditation) Friendliness

• Read the Scripture again
• Let Jesus speak to you
• Reflect on the message
• What is God saying to you?
  (allow 3-4 min quiet time)

Oratio (Prayer) Friendship

• Read the Scripture again
• Let you heart respond to God
• Trust God enough to become emotionally involved
• What do you want to say to God?
  (allow 4-5 min quiet time)

Contemplatio (Contemplation) Union of Life

• Read the Scripture a final time
• Surrender to God’s presence
• Rest in God beyond concepts
• Feelings and particular acts
  (allow 5-10 min quiet time)

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