Intro to the Lectio DivinaSample

In the Lectio Divina, you take a short Bible passage and read it four times. Each time you read the passage you aim to engage the scripture in a slightly different way. In Latin, the sections of the Lectio Divina are 1) Lectio, 2) Meditatio, 3) Oratio, and 4) Contemplatio. In English you can use four “R”s to remember the phases: 1) Read, 2) Reflect, 3) Respond, and 4) Rest.

Practice the Lectio Divina:

1) Read (Lectio). Read the passage slowly. What words or phrases jump out at you?

Wisdom cries out in the street; in the squares she raises her voice. At the busiest corner she cries out; at the entrance of the city gates she speaks: “Give heed to my reproof; I will pour out my thoughts to you; I will make my words known to you. (Proverbs 1:20-23)

2) Reflect (Meditatio). Read the passage again. What emotions does it stir up? Is there anything God is saying to you personally through the passage? 

Wisdom cries out in the street; in the squares she raises her voice. At the busiest corner she cries out; at the entrance of the city gates she speaks: “Give heed to my reproof; I will pour out my thoughts to you; I will make my words known to you. (Proverbs 1:20-23)

3) Respond (Oratio). Read the passage again. Is there a response or action step God is inviting you to take?

Wisdom cries out in the street; in the squares she raises her voice. At the busiest corner she cries out; at the entrance of the city gates she speaks: “Give heed to my reproof; I will pour out my thoughts to you; I will make my words known to you. (Proverbs 1:20-23)

4) Rest (Contemplatio). Read the passage one last time. Allow the divine reading to sink in.

Wisdom cries out in the street; in the squares she raises her voice. At the busiest corner she cries out; at the entrance of the city gates she speaks: “Give heed to my reproof; I will pour out my thoughts to you; I will make my words known to you. (Proverbs 1:20-23)

Prayer: God, reveal your wisdom. Pour out your thoughts and make your words known to me.

Further Reflection: Read more about Proverbs 1:20-32 and the personification of wisdom.