Divine reading or "listening" to the words of Holy Scripture. This form of spiritual reading originated in the Benedictine tradition and involves four basic movements: lectio, meditatio, oratio, and contemplatio. Lectio refers to a slow, reflective reading of the Word that allows the meaning to sink in and nourish the heart. Meditatio is a simple repetition of the 'word' received in lectio, a rumination on this word through the time of prayer and the day's activities. Oratio refers to the prayer that flows naturally out of meditatio as the direct cry of the heart to God that arises though an encounter with the Word. Contemplatio is a simple resting in God's presence - quiet, empty, and receptive to God's transforming love.
One of the oldest forms of Christian meditation is based upon Scripture. It is the "spiritual reading" of Scripture through a process of reflection that includes Lectio (oral reading), meditatio (reflection upon its metaphors, symbols and images), oratio (prayerful dialogue with the Lord of our being), and contemplatio (prayerful, silent listening from the heart).
monastics' regular daily reading and meditation on sacred texts
A method of reading and praying scripture and other prayer material that is reflective and leads to a deeper affective prayer experience.
Reading the Word of God which occupies a very important place in the spiritual life of the monk. Throughout the celebration of common prayer, he listens to texts from the Holy Scriptures, the reading of which is interrupted by moments of silence during which he allows the Word to penetrate him.
Latin for " divine reading." It is an ancient method of prayer, in which the person meditates on a short passage of the Bible or other written material and waits for God to speak to them through the words of the text.
Lectio Divina is Latin for divine reading, spiritual reading, or "holy reading," and represents a method of prayer and scriptural reading intended to promote communion with God and to provide special spiritual insights. It is a way of praying with Scripture that calls one to study, ponder, listen and, finally, pray from God's Word.