Meditation 3: Lectio Divina
The 14th century mystic Teresa of Avila said that one word from God was worth a thousand elsewhere. This truth is what makes sacred reading a life-changing possibility. The discipline of lectio divina or “sacred reading” is where heaven and earth meet, where the holy collides with humanity, turning mere words into a creative force that speaks to the heart, heals a wound, lightens a burden, or challenges long-held attitudes or traditions that no longer lead to wholeness.
We begin this practice by choosing a short passage of scripture. Really any passage will do, but it’s sometimes easier to begin with a gospel story or parable. Prayerfully read the passage slowly, letting the words unfold before you. Listen for any particular word, phrase, or image that resonates within you, remembering that it’s not what you do with the words, but rather what the words do in you. Sit with that word or image in stillness for a few minutes. Don’t try to figure out a meaning. Simply receive the word as gift. Now, read the passage again, holding that word in your heart, allowing God to prompt any other connection or insight. Continue to reflect on this new word being planted within forming new life in some way. Turn it over and over in your mind.
After some time of quiet, read the passage once again to seal this word within. Perhaps you want to begin journaling a response to what has been offered to you. What questions arise from meditating on this word? Where has it taken your thoughts?
I’ll give you an example of a word or phrase that has stayed with me for years. Psalm 86:11 uses the phrase “undivided heart..” Those words captured me years ago as I read and re-read the Psalms, but because I live in a fractured, frenetic world, praying these words, “Give me an undivided heart.. or gather my divided heart” often calms my anxious energy.
What has been your practice of reading scripture for meditation? What words from your meditations have impacted you with life-changing truth and grace? What are the challenges you may encounter in meditating in this way? I’d love to hear your insights.
