In the 12th century, a Carthusian monk called Guigo, described the stages which he saw as essential to the practice of Lectio Divina. There are various ways of practicing Lectio Divina but Guigo's description remains fundamental.

Preparation

• Determine when you will do Lectio Divina. Suggested times could be after Matins or Compline. You should allow at least 30 minutes for this holy reading.
• Turn off computers, tablets and cell/smart phones
• Make sure your landline phone voice mail is on and the ringer is turned down
• Find a comfortable chair that will allow you to take notes in a room that is not too hot nor too cool
• Settle in your chair and relax, taking slow deep breaths. Try and put aside all the concerns and busy-ness of the world. Some find listening to quiet music such as Taise, light classical, or religious chant is useful in establishing a focus away from the cares of the world. Some find it useful to pray the Anglican Rosary in establishing a quiet focus. But, use whatever works for you in quieting your mind to be with God

Beginning Your Lectio Divina

Lectio (Reading) - Acquaintanceship

• Read the Gospel segment provided below for the week.
  • If you plan to pray Lectio Divina two or more days each week, read the full Gospel once then select a verse each day to pray over.
• 'Listen' to God's word
• Gather the facts from the reading. Consider writing them down.
• Allow one or two minutes of quiet time

Meditatio (Meditate) - Friendliness

• Read the Gospel segment a second time.
  • If you plan to pray Lectio Divina two or more days each week, read the full Gospel again and then re-read the selected verse.
• Let Jesus speak to you.
• Reflect on this message: “Lord, what do you want me to learn for this passage today?”
• Allow four to five minutes of quiet time

Oratio (prayer) – Friendship

• Read the Gospel segment a third time.
  • If you plan to pray Lectio Divina two or more days each week, read the full Gospel again and then re-read the selected verse.
• Let your heart speak to God.
• Trust God enough to become emotionally involved with spontaneous prayer.
• Allow five to six minutes of quiet time

Contemplatio (Contemplation) – Union of Life

• Read the Gospel segment selected a fourth time.
  • If you plan to pray Lectio Divina two or more days each week, read the full Gospel again and then re-read the selected verse.
• Sit quietly and allow the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart in and through silence.

A selected reading

Here is a Gospel reading from our Divine Office. Use a segment of this reading to pray and meditate upon.

Even if you say to this mountain,
“Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,”
it will be done. Whatever you ask for in
prayer with faith, you will receive.
Matthew 21:21-22

When a brother asked Abba Antony to pray
for him, the old man replied, “Try to pray your
own prayers.”
Whatever you ask for in prayer with faith,
you will receive.
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