Summary of Sacred Reading: The Ancient Art of Lectio Divina by Michael Casey

Summary of the Book

1. The Spirit of Monastic Lectio

The ancient practice of lectio divina is deeply rooted in Western monasticism, where monks approached sacred reading as a disciple comes to a master—receptive, docile, and willing to be transformed (6). Monks engaged in lectio continua, a continuous reading of sacred texts, to honor the author and respect the internal dynamic of the Scripture. This practice, particularly in the monastic tradition, emphasizes readings that echo the perennial faith of the Church, such as the writings of the Church Fathers.

Guigo II’s 12th-century treatise, The Ladder of Monastics, outlines the classic four stages of lectio divina. The process is often sequential but allows for fluid movement between stages. Each sense corresponds to a specific faculty and function in prayer:

1. Lectio -> Literal: Understanding the text’s literal/historical meaning (with our intellect).
2. Meditatio -> Christological: Finding deeper Christian meaning (allegorical sense), placing the text within the broader context of salvation history (with our memory).
3. Oratio -> Behavioral: Applying the Scripture to shape our behavior (moral or tropological sense), guiding us toward Christlike actions (with our conscience).
4. Contemplatio -> Mystical: Allowing Scripture to elevate our hearts to spiritual realities (anagogical sense), deepening our desire for God.

As Guigo II stated, “Reading without meditation is dry. Meditation without reading is subject to error. Prayer without meditation is lukewarm. Meditation without prayer is fruitless…” Sacred reading remains vital only when it fulfills all the functions of lectio divina across a lifetime (57).

SENSE                       FACULTY           FUNCTION                                     PRAYER

(1) Literal                 Intellect             Understanding the text               Lectio

(2) Christological    Memory            Contextualizing the meaning    Meditatio

(3) Behavioural      Conscience        Living the meaning                     Oratio 

(4) Mystical             Spirit                  Meeting God in the text              Contemplatio

“Sacred reading will function creatively over a lifetime only if it is allowed to fulfill, at one point or another, all the functions that this diagram suggests” (57). Since the Bible is a place of encounter with God, extra meanings are not arbitrary impressions; they are prompted by the Spirit (53). The possibility of alternative senses in the Bible is the foundation of sacred reading.

2. Lectio is a Long-Term Project

Lectio divina requires patience and perseverance. It is a lifelong journey toward God, and its fruits are discernible only in the long term. Repetition is crucial, as it deepens the process and nurtures spiritual growth. Casey likens the impact of consistent exposure to God’s Word to water gradually wearing away stone—over time, the heart, no matter how hard, is softened by continuous engagement with Scripture.

St. Caesarius of Arles underscores the sacredness of God’s Word: “Which to you seems greater, the Word of God or the Body of Christ?… Just as we take care when receiving the Body of Christ that no part falls to the ground, so we should ensure that the Word of God is not lost to our souls.”

3. The Purpose of Lectio Divina

The ultimate goal of lectio divina is to align our consciousness with that of Christ, thereby transforming our lives. It is not merely an intellectual exercise but a spiritual practice that should permeate our entire being, evangelizing every aspect of our lives. As Casey articulates, sacred reading is successful only when it causes us to drop our defenses and allows God to touch and change our hearts.

The essence of lectio divina lies in finding God in our reading, much like nourishing the body through food. If our engagement with Scripture does not extend beyond the moment of reading, it risks becoming mere devotional indulgence (72).

4. Practical Tips:

1. Prayerful Reading: Begin with prayer, interrupt the reading with prayer, and translate the text into prayerful dialogue with God. Prayer infuses lectio divina with its distinctiveness. “It is our willingness to let the Bible stimulate prayer in us that makes our reading a dynamic factor in our ongoing conversion.”
2. Make it a Habit: Establish a daily routine for sacred reading. Regular exposure to God’s Word is akin to running a marathon, requiring consistency rather than short bursts of activity.
3. Write it Out: Recording the Scripture passages that resonate with you can deepen your engagement with the text. Writing serves as a form of meditation, allowing the Word to take root more deeply.
4. Engage with the Text: Treat the Scripture as a living conversation partner, asking questions and listening for God’s response within your heart.

Lectio divina is deeply connected to the Church, with the Bible serving as the dowry of Christ’s Bride. It is meant to foster communion with God and with others, ultimately producing the fruits of the Spirit within us.