Summary of Lectio Divina

Q. What is lectio divina?

Lectio Divina is Latin for “divine reading,” which refers to the ancient practice of reading Sacred Scripture in the context of personal prayer.

Q. What are the traditional steps for lectio divina? 

• Beginning Prayer
• 1st Step = Reading
• 2nd Step = Meditation
• 3rd Step = Prayer
• 4th Step = Contemplation
• Ending Prayer

Other links:

• Q. “How do I know if I’m praying well?” by Fr. John Bartunek
• The Importance of Lectio Divina for Seminarians by Pope Benedict XVI
• The Word of God and the Eucharist by Pope Benedict XVI
• “Lectio Continua” by Fr. Cassian Folsom, OSB
• Why priests should do lectio divina outside of a homiletic context by Erasmo Leiva-Merikakis
• The 9 Qualities of Lectio Divina by Erasmo Leiva-Merikakis
• “What is Lectio Divina?” by Fr. Josh Johnson
• Lectio Divina Explained by. Dr. Brant Pitre
• A Guide to Lectio Divina by Dan Burke
• RAP: The Simplest Way to Pray with Scripture by Fr. Richard
• 6 Reasons Why Lectio Divina is Important by Fr. Richard
• 4 Practical Tips to Make Lectio Divina a Daily Habit by Fr. Richard

Some Books on Lectio Divina with my summaries:

1. Verbum Domini by Pope Benedict XVI
2. Praying Scripture for a Change: An Introduction to Lectio Divina by Dr. Tim Gray
3. Lectio Divina and the Practice of Teresian Prayer by Sam Anthony Morello
4. “Are You Afraid of the Thief?” A Cordial Approach to Lectio Divina by Erasmo Leiva-Merikakis
5. A Guide to Christian Meditation by Fr. John Bartunek, LC
6. Meditation and Contemplation: An Ignatian Guide to Praying with Scripture by Fr. Timothy Gallagher, OMV
7. Sacred Reading: The Ancient Art of Lectio Divina by Michael Casey
8. Thirsting for Prayer by Fr. Jacques Philippe (pages 117-125 for lectio divina)
9. Into the Deep: Finding Peace Through Prayer by Dan Burke