The reading of Scripture is perhaps the most basic of spiritual Disciplines. It is in Gods Living Word that we find the bases of our faith and who we are as Christians. Christians read and study scripture in a multitude of different ways.
One form which evolved in monasteries in the Middle Ages is known as lectio divina. Lectio in Latin means reading; divina means holy or sacred. This form of reading follows a fixed format whereby one seeks to enter into communion with God around a particular sacred text. It can be done individually or in a group setting.
Select a time and place that is peaceful. A quiet room with few distractions is a good place. Give yourself ample amount of time as well. This is meant to be done slowly and not hurried through.
1. Slowly begin reading the passage that you have selected for the day. Be careful not to choose too long a section. A verse or two at most. Read it again and again until a word or phrase strikes you, grabs you, invites you or attracts you in some fashion.
2. Reflect on and meditate on, what the word or phrase offers you, or on its meaning in your life.
4. Rest silently with God, waiting for what God offers, you through your reading and reflection
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5. As a final step express to God the prayers that rise out of your experience with the passage.
While it may take some time to find a way of doing this that is comfortable to you, it can be a way to find a deeper meaning in the scripture. It forces us to listen to what God would say through Word and Presence.
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