Prayerfully Reading Scripture (Lectio Divina)

by Jason Thompson

Prayerful reading of Scripture is a discipleship tradition that the Church has practiced  for the last two centuries. Monastics called this practice Lectio Divina, a Latin term for “Divine Reading”. The point of engaging with scripture in this way wasn’t academic but an effort in having the mind of Jesus, inviting Him to speak to us by His Spirit through the Scriptures.

On the Road to Emmaus

There is a fascinating interaction between Jesus and a couple of his disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-32). The pair, believing him to be dead have no clue that they are walking with the resurrected Jesus along the road. How that’s possible, I don’t have a clue but v. 16 says that “they are kept from recognizing him”. So, the two are talking amongst themselves about all that happened in Jerusalem the past few days as Jesus approaches and asks what they are talking about. And so with downcast faces, they begin to share with Jesus all that they had seen and experienced…about him. After they shared their hearts and all that happened Jesus replies, (v. 25-26) “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all the prophets have spoken. Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things, and then enter his glory.” And then the text says, “beginning with Moses, and all the prophets, Jesus explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself” As their journey ended, they urged Jesus to stay with them. Sharing a meal and breaking bread, their eyes were opened, they recognized Jesus…and then He disappears. Crazy! But what’s interesting is that in the midst of this extraordinary story was what they first said after this encounter with Jesus, “weren’t our hearts burning within us as he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us.” (v. 32) What disciple of Jesus wouldn’t want to be a part of that conversation? And yet, we can!

The resurrected Jesus by His Holy Spirit invites us into such conversations with him as we prayerfully read the Bible. The Emmaus Road encounter is the first experience of a prayerful reading of Scripture, Lectio Divina. Emulating the Emmaus Road story, we simply come to Jesus with all our emotions, thoughts, circumstances and experiences; yielding to His wisdom and ways; and then we prayerfully read the Scriptures discovering more of who He is and his leading.

So, how do we do this?

Quiet

Find a place that is not distracting. Put your phone on mute and leave it somewhere that it won’t distract you. The less external noise, the better. Get an actual Bible in your hand for this time. Then, just sit and slow down. This could take a few minutes. Simply be quiet and still. You could pray a simple prayer as you begin like “Speak Lord, you friend is listening.”

Passage

Choose a shorter passage for this time. This could be just a few verses from a psalm, or a story in one of the gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke or John). Read the passage slowly. Ponder the text. The goal here is not to “figure it out” but simply to listen to Jesus.

Prayer…Have a Conversation with Jesus

After some time of listening and reflecting, use the passage to begin your conversation with Jesus. Is there a word or phrase that catches your attention or causes “your heart to burn”? Speak with Jesus from that word or phrase. Allowing the Spirit to lead the conversation, we continue to be still, ponder and listen. You might be surprised what comes up in your heart and mind as you do this.

Reflect and Respond

What is Jesus revealing to you about Himself? What is Jesus revealing to you about yourself? How is Jesus inviting you to respond? This could be a practical step of obedience or it could be accepting the gift of a deeper revelation of Jesus which ushers our hearts into thankfulness and worship.

Contemplate

Take time later in the day to return to the passage and to your conversation with Jesus. Remembering what He said and showed you about Himself. How is he continuing to speak to you?

In Community

Lectio Divina is not only something we can do alone but as practiced by the Church Fathers and Mothers, it can be done in community. This can be a powerful tool for a community to grow in knowing Jesus and living out life with Him together. Just as the couple in Luke 24 had the privilege to do together. We simply follow the same steps mentioned and during the time of prayer, we pray together and share what we feel Jesus is saying to us. This could be a helpful practice in a discipleship group or in a housechurch.

I am praying that this ancient practice will inspire and encourage you to grow in knowing Jesus and his ways. This is our hearts longing and destiny as disciples of Jesus... “Now this is is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” (John 17:3)