Lectio Divina is a method of reading or listening to sacred texts, and praying to unite with God(1).

Spiritual joy arises from purity of the heart and perseverance in prayer.

-St. Francis of Assisi

Introduction

Lectio Divina means “sacred or holy reading.” It is a form of ancient Christian prayers, involving the slow reading of holy scriptures and praying(1). The purpose of the practice is not to collect information from holy texts but to allow the words’ value to spiritually influence us(1). It is believed that through Lectio Divina, the meditators can find and familiarize with the Almighty. Lectio Divina also helps the practitioners to develop a sacred connection with the Holy Words. When one does so, it can shape the way they live their life(1).

The Lectio Divina technique allows us to remain in the Divine’s presence while listening to God’s voice through the Words in the Holy Text(1). It is much more than a meditating or praying method as it nurtures us to become capable of accepting the teachings of the scripture(1).  

Half an hour’s meditation each day is essential, except when you are busy. Then a full hour is needed.

-St. Francis de Sales

History/Origins of Lectio Divina

Historians have traced back the roots of Lectio Divina to Origen of Alexandria, who was a prominent Father of the Eastern Church(2). During his time, Alexandria was a cultural hub where Christians, Jews, and Greeks lived together. In its libraries, Origen had the opportunity to study with renowned theologists and philosophers(2). 

This is where he had the opportunity to learn from Jewish and Greek traditions, ultimately developing the practice of reading holy texts to learn their spiritual meaning(2). Later, in the 6th century, St. Benedict wrote Rule, a book that prescribed Lectio Divina as one of the key practices for monks(1). The meditation practice has only grown in importance since then.  

Faith is to believe what you do not see; the reward of this faith is to see what you believe.

-St. Augustine

Benefits

According to a research article published in the Journal of Human Hypertension(4), Contemplative Meditation practices can successfully reduce stress-induced hypertension, ambulatory blood pressure and heart rate. Another study(5) shows that contemplation-based meditation techniques can also positively influence mental health.

 

References

  1. Paulist Press | Lectio Divina: Contemplative Awakening and Awareness by Christine Valters Paintner and Lucy Wynkoop
  2. Taylor & Francis | Lectio Divina as Contemplative Pedagogy: Re-appropriating Monastic Practice for the Humanities by Mary Keator
  3. thereligionteacher.com | The Basic Steps of Lectio Divina by Jared Dees
  4. Journal of Human Hypertension | Volume 22 | Contemplative meditation reduces ambulatory blood pressure and stress-induced hypertension: a randomized pilot trial by J. P. Manikonda, S. Störk, S. Tögel, A. Lobmüller, I Grünberg, S. Bedel, F. Schardt, C. E. Angermann, R. Jahns and W. Voelker
  5. Journal of Religion and Health | Volume 57 | Contemplative Meditation and Neuroscience: Prospects for Mental Health by Denis Larrivee and Luis Echarte