Lectio Divina Online Instructions
Lectio divina is a traditional method for listening to scripture or another reading with the ear of the heart. Here are instructions for our online version. It’s recommended that you register before beginning if you have not done so already so as not to interrupt the flow of the process.
This website provides passages of scripture or other spiritual texts. Slowly read through one of the passages provided, either silently or aloud. Read the passage four times, leaving a few minutes of silence in between each reading. It can be helpful to have a piece of paper handy to jot down your thoughts and prayers while reading the passage.
- The first time you read the passage, notice if any phrase, sentence or word stands out and gently begin to repeat it to yourself.
- The second time you read it, notice if any thoughts and reflections about the passage arise.
- The third time you read the passage, notice if any prayers arise.
- The fourth time you read the passage, sit in silence afterwards, resting in God’s presence.
- When you are ready, enter Lectio Divina Online to find passages. New passages will be posted regularly, but you are also welcome to choose an older passage. Read through the passage you have chosen using the method described above. When you are ready, make a response based on what came up for you during the lectio divina or read others’ responses. Try to remain in a prayerful state while you are in the Lectio Divina Online area.
During the lectio divina, we listen in a prayerful way and speak from our hearts. We avoid an intellectual discussion. If anyone has anything to say that feels like it might not fit into the lectio format, for example a more intellectual response or a long comment, the regular forum might be a better place to share this. We do not judge or criticize each other’s responses. We speak out of our own experience. We resist the urge to give advice or fix things. We read each other’s responses with respect. If anyone would like to respond more than once, he or she may do so.
Click here to read the most recent lectio divina passage >>
Please contact me if you have any problems using Lectio Divina Online or if you would like to receive the weekly lectio divina passage in an email.
Enter Lectio Divina Online
After you have finished meditating on the lectio divina passage, you may choose to respond to the passage here, offering your thoughts and reflections on the passage or any prayers that arose out of your reading of the passage.
Lectio Divina Instructions | Lectio Divina Passage