Secret Weapons for Secret Saints: Lectio Divina

Lectio Divina is a secret weapon for Secret Saints. I used to open my Bible hoping to learn something new or find the "right" answer. Now I open it expecting to meet God.

I read.

I listen.

And I rest with the Father who already delights in being with me. Some days one word stays with me all day. Other days I don't notice anything remarkable at all.

Both are okay.

Because the goal was never to have an extraordinary prayer experience.

The goal is relationship.

Little by little, Scripture begins to feel less like a book I'm studying and more like a conversation I'm having with a Father who knows exactly what I need to hear.

Praying Slowly with Scripture

Lectio divina is an ancient way of praying with Scripture. The Latin phrase means “divine reading.”

This is not a Bible study, and you do not need to understand every detail of the passage. You are not trying to finish a chapter or discover a profound spiritual lesson.

You are simply making space to listen to God.

Lectio divina has four movements:

1. Lectio — Read

2. Meditatio — Reflect

3. Oratio — Respond

4. Contemplatio — Rest

   
   

These are not rigid steps that you must complete perfectly. Think of them as movements within a conversation with someone who loves you.

Before You Begin

Find a quiet place where you can be with God.

You may pray in a chapel, sit in your favorite chair, or go to your outside spot.

Bring a Bible and Journal.

Choose a short Scripture passage. Five to ten verses are usually enough.

You might use:

• The Gospel reading from the day’s Mass

• A psalm

• One of Jesus’ parables

• A passage you have been thinking about

• A Scripture verse that speaks to something happening in your life

  
  

Silence your phone and remove any distractions you can.

Then take a slow breath.

Become aware that God is already with you.

You are not trying to reach Him.

You are allowing yourself to notice His presence.

Lectio: Read

Read the passage slowly.

Do not rush to understand or explain it. 

Pause.

Then read the passage a second time. Notice whether a particular word, phrase, or image catches your attention.

Write down the word or phrase that stood out:

Meditatio: Reflect

Remain with your word or phrase.

Let it move from your mind into your heart.

Do not rush to explain it. Notice what it awakens within you.

You might ask:

Why is this word catching my attention today?

What does it show me about God?

What does it show me about myself?

What desire, fear, memory, or question is rising within me?

You do not need to answer every question.

Do not force the passage to say something dramatic.

Pay attention to what is honestly happening in your heart.

Write what you are noticing:

Oratio: Respond

Now respond to God.

Talk to Him honestly about what surfaced as you prayed.

You can express:

• Gratitude

• Sadness

• Fear

• Anger

• Confusion

• Repentance

• Hope

• Desire

• Love

Your prayer does not need to sound beautiful or holy, just tell God what is true, maybe journal it.

Contemplatio: Rest

Eventually, you may sense that there is nothing more you need to say.

Let the conversation become quiet.

Rest in God’s presence.

You are not trying to create a spiritual experience. You do not need to receive a vision, hear a voice, or feel something extraordinary.

Simply remain with the God who loves you. 

You may rest in silence for thirty seconds or ten minutes.

Both count.

Nothing needs to happen.

Being with God is enough.

When Your Mind Wanders

Your mind will wander.

You may remember an email you need to send, begin planning dinner, or suddenly wonder whether you moved the laundry into the dryer.

This does not mean you are bad at prayer.

When a task comes to mind, write it briefly in the space below so you can return to it later. Then gently bring your attention back to God.

Carry the Word with You

When your prayer time comes to an end, don't leave God's Word behind with your Bible.

Carry it with you.

Write the word or phrase that stood out on a sticky note. Tape it to your bathroom mirror. Repeat it while driving to work, folding laundry, washing dishes, or taking a walk.

You may be surprised how often He brings it back to your mind through a conversation, a moment of beauty, a difficult situation, or an unexpected act of kindness.

God's Word is living and active. It doesn't stop speaking when you close your Bible.

It continues to shape your heart throughout the day.

If you'd like a simple place to begin, I've created a Lectio Divina Prayer Guide that be downloaded in Free Prayer Guides. It walks through each movement of prayer and gives you space to write, listen, and reflect.

My hope is that this guide helps you slow down, hear the voice of the Father, and discover that spending time with God isn't complicated. It's simply learning to be with the One who loves you.