Lectio Divina
- maevus
- Mar 31
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 18
It seems that the world has completely shifted in the last few months. Having the ability to see and read about the rapidly changing global situations in real time brings these situations directly into our bodies, our psyches.
I continue to fast from news every few days. At the same time, I feel that it’s important to stay informed about what’s happening, so that I can discern how and if I might respond. Sometimes I find it helpful to my discernment by doing the spiritual practice of lectio divina. Other times, lectio divina may not help my discernment at all, but it can bring me solace, perspective and other spiritual awarenesses.
Lectio divina is an ancient contemplative practice of listening for God’s voice in sacred texts, such as the Psalms. Lectio invites us to listen for God’s words in a specific time and place, using sacred text as the medium.
The practice of lectio divina has been attributed to early Christians but was first formally described in Benedictine monasteries in the sixth century.
The practice has 4 steps:
1. Lectio or reading: Deep listening to the text.
2. Meditation: Listening for connections between your own life and the text.
3. Oratio or prayer: Listening for an invitation or challenge from God from the passage.
4. Contemplation: Resting and being in God’s presence.
Recent adaptations have widened the practice so that we can listen for God’s voice in the whole world, such as within poetry, art, music, nature and life experience. Today’s practice is the most traditional form.
The voice note will guide you through the four steps using Psalm 50.
You might choose to read along with the words of the Psalm, (written below the voice note).
Voice Note:
Psalm 50:
From Nan C Merrill: Psalms for Praying: An Invitation to Wholeness, Bloomsbury, London, 2007.
The Beloved, through the energy of Love,
Brought forth the world.
From the rising to the setting sun,
Love radiates out to all the nations perfect in beauty.
The Beloved has come and will not keep silence;
for Divine Love is a consuming Fire,
calling forth heaven and earth to the judgment of all peoples:
“Gather around my loyal friends,
all who by repentance and recompense
follow the Inner Way.”
The universe forever proclaims justice,
And the Beloved’s Indwelling Presence
guides those who hear with their heart’s ear.
This blog is dedicated to the memory of Maureen Fowler, a beloved spiritual mentor.
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