Last Sunday, Pastor Matt introduced the congregation to a contemplative form of Scripture reading called Lectio Divina. This is an ancient practice in which we listen for God speaking to us personally through Scripture. Lectio Divina literally means “divine reading”. It usually consists of guided meditation upon a text, where we read or listen to a Scripture passage several times, using focus questions to guide our reflection.
This is different than traditional Bible study. In Lectio Divina, we are not trying to situate the passage in its historical context or learn what scholars have to say; rather, we are listening for how God is speaking to us personally. We are listening with the ear of the heart, as some mystics have called it.
This means that individuals may hear God speaking to them in very different ways. Each of us is in a different place on our spiritual journey, and when we attune ourselves to this form of listening, God meets each of us where we are. There are no right answers or wrong answers in Lectio Divina; rather, it’s about receiving whatever the Lord wants to give to you personally.
This practice was originally developed for monastic communities. In monastic life, monks and nuns spend significant time praying in community every day, but they also spend significant time reading and meditating upon Scripture in their private quarters. Although this practice was developed for monastic communities, Lectio Divina can be very beneficial for personal devotion and group conversation.
If you’d like to try Lectio Divina on your own or with a group of people, the following questions can help you to reflect upon a passage as you read it several times:
1. What word, phrase, or image stands out to you?
2. What feelings or emotions does this passage stir up in you?
3. What is God’s personal invitation to you through this text?
Augustana Lutheran Church of Hyde Park 
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