Getting the Scripture into Us: reading for transformation with lectio divina

Many times, when we read the Bible, we approach it in much the same way that a biology student approaches a frog on the dissecting table. While we gather much information about the various pieces, we’ve failed to get a thorough understanding of what is really in front of us in the end. 

While critical study of the Bible – with all of the best tools at hand – is important, such study too often ends with a pile of information in our brains. More than mere information from the Bible, what we want to gain in the midst of our reading of the Bible is transformation. Transformational reading of the Scripture is different than the critical cutting apart of the Bible into so many small pieces while standing above it with goggles on. 

Transformational reading of Scripture brings us into a living exchange with God through the Scripture where our lives are opened up to His loving Word. We slow ourselves down, stand in God’s presence, and let Him read His Word into our lives. Sometimes we are comforted. Sometimes we are unsettled. Yet, in it all, we encounter God and are transformed bit by bit into the likeness of Jesus.

I’ve found that one of the most helpful ways to approach Scripture for transformation is to utilize an ancient Christian discipline called lectio divina, which roughly means ‘spiritual reading’ in Latin.

Spiritual Reading – The Art of Lectio Divina

I’d like to encourage utilizing this way of reading the Scripture as we study the Bible. It might sound strange, but I believe if we intentionally approach Scripture reading in a new way that is at first uncomfortable, we will learn much more than otherwise. Here is a brief overview of the form of lectio divina. There are four Latin words that outline the movements of lectio divina: lectio (reading), meditatio (meditation), oratio (prayer), and contemplatio (contemplation). 

Reading (lectio)

Find a quiet place where you will not be distracted by what’s around you or what’s not around you. Find a helpful time in your day when you will not be distracted by sleepiness, what’s next, or your stomach’s rumblings. Read the words of the Scripture slowly one time – maybe even out loud. Stop, and read the words once more at a slower pace. Restfully, quietly let those words sink in. Don’t move on until you’ve really heard and listened to the words of the Scripture.

Meditation (meditatio)

Chew on the words that you have read a bit. Ponder them. Let God bring something to the forefront of your mind. That’s what meditation is all about. What word or phrase is God drawing out from these words specifically for you? Let that word or phrase resonate in your mind. What does it make you feel or think? Stop here and let the word or phrase sink in. Don’t rush into the next step. Slow down.

Prayer (oratio)

The primary way to think of prayer in this setting is as conversation. God has drawn something out – spoken something – for you. Now, talk with Him about that word or phrase that He has brought to your mind. Ask Him why He is lodging it in your mind today. Maybe it is unsettling. Let Him know that it is unsettling and speak honestly to Him about it. Maybe it is comforting. Speak to Him about the words of comfort. Finally, ask Him what He wants you to do with it today. “Lord, what do you want me to do with what You have given me today?” Continue the conversation. Listen. 

Contemplation (contemplatio)

At its core, contemplation is considering what you have heard from God and then being still within that. Rest in what God is speaking to you. Simply sit still and think about how it should impact your real life. One helpful practice you could begin would be to have a journal in which you record what you experience each time you read the Scriptures in this way. Perhaps you could share it with someone today, whether that is a close friend or your small group. Above all, act on what God has spoken to you. “There is no understanding of Scripture that is not at the same time a living of it.”^[1]

Take some time in prayer to slowly draw out of your encounter with God. Again, slow down and do not rush. Also don’t forget to thank Him for the time you have shared together.

If you’d like to explore the art of lectio divina further, I strongly encourage Eugene Peterson’s wonderful book entitled: Eat This Book (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2006).

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^[1] Eugene Peterson, “Caveat lector,” in The Act of Bible Reading (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1996), 9.