First Christian Voices: Practices of the Apostolic Fathers

Resources for Application

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the Bible is not meant to be read quickly. Lectio divina helps us slow down our “eating” so that we can chew, taste, and enjoy the “meal” of Scripture. Table 1 outlines and defines the four steps of lectio divina .

Table 1: The Four-Step Method of Lectio Divina

Read

First, read a passage of Scripture. Read slowly. Note any words, phrases, sentences, or ideas that catch your attention. Read the passage a second time slowly. Focus especially on whatever stood out to you during your first read. Second, meditate on the word or phrase that drew your attention. Ask why the Holy Spirit might have drawn your attention to this word, phrase, sentence, or idea today. Is it relevant to something you are going through right now? Does any person come to mind as you think about this word, phrase, sentence, or idea? Is there a change that may need to happen in your life?

Meditate

Pray Third, pray about the words, phrases, sentences, or ideas you meditated on, as well as any connections you made to your own life. If you felt worshipful, praise God (Pss 117; 118). If you felt convicted, confess your sins and ask for forgiveness (1 John 1:8–10). If you felt lost, ask for wisdom (James 1:5). If you felt sorrowful, entrust your soul to God (1 Peter 4:19). Talk to God about what you noticed in the passage and what is going on in your life. Contemplate Fourth, contemplate. To contemplate is to simply “be”

with God, to open your heart to Him, and to listen. Contemplation involves silence in God’s presence (Ps 46:10). Take time after praying to open yourself to what God wants to show you.