LEXIO DIVINASACRED READING

INTRODUCTION

The sacred tradition of faith had been passed on from generation to generation orally and later on

through reading and listening to the Word of God

Literal MeaningLEXIO= Reading

Divina in ecclesiastical Latin does not mean divine but sacred

LEXIO DIVINA = Sacred reading

It is a reading of a more or less lengthy passage from the Sacred Scripture, simultaneously listening to the text in the context and to God who is speaking through the text. This reading with an attitude of openness to the Holy Spirit would lead to meditation, prayer and contemplation.

In the fifth centurya Carthusian monk, Guigo called Lexio Divina a

ladder that has four steps by which one could ascend from earth to heaven

St. Benedict, in the early sixth century wrote in his rulebook

that each monk should spend several hours a day reading or listening to books being read.

Listening to the Word was seen as a source of spiritual energy, which was able to put the

monk in contact with God thus causing transformation in their lives.

STEP 1- LEXIOIt is an attentive and understanding reading.

With reverence and eagerness pay attention to what God wants to tell you. “Speak Lord

your servant is listening.” (1 Sam 3,9)To hear the entire speaker one needs to be

attentive to the feelings of the speaker.

Read the text carefully- seek something new God wants to

communicate to you- read several times- read it aloud so

that you read and hear. It is also good to write down the

text on a sheet of paper.

Analyze the text- Active and passive characters- look for

places and times mentioned- purpose of the text, its literal

form (teaching, poem, quotation) - Key words and

synonyms

Look for voice of the narrator and speech of the characters- begin with a particular reference and end with the

same. E.g. Mk 10, 46 – 52 “on the way” -Identify the context by paying

attention to hook words (in those days, after that) -Check cross

references and footnotes.

STEP 2. MEDITATIO (Meditation)

In meditation mind reflects on some Christian truth, or passage or an

experience with aim of reaching fuller understanding. Using the faculty of

fantasy enter in to the story depicted in the passage

STEP 3. ORATIO (Prayer)

This prayer is a spontaneous cry of our inner self in response to our

experience in the meditation of the text. Certain phrases may be

repeated.

STEP 4. CONTEMPLATIO (Contemplation)

It is a form of prayer in which the mind does not function discursively but is arrested in a simple

attention and one-pointedness. In order to enter into contemplation, take a comfortable posture.

With pure desire for God, for God’s own sake remain in a serene repose

in God’s Holy presence as much time as possible. Towards the end

conclude contemplation with a short thanks giving.

CONCLUSIONLexio Divina effects in transformation

of our outlook, our awareness and attitudes. Our thoughts gradually

become attuned to the thoughts of God (Is 55, 8). Gradually our eyes

are opened to see life and situations as God sees. Lexio Divina

leads people to action and empowers people to be doers of

the word of God.