Lectio Divina — “The Divine Reading” or “Divine Listening” by hearing the word spoken — is a discipline that intuitively and affectively dwells on a Biblical text as a means of seeking communion with Christ, so as to grow in faith, hope and charity. It is based on “Bible teaching.” For example, in John 15:26, we read: The Paraclete, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name will instruct you in everything, and remind you of all that I told you.
The Four Basic Steps of Lectio Divina
Lectio — hearing or reading the Word. Rereading — out loud if possible.
In other words, reading and listening to the Word of God. Not an ordinary reading in matter or manner. Matter — being God’s Word; and Manner — listening or hearing.
Meditatio — pondering and meditating on what was read. Chewing it. Repeating it over and over. Making it relevant to ourselves.
In other words, Lectio is what the text literally says; Meditatio is what the text says to me ... to us. We reflect on the Word, and what it has to say to us in our present context — our present lives. We cannot hide behind past meanings, past tradition. What does it say to us now. Life illumines text; the text illuminates life. Meditatio reveals the meaning the Spirit of God wants to communicate to me.
Oratio — enveloping us in and to prayer. Asking God to help put it into practice.
In other words, when the Word touches the heart, this is the beginning of prayer. All else was preliminary to real prayer. Not intellect or imagination, but prayer of the heart.
Contemplatio — invading our very being. Understanding us and the world in a new way through experiential contact with God. The Holy Spirit prays in you.
In other words, in the first three steps, activity is a dominant factor. In this step, contemplation brings a new and crucial beginning: God doing more and more — closing down our mind and tendency toward devotion. This is not the kind of prayer that we might have been familiar with in the past.
As summarized by Don Marmion, O.S.B
We read (lectio)
under the eye of God (meditatio)
until the heart is touched (oratio)
and leaps to flame (contemplatio)