Lectio Divina

“It is of the utmost importance that we not drag our souls, as they say, but lead them gently.” Teresa of Avila, The Book of My Life (1562)

Lectio Divina is a gentle prayer that can reap bountiful rewards. It is “holy reading,” holding a sacred text close to mind, body and heart. Sometimes I use this prayer in groups, but it is also possible to pray this way by myself. Today I am using one of the lectionary texts for the week, Revelation 21:1-6:

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband; and I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling of God is with people. He will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself will be with them; he will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning nor crying nor pain any more, for the former things have passed away.”
And he who sat upon the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” Also he said, “Write this, for these words are trustworthy and true.” And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the fountain of the water of life without payment.”

In Lectio Divina, I read a passage four times.

The first time I read the text and say a word that speaks to me. Today “behold” would be my word.

Then I read the passage again, listening for a phrase that speaks to me. Today “all things new” sings its way to my ears.

After the third reading, I think about the text and its meaning in my life. Today the reading helps me to think about how I don’t always need to be anxious about change because it can be good. All the changes listed in the text are good things: God will be with us; there will be no more tears, no more death; and the thirsty will drink their fill of living water forever and ever.

The fourth and last reading time brings contemplation. I sit in silence taking the passage in as though it is bread to eat. I hold it inside myself, close to my heart. This last part of Lectio Divina is a quiet, peaceful time. In that peace, I sometimes feel God nearby and I can carry that quiet inside of me for a long time.


Teresa says, “It is of the utmost importance that we not drag our souls, as they say, but lead them gently.” Lectio Divina can help lead our soul gently, and I believe the prayer of holy reading can bring strength, insight and inspiration to us any time of the day or night.