Practicing Lectio

Divina as a Group
ancient Christian practices series.

“I will meditate on your

precepts and fix my eyes on
your ways. I will delight in
your statutes; I will not
forget your word.”
- Psalm 119:15-16
Practicing Lectio Divina as a Group
History of Lectio Divina
Lectio Divina (‘Sacred Reading’) is an ancient method of Bible study,
practiced at one time by nearly all Christians. Falling out of popular use
during the Protestant Reformation, Lectio Divina has been kept alive
through the Christian monastic movement. Traditional Lectio Divina
involves four phases: reading, meditation, prayer, and contemplation.
These four movements date back to the 12th century when Guigo II, a
Carthusian monk, wrote a book entitled The Monk’s Ladder. In his book,
Guigo II laid out his four ‘rungs’ which are like a ladder lifting one up
from earth to heaven as one proceeds through the four movements of
Lectio Divina.
Purpose
To enter deeply into God’s presence as a group by reading, meditating,
praying, and contemplating the Scriptures together.
Practice
Preparation
o Choose a passage of Scripture to read – The group may
randomly choose a passage of Scripture each time you gather, you
may methodically work through a book of the Bible together, or
you may choose passages based on themes that the group wishes
to cover – choose what works best for the needs of your group.
o Find a quiet place –This should be a place without distractions
where each person can be comfortable. Allow each person to use
postures (sitting, standing, kneeling, etc.) that best prepares them
to experience God’s presence.
o Prayer – Choose someone to ask the Holy Spirit to help the group
let go of any worries, tensions, etc. that anyone may have and that
each person may fully enter into the manifest presence of God.
First Reading
Choose an individual to slowly read the selected passage of Scripture
aloud twice. During the first reading, each person should be listening for a
word or phrase that catches their attention. Each person should choose a
word or phrase from the reading that says, “I am for you today.” After the
passage has been read twice, allow for 1-2 minutes of silent reflection.
During this time of reflection, individuals should reflect on their chosen
word or phrase by slowly repeating it. Once individuals have had time to
reflect on their chosen word or phrase, allow time for each person to share
their chosen word or phrase.
Second Reading
Choose another individual to slowly read the same selected passage aloud
two more times. After the passage has been read twice, allow for 2-3
minutes of silent reflection. During this time of reflection, individuals
should reflect on the question, “What does the word or phrase you have
chosen mean to you today?” Once individuals have had time to reflect on
the question, allow time for each person to share briefly.
Third Reading
Choose another individual to slowly read the same selected passage two
more times aloud. After the passage has been read twice, allow for 2-3
minutes of silent reflection. During this time of reflection, individuals
should reflect on the following question, “What is God calling you to do
or be as a result of this word or phrase?” Once individuals have had time
to reflect on the question, allow time for each person to share at greater
length the results of their reflections.
Prayer
Thank God for each person’s reflections and that they would be brought
into a deeper relationship with Christ through this experience.
Journaling Pages
Provide each group member with a Practicing Lectio Divina as a Group
journaling page so that they make take notes during the readings,
reflections, and times of sharing. To conclude the group meeting you may
want to offer a time for group members to share notes that they took
during the meeting.
 Date: ___/___/_______ Third Reading
Practicing Lectio Divina as a Group What is God calling you to do or be as a result of this word or phrase?

What Scripture passage did the group focus on today?

First Reading
What word or phrase stood out to you from today’s Scripture passage?

Based on your answer to the previous question, how can the group help
keep you accountable?

As you meditated on the word or phrase, what emotions, thoughts, or

ideas did it bring to mind?

Prayer Requests

Second Reading
What does the word or phrase you have chosen mean to you today?