Lectio Divina – Extended Guidelines

0pening Prayer
Holy Spirit, Holy Wisdom, Holy Love, stimulate my senses, inspire my mind, move my heart, soften my resistance, open my entire being to the Living Word of God. You know me, my joys and sorrows, my strengths and weaknesses, and you love me with a steadfast love. Through these Words enable my deepest self to unfold that I may know your will for my life.  Amen. 

Lectio (Reading) Acquaintanceship
• Read the Scripture.
• Gather the facts.
• “Listen to God’s word.”
(Allow approximately one to two minutes quiet time.)

Meditatio (Meditate) Friendliness
• Read the Scripture again.
• Let Jesus speak to you.
• Reflect on the message.
• “Lord, what do you want me to learn from this passage today?” (Allow three to four minutes of quiet time.)

Oratio (Prayer) Friendship
• Read the Scripture a third time
• Let your heart speak to God.
• Trust God enough to become emotionally involved and allow spontaneous prayer.
(Allow four to seven minutes quiet time.)

Contemplatio (Contemplation) Union of Life
• Read the Scripture a final time
• Sit quietly and allow the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart in and through the silence.

Actio (Action) Resolution
• “What resolution will I make from these revelations?”

 Closing Prayer
Please forgive me, Lord, all my deliberate distractions during this prayer. Thank you for the graces received. Mary, I entrust the fruits of this prayer to You through your care and intercession and through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.