What is lectio divina?

Lectio Divina (Latin for “divine reading”) is an ancient Catholic practice of prayerful, meditative scripture reading. Instead of treating the Bible as an academic text to study, this method uses God’s word to start a personal, two-way conversation with God. The five steps of lectio divina include:

• Reading. Read a passage slowly and carefully within the bible.
• Meditation. Thinking deeply or dwelling upon a spiritual reality within a text.
• Prayer. Having a loving encounter with God by seeking to understand God’s character and word.
• Contemplation. Resting in God’s presence.
• Action. Go and do likewise.

Gospel Reading – Matthew 16: 13-20

Take a Moment of relaxation and silence without a cell phone or other distractions. Read the Gospel two and three times.

• Was there a point in this Gospel that impressed you or had an affect on you? Can you pick out a word? Why? Read the text again.

• Think about the opinions concerning Jesus. What do the disciples think about Jesus?

• An important question: What is my opinion of Jesus?

• Peter is rock in two ways. Which? (Mt 16: 21-23)

• What type of rock am I?

• As you rest in God’s presence, speak to God from your heart and come up with an action you would like undertake to help you grow in your faith and love of God.