What is lectio divina?
According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, CCC 2708, “Meditation engages thought, imagination, emotion, and desire. This mobilization of faculties is necessary in order to deepen our convictions of faith, prompt the conversion of our heart, and strengthen our will to follow Christ. Christian prayer tries above all to meditate on the mysteries of Christ, as in lectio divina or the rosary. This form of prayerful reflection is of great value, but Christian prayer should go further: to the knowledge of the love of the Lord Jesus, to union with him.” 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.
Fifth Sunday of Easter, May 18, 2025:
Response: I will praise your name for ever, my king and my
The LORD is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger and of great kindness.
The LORD is good to all
and compassionate toward all his works.
R I will praise your name for ever, my king and my God.
Let all your works give you thanks, O LORD,
and let your faithful ones bless you.
Let them discourse of the glory of your kingdom
and speak of your might.
R I will praise your name for ever, my king and my God.
Let them make known your might to the children of Adam,
and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
Your kingdom is a kingdom for all ages,
and your dominion endures through all generations.
R I will praise your name for ever, my king and my God.
The passage suggested is “I will praise your name for ever, my king and my God.” Repeating this simple phrase in a relaxed and quiet state, it is best to repeat it several times in our minds, and in our hearts. Then we can read between the responsorial psalm slowly and repeatedly. Sometimes concentration is challenging I know, but we keep trying within the time allotted, taking forty-five minutes to one hour for the whole session of lectio divina. One of the next important steps is just to sit back as we sit looking out the window or even walking, or just sitting still some where that is noiseless and let our hearts be open to God, having a heartfelt encounter with God by seeking to understand God’s character and word. How does this word(s) affect my life today? How do I praise God? Is God my king? What are the things that I hang on to that keep me away from God? These are very personal questions, but it is important to keep the passage in mind. Afterwards, we want to just rest our hearts in God’s presence and maybe think about what action we need to take for the day, the week, the month, etc. How has this passage changed me?
God bless you, SK