Lectio Divina Step Two: What is Meditatio?

Lectio Divina and Four Steps

Lectio Divina is a contemplative way of reading and meditating on the Bible. It is an ancient practice that has been used by Christians for centuries as a way to connect with God, deepen their understanding of the Bible, and grow in their faith.

The practice of Lectio Divina involves four steps: Lectio (reading), Meditatio (meditation), Oratio (prayer), and Contemplatio (contemplation). Each step is designed to help you engage with the Bible in a meaningful way and draw closer to God.

Step Two: Meditatio

Step Two of Lectio Divina is Meditatio, which is the process of reflecting deeply on the passage you have read. In this step, you are encouraged to think about the meaning of the text, how it applies to your life, and what God may be saying to you through it.

Meditatio is an essential part of Lectio Divina, as it allows you to move beyond simply reading the words on the page and to connect with God on a deeper level. By reflecting on the passage and allowing it to sink into your heart and mind, you can begin to see how God is at work in your life and how you can respond to Him in faith.

What is Meditatio?

Meditatio is the second step in the Lectio Divina process, which involves reflecting and meditating on the passage that was read during the first step, Lectio. The purpose of Meditatio is to gain a deeper understanding and personal connection with the text by pondering its meaning and implications in our own lives.

Unlike the first step, which is focused on reading the text and grasping its literal meaning, Meditatio encourages us to delve deeper into the text’s spiritual and personal significance. It involves asking questions like “What does this passage mean to me?” or “How does this apply to my life?” and allowing the answers to emerge through contemplation and reflection.

Example Questions in Meditatio

Some examples of questions to ask during Meditatio include:

• What message is this passage trying to convey to me?
• What personal experiences or emotions does this passage bring to mind?
• How does this passage challenge or inspire me?
• What actions or changes can I make in my life based on the insights gained from this passage?

Overall, the purpose of Meditatio is to allow the text to speak to us on a deeper level and to facilitate a personal and transformative encounter with the divine.

How to Practice Meditatio

Practical Tips for Engaging in Meditatio

1. Find a quiet space: Choose a quiet and peaceful place where you can read and meditate without interruption. It could be a secluded corner of your home, a park bench, or any other location where you feel comfortable.
2. Set aside time for reflection: It’s essential to set aside dedicated time for Meditatio. You can start with just a few minutes and gradually increase the duration as you become more comfortable with the practice.
3. Practice breathwork: Focusing on your breath can help you stay centered and present during Meditatio. Take slow, deep breaths, and pay attention to each inhale and exhale. You can also try counting your breaths to stay focused.
4. Use visualization: Visualize yourself in the scene of the passage you’re meditating on. Try to imagine the colors, textures, and sounds of the scene. This can help you connect more deeply with the text and the emotions it evokes.
5. Ask yourself questions: As you meditate on the passage, ask yourself questions to help deepen your understanding and connection to the text. Here are some examples:

• What is this passage saying to me?
• What emotions does this passage evoke?
• How can I apply the lessons of this passage to my life?

6. Take notes: Write down any insights or revelations that come to you during Meditatio. This can help you remember your experience and continue to reflect on it later.

Remember, the goal of Meditatio is not to simply read and understand the text, but to connect with it on a deeper level and allow it to transform you. By using these practical tips, you can cultivate a more meaningful and fruitful practice of Meditatio during Lectio Divina.

Benefits of Meditatio

1. Increased self-awareness: Through the process of reflection and contemplation, individuals may gain a deeper understanding of themselves, their values, and their motivations.
2. Improved focus and concentration: Meditatio can help individuals develop the ability to concentrate and focus their minds, which can be helpful in both personal and professional contexts.
3. Reduced stress and anxiety: Taking time for quiet reflection and meditation can be an effective way to reduce stress and anxiety, promoting feelings of calm and relaxation.
4. Enhanced spiritual growth: Meditatio can help individuals deepen their spiritual practice and connection with a higher power or spiritual source.

Here are some examples of how Meditatio has helped individuals in their personal lives or spiritual journeys:

• Improved relationships: By developing greater self-awareness and understanding, individuals may be better equipped to navigate relationships with others, including family, friends, and colleagues.
• Greater sense of purpose: Meditatio can help individuals connect with their deeper values and sense of purpose, providing clarity and direction in their personal and professional lives.
• Improved physical health: Studies have shown that regular meditation can have a positive impact on physical health, including reducing blood pressure, lowering cortisol levels, and improving sleep quality.
• Increased compassion and empathy: Through the practice of Meditatio, individuals may develop greater compassion and empathy for themselves and others, leading to improved relationships and a greater sense of connection with the world around them.

These are just a few examples of the many potential benefits of Meditatio within the context of Lectio Divina. By setting aside time for reflection and contemplation, individuals may be able to cultivate greater self-awareness, spiritual growth, and a deeper sense of connection with themselves and the world around them.

Summary of Step Two: Meditatio in Lectio Divina Practice

• Meditatio is the second step in the Lectio Divina practice, and it involves reflecting on the text and allowing it to speak to you personally.
• Meditatio differs from the first step, Lectio, in that it focuses on internalizing and personalizing the text rather than simply reading it.
• During Meditatio, you can ask yourself questions such as: What does this text mean to me personally? How does it relate to my life or current circumstances? What emotions or thoughts does it evoke in me?
• Some practical tips for engaging in Meditatio include finding a quiet space, setting aside time for reflection, and using techniques such as breathwork or visualization to stay focused.
• The potential benefits of Meditatio include increased self-awareness, spiritual growth, and a deeper connection to one’s faith or spiritual path.
• Examples of how Meditatio has helped individuals in their personal lives or spiritual journeys include finding inner peace, gaining clarity on life decisions, and feeling a sense of connection to something greater than themselves.

We hope that this overview has been helpful in understanding the importance of Meditatio in the Lectio Divina practice, and we encourage you to continue incorporating this technique into your spiritual journey. With regular practice, Meditatio can help you gain deeper insights into your inner self and your relationship with the divine.