Reading the Scriptures is essential for spiritual growth and maturity.  This is because the Bible is the inspired Word of God written down for us "for the sake of our salvation" (CCC 107). 

The whole of Scripture reveals the saving work of God the Father, through His son Jesus Christ, throughout all time.  Indeed, the Bible has been called a "love letter" that the Father has written to us, his beloved children, so that we might know his eternal wisdom, love, and mercy. 

Knowing this, we might turn from our sins and embrace his commandments and directions with love and trust.  If such is the Word of God written for our own spiritual and temporal wellbeing, one might ask: what kind of child wouldn't read a letter written by their loving Father? 

The Catechism teaches that, "such is the force and power of the Word of God that it can serve the Church as her support and vigor and the the children  of the Church as strength for the faith, food for their soul, and a pure and lasting font of spiritual life" (CCC 131).  We can safely conclude, therefore, that one's spiritual life cannot grow if one doesn't set aside time to read Scripture and meditate on it's meaning.  With Lectio Divina you can do both!

Lectio Divina (Latin for “Sacred Reading”) is a traditional form of prayer dating back to the first centuries of the Church. Some of the great saints like St. Augustine and St. Benedict incorporated it into their monastic rules. It developed into its current form back in the twelfth century by Guido II, a Carthusian monk. Priests, religious, and lay people have been praying the Scriptures in this fashion throughout the world ever since!  Lectio Divina is composed of four principle "movements", described below.  The main thrust of this method is to enter into a dialogue with God through the reading of Sacred Scripture.

1. Reading (Lectio)
   • In the first movement, read the Bible passage slowly. Use your imagination and immerse yourself in the biblical scene. What do you see, hear, touch, smell, taste? Look for a particular word, phrase or image that captures your attention and speaks to you.
2. Reflecting (Meditatio)
   • Next, reflect on what God wants to say to you through that particular word, phrase, or image. Is He encouraging you, calling you to repent, teaching you, etc? Be sure to simply listen attentively to the Lord’s promptings.
3. Responding (Oratio)
   • In this third movement, it is time for you to respond to the promptings the Lord gave you in the second movement. Speak to him with your whole heart in prayer, asking for graces to spiritually grow.
4. Resting (Contemplation)
   • The final movement is a time to simply rest in God’s presence and gaze upon Him in filial, loving contemplation, grateful for his graces and kindness.

Take as much or as little time as you want to pray during each movement.  It is important, however, to try to stay focused on the task for that particular movement without skipping around to different movements. 

You can pray using Lectio Divina for your personal study or for preparation for proclaiming Sunday's Word if you are lector.  It is a fantastic tool to grow in the spiritual life.   Don't be surprised if it's hard to keep distractions away.  We live in a very hectic and stressful world.  As you pray Lectio Divina more and more, you will gradually be able to keep distracting thoughts at bay and enter into a personal conversation with God through his Word.