‘Lectio Divina’ Say WHAT?

Last class we did an exercise entitled, ‘Sacred Reading’ or ‘Lectio Divina’. While Professor was describing what the concept was, I found myself somewhat confused as to why we were doing this exercise. It seemed like this would be an exercise you would only do for scripture/devotional reading sake, nothing more.

In the exercise, ‘Lectio Divina’ there is four stages. The first stage, Lectio, you are taught to listen to the words your reading for the first time and to take heed to any word and/or phrases that stick out to you. There’s a time of silence after the reading, then you’re welcomed to share with the group. Each stage follows the same dynamic and pattern, differing very little. Meditatio, the next stage, instead of finding a word or phrase, you connect to the peace with your thoughts. Oratio, the following stage, is meant for the reader to be aware of prayers arising within you. The last stage, Contemplatio, is meant for you to rest in the spirit and commune with it for a couple of minutes.

While the professor was explaining this in class, so many red flags and questions arose within me in. First, is the exercise only for Christians? If not, what are other people praying to and what Spirit are they connecting to? As Christians, are we suppose to look at secular literature in this way, praying on it, meditating on it? Shouldn’t we do that exclusively with the Holy Scriptures? Then after my mind calmed down, we did the exercise. It was calming, interesting, I got something different out of the text we read. Now, I wonder why my thought process was the way it was before. Was it because I was insecure with my own relationship with Christ, focusing more readings than on scripture. Was it God way of saying, ‘I want more of you’? So many questions. It’s really interesting this class, you learn a lot.