A Conversation with God: Discovering Lectio Divina

 

Have you ever wished you could have a real conversation with God? Not just talking at Him during prayers you've memorized, but actually listening and encountering Him personally?

That's exactly what Lectio Divina offers.

What Is Lectio Divina?

Lectio Divina (pronounced LEX-ee-oh dih-VEE-nah) is Latin for "divine reading" or "sacred reading." It's an ancient Christian practice of praying with Scripture that goes back to the early centuries of the Church. Think of it as a slow, contemplative way of reading the Bible where you're not trying to study it or analyze it—you're opening yourself to meet the God who speaks through it.

Saint Benedict made this prayer practice central to monastic life in the 6th century, but here's the beautiful truth: Lectio Divina isn't just for monks. It's for every Christian who wants to deepen their relationship with God through His living Word.

Why Does This Matter?

We live in a world of information overload. We're used to skimming articles, scrolling through social media, and consuming content at lightning speed. But God doesn't shout over the noise. He whispers. He waits. He invites.

Lectio Divina teaches us to slow down, to read with our hearts and not just our minds, and to give God space to speak into our lives. As the prophet Elijah discovered, God often comes not in the earthquake or the fire, but in the "still small voice" (1 Kings 19:12).

When we practice Lectio Divina, we're essentially accepting God's invitation: "Come and see" (John 1:39).

The Four Movements of Lectio Divina

Lectio Divina isn't complicated. It follows a natural rhythm with four movements:

1. Lectio (Reading)
Read the Scripture passage slowly, perhaps even aloud. Don't rush. Let the words wash over you. You're not reading for information—you're listening for God's voice. What word, phrase, or image stands out to you?

2. Meditatio (Meditation)
Sit with the word or phrase that caught your attention. Turn it over in your mind like a precious stone, examining it from different angles. What is God saying to you through these words? How does this connect to your life right now?

3. Oratio (Prayer)
Respond to God. Talk to Him about what you've heard. This is the heart of the conversation. Share your joy, your struggles, your questions, your gratitude. Be honest. Be real. God can handle it all.

4. Contemplatio (Contemplation)
Rest in God's presence. This is where words fade and you simply abide with Him. You're not trying to think or do anything—just be. Let God love you. Receive whatever He wants to give you in this moment of silence.

An Ancient Practice for Modern Life

The early Church Fathers saw Scripture as more than words on a page. Saint Jerome wrote, "Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ." When we practice Lectio Divina, we're not just learning about Jesus—we're encountering Him.

This ancient prayer practice has guided Christians for nearly 2,000 years, and it's perhaps more needed today than ever. In our fragmented, distracted age, Lectio Divina offers us a way to be present, to listen, and to meet the God who is always speaking, always inviting us deeper.

Your Invitation

God is speaking to you through His Word. He has something to say to you today—yes, you specifically. Something that addresses your joys, your struggles, your questions, your deepest longings.

The invitation is simple: Come and see.

Are you ready to begin the conversation?

The Gift of Love Made Flesh

 

Last night at the Christmas Vigil at St. Vincent de Paul in Wildwood, our priest reminded us of something beautiful and challenging: we need to empty our hearts and invite Jesus in. We need to let go of the things that are burdening us to make room for Him.

On this holy Christmas morning, we celebrate the most profound truth of our faith: God loved us so much that He became one of us.

In that humble stable in Bethlehem, wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger, infinite Love took on human flesh. The Creator of the universe made Himself vulnerable, small, dependent—all for love of you and me.

Jesus didn't arrive in royal splendor or overwhelming power. He came as a baby, inviting us to draw near without fear. This is the heart of Christmas: God's love isn't distant or abstract. It's intimate, tender, and personal.

But here's the beautiful paradox: just as Mary and Joseph found no room in the inn, we sometimes fill our hearts so full of worries, regrets, and burdens that there's no room for the Christ Child. Jesus knocks gently at the door of our hearts, but He won't force His way in. He waits for us to clear the clutter, to release what weighs us down, to make space for His love.

Today, as we gaze upon the Christ Child, we see Love gazing back at us. Every cry from that manger whispers, "I came for you." Every breath He takes proclaims, "You are worth dying for." The Son of God left heaven's glory because He wanted to be with us—to share our joys, our struggles, our very humanity.

This Christmas, let's receive the gift He offers: Himself. Jesus doesn't just love humanity in general—He loves you specifically, completely, eternally. He knows your name, your heart, your deepest longings.

What burdens are you carrying today? What worries, fears, or regrets need to be released? The infant Jesus stretches out His tiny hands to receive them all. Empty your heart and invite Him in.

As the angels sang "Glory to God in the highest," they announced peace to those whom God loves. That's us. That's you.

This Christmas Day, may you feel the warmth of God's love surrounding you like those swaddling clothes embraced the infant Jesus. May you know, deep in your soul, that you are God's beloved.

Merry Christmas! Emmanuel—God is with us!