After providing a description of the essential characteristics and the necessary dispositions for Lectio Divina, he devotes a chapter each to the following steps: lectio, (attentive reading) meditatio (reflection and rumination), oratio (responding with the heart), contemplatio (quiet resting in God’s presence, operatio (putting the Word into action in our lives) and collatio (doing lectio divina in a group). He speaks of lectio, meditatio, oratio and contemplatio in the life of Mary.

The second chapter contains a wonderful description of Scripture as a sacrament and discusses the life-changing power of God’s Word. The chapter “Lectio” discusses listening with the heart to what the text says, taking into account the past and present meaning of the Biblical text.

He also discusses the resistance and misunderstanding many of us have about contemplation. The chapter “Contemplatio” explains the movement from active to contemplative prayer and discusses the nurturing of the interior life of contemplation.

In the final chapter he gives several specific examples of doing lectio and discusses journaling with lectio. The examples he provides include the psalms, other Old Testament and Gospel passages. Each chapter ends with a set of questions for reflection and discussion. This book is equally well suited to individual or group use.

Those who want to use Scripture for prayer to deepen their intimacy with God.

His explanation of contemplation.
His analogy of a circle as opposed to a ladder when describing the process.

Consider creating a blog of my meditation and prayers from the passages I use for lectio.

Encouraged and motivated to integrate lectio divina into my life.

Catholic Biblical scholar and author of many books on the Bible, including "Threshold Bible Study".

I’ve read other books on lectio divina, but this is the book that actually got me practicing it.

His advice to stop reading when the Spirit whispers is the hardest part since we tend to want to keep reading. In my journal, I write the reference and either a direct quote or a summary of the passage then follow it up with a written prayer to Jesus and one to Mary. These written prayers are not formal but conversational in style.

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