Lectio divina is a Latin phrase that means ‘divine reading’ in English and this ancient form of prayer founded by St. Benedict of Nursia in the 6th century and has been a staple in the Church for centuries! Learn how to prayerfully meditate on the Bible using the 7 steps of lectio divina and grow in your relationship with God.
The First Part of Lectio Divina Is Preparation
Before you begin, take a moment to become still and aware of God’s presence — just as you’d pause before a conversation with someone you love. Part of this preparation includes a brief examination of conscience: acknowledging, simply and honestly, where you’ve fallen short. This isn’t meant to weigh you down. It’s meant to clear space in your heart so you can receive God freely, the way you’d clean a window before letting the light in.
Then, turn to Jesus, the Eternal Father, and the Holy Spirit in prayer — using your own words, or a traditional prayer if that helps you begin.
The Second Part of Lectio Divina Is the Body: Read, Meditate, Dialogue
Here, you spend time with Scripture — reading slowly, letting a word or phrase settle in your heart, then simply talking to God about what you notice. Many people find it helpful to use the Church’s Daily Mass Readings, since they carry you through the whole of Scripture over the course of a year. This is also where affection for God tends to grow — not from effort, but simply from spending time with Him.
The Third Part of Lectio Divina Is the Conclusion: Contemplation and Action
Toward the end of your prayer, stop reading and simply rest in God’s presence — no more words needed, just being with Him. Close by thanking Him, and by asking for the grace to live out whatever He’s placed on your heart that day. Love, remember, isn’t only a feeling. It’s a choice you make again each day, even when you don’t feel particularly close to God. Be consistent. He is with you, and He will meet you in your perseverance.
Want the full walkthrough?
Explore the complete Seven Steps of Mental Prayer below. It’s a step-by-step guide through this entire process, from quiet recollection to praise and action. When you are ready, you can also try practicing Lectio Divina using Today’s Daily Readings below.
Today's Daily Readings
Meditate on the Word of God while in prayer with the Daily Readings of the Church for the Roman Calendar.
7 Steps of Mental Prayer
A beginner-friendly path through Lectio Divina—from quiet recollection to praise and then action.
Saintly Prayer Habits
Learn how mental prayer and lectio divina helped these Saints grow closer to Christ.
Going Deeper in Prayer
Get more detailed understanding of Lectio Divina and how it enhances your prayer life.