Sample Lectio Passages
A Meditative style of connecting with God and the Word
Lectio Divina (Latin for “Divine Reading”) is a meditative style of “marinating” in God’s Word as we slow down and let the Holy Spirit lead and speak to us. This works powerfully whether on your own or in a group.
Choose a short passage so you can go deeper (ie, 6-10 verses total) - see below for examples.
Lectio Divina (Latin for “Divine Reading”) is a meditative style of “marinating” in God’s Word as we slow down and let the Holy Spirit lead and speak to us. This works powerfully whether on your own or in a group.
Choose a short passage so you can go deeper (ie, 6-10 verses total) - see below for examples.
- The Lord is my Good Shepherd - Psalm 23
- I Will Give you Rest - Matthew 11: 25-30
- A Miracle Feast - Matthew 14:13-21
- No Need to Worry - Matthew 6:25-34
- Finding God in a Dark Night - Psalm 13
- Jesus Calms the Storm - Mark 4: 35-41
- God’s Powerful Love - 1 Corinthians 13
- Jesus: King of the Universe - Colossians 1:15-20
- Real Love - 1 John 4:7-12
- Longer passages: Psalms 27, 34:1-10, 42, 46, 51:1-15, 61, 63, 145
- Listen and You Will Find Life - Isaiah 55:1-9
- Joy & Hope in Suffering - Romans 5:1-5
- The Lord Watches Over You - Psalm 121
- Radical Love - Matthew 5:43-48
- Finding Perfect Peace - Philippians 4:4-8
- His Presence Always with Me - Psalm 16
- Powerful Love - Ephesians 3:14-21
- Do Not Be Afraid - Isaiah 43:1-7
- Showing Jesus Much Love - Luke 7:36-50
- Remain Close to Me - John 15:1-8
- The Spirit Gives You Life - Romans 8:5-11
1. CHOOSE A PASSAGE
2. RELAX & FOCUS (Silencio)
Find a place where you can be quiet/not distracted, or somewhere outside. (If you can, don’t bring your phone, or if you do, put it on airplane mode.) Breathe slowly, embrace the quiet, and tune into God’s presence.
It is not uncommon to experience distractions. Don’t get frustrated by them. When they come, just imagine putting them into the river and let them flow away, and turn your attention back to God. Every time you turn your attention back to Jesus, you are telling him you love him again and it delights his heart!
It is not uncommon to experience distractions. Don’t get frustrated by them. When they come, just imagine putting them into the river and let them flow away, and turn your attention back to God. Every time you turn your attention back to Jesus, you are telling him you love him again and it delights his heart!
3. READ (Lectio)
Read the text slowly (and out loud if possible). Pause and be still for a few minutes. Then, read through the text again.
4. REFLECT (Meditatio)
- What word or phrase is the Holy Spirit highlighting to you?
- What feelings are you experiencing as you meditate on this passage?
- Do specific situations in your life relate to this passage? Spend some time talking with the Lord about these and invite Jesus to be present with you.
4. RESPOND & REST (Oratio & Contemplatio)
- How is the Lord inviting you to respond to him? Dialogue with him in your heart or write down what you are sensing.
- Rest quietly in the Spirit’s presence. Receive all the truth and love he’s given you. Speak or write out how you would like to live out this truth this week.