Milford Baptist Church
16th February 2025
Pastor Matt Gordon
Mark 2:1-17
Today, in a break from tradition, Pastor Matt used the practice of Lectio Divina to consider the stories of Jesus healing the paralysed man at Capernaum and dining with Levi, the Tax-collector as told in Mark 2:1-17
Lectio Divina, Latin for “Divine Reading,” is a traditional Christian practice of prayerful and meditative reading of Scripture. It has its roots in early Christianity and was formalized as a monastic practice by St. Benedict in the 6th century. Over time, it has become a widely embraced spiritual exercise, not only for monks but also for laypeople seeking a deeper relationship with God through Scripture
Purpose and Approach
The aim of Lectio Divina is to foster communion with God and gain spiritual insight, rather than simply studying the Bible for information or theological analysis. It invites practitioners to slow down, reflect deeply, and listen for God’s voice in the text. This contemplative method treats Scripture as the “Living Word,” emphasizing personal engagement and transformation through prayerful reading.
The Four (or Five) Steps of Lectio Divina
Lectio Divina typically involves four key steps, though some traditions may include a preparatory or concluding step:
- Lectio (Read): The passage is read slowly and attentively, often multiple times. The focus is on noticing words or phrases that resonate personally. This step emphasizes openness to the text rather than analysis.
- Meditatio (Meditate): The practitioner reflects on the meaning of the passage, pondering how it applies to their life. This involves listening for God’s message through the Holy Spirit and allowing the text to evoke feelings or insights.
- Oratio (Pray): A heartfelt conversation with God follows, inspired by the reflections from the meditation. This step is about responding to God with honesty and openness, sharing thoughts, emotions, or questions that arise.
- Contemplatio (Contemplate): In this final step, the practitioner rests silently in God’s presence. It is a time to absorb and internalize what has been revealed during prayer, fostering a sense of peace and unity with God.
Historical Context
The practice of Lectio Divina dates back to early Christian monasticism and was particularly emphasized by St. Benedict in his Rule of St. Benedict. It gained renewed attention during the Second Vatican Council in 1965 as an accessible way for all Christians to engage deeply with Scripture.
Modern Relevance
Today, Lectio Divina remains a powerful tool for spiritual growth. It allows practitioners to encounter Scripture not just as text but as a living conversation with God. By integrating reading, meditation, prayer, and contemplation, it helps deepen faith and align one’s life more closely with Christ’s teachings..