A Contemplative Ancient Practice
“And the ransomed of the LORD shall return and come to Zion with singing;
everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain gladness and joy,
and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.”
Isaiah 35:10
Dear friends,
Today, we mark the end of the third week of Advent and its theme of joy. We invite you to join us in an ancient prayer practice called Lectio Divina, which means “divine reading.” To learn more about the practice, scroll to the bottom of the page. For now, let’s embrace this contemplative practice in the promise of joy that never ends.
Opening Prayer
Lord Jesus, as this season of joyful expectation approaches its fulfillment, open my heart so I may listen to Your word. Speak to me through this timeless promise of homecoming and eternal joy, and let me experience now what will one day be completely mine. Amen.
Reading
Read Isaiah 35:10 slowly, preferably aloud. Let each word settle in your mind.
Read the verse a second time, even more slowly. Now notice what word or phrase catches your attention.
Read it a third time and allow it to settle deep within you.
Meditation
Reflect deeply on what has stirred within you.
Here are some questions that may help, and feel free to create your own:
From what captivity has Christ freed me?
How does Advent feel like a journey taking me home?
What song is rising in my heart as Christmas approaches?
Can I experience this everlasting joy now, even in my present circumstances?
Am I taking hold of the joy Christ offers, or am I holding back?
Sit or stand quietly with whatever question or image has spoken deeply to you.
Prayer
Respond to God in prayer with whatever has come up in your heart.
Alternatively, offer to God what is most true in your heart right now, using your own words.
Contemplation
Rest silently in God’s presence, releasing your words and thoughts.
Contemplation is to rest in God. Let go of effort. Stop trying.
Simply be. Simply receive. Simply rest in the promise of God’s everlasting joy!
Close with this prayer offering:
Lord, thank you for your unbreakable promise: that I am on my way home and that eternal joy awaits me. As I prepare to celebrate your birth this Christmas, let this hope of ultimate joy carry me— that lifts me now, that will one day wipe out every sorrow, and that will never end. Come, Lord Jesus. Come and deliver on all your promises. In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.
Watching and waiting with joy,
Lectio Divina dates back to the 3rd and 4th centuries and has nourished Christian spiritual depth for nearly two millennia. The practice developed among early Christian monastics in Egypt and Syria, with figures like Origen of Alexandria writing about contemplative Scripture reading as early as the 3rd century. But it was St. Benedict of Nursia (c. 480-547 AD) who established Lectio Divina and made it a central part of monastic life. He integrated the practice into his Rule of St. Benedict, where it became part of the daily routine in Benedictine monasteries. In the 12th century, a Carthusian monk created a four-stage structure that is often used today.
The ancient practice has reappeared in various Christian traditions, both Protestant and Catholic. It offers a non-rushed approach to engaging with sacred texts in our fast-paced world. Use it with your study of Scripture, allowing the text to speak to you in the present moment.
Here are the four stages:
Lectio (Reading): You slowly read a short Scripture passage multiple times, listening attentively for a word or phrase that stands out or resonates with you.
Meditatio (Meditation): You reflect on that word or phrase, turning it over in your mind like a precious stone, exploring what it means to you personally in this moment.
Oratio (Prayer): You respond to God in conversation about what you’ve discovered, sharing your thoughts, feelings, questions, or insights.
Contemplatio (Contemplation): You rest silently in God’s presence, moving beyond words into simple awareness, openness, and receptivity.