There are four stages to the process of Lectio Divina. These are:
LECTIO: We read
MEDITATIO: Under the eye of god
ORATIO: Until the heart is touched
CONTEMPLATIO: And leaps into flame
In order to help explain this process more clearly, let us take a particular text as an example and work through the stages together. But first let us look at where we ourselves need to be.
Be yourself....
Be still........
Be nothing.......
LECTIO: We Read
“It is for these I pray;
I am not praying for the world,
but for those whom thou hast entrusted to me"
John: 17:9.
Read the passage again and again:
"It is for these I pray"
MEDITATIO: Thinking
Think about it.
Who is Jesus praying for?
Look around you and listen to Jesus praying for the people by name.
Now he prays for you
ORATIO: Praying
You pray for others as Jesus prays for them
You allow Jesus to pray for you.
Simply listen to him prayerfully
CONTEMPLATIO: Lost in prayer
This may happen sometimes;
It may be a fleeting moment.
It may be a moment of joyous peace.
You feel your heart is lighter.
You think godly thoughts.
