Skip to Content

Meanings

The Authors of Lectio Divina

 Fr. CARLOS MESTERS, O.Carm.

Fr. Carlos was born in the Netherlands on 20 October 1931. In 1949, while he was still a student in the Carmelite minor seminary, he and seven other companions went to Brazil in order to become missionaries.

What is Lectio Divina?

"Lectio Divina", a Latin term, means "divine reading" and describes a way of reading the Scriptures whereby we gradually let go of our own agenda and open ourselves to what God wants to say to us. In the 12th century, a Carthusian monk called Guigo, described the stages which he saw as essential to the practice of Lectio Divina. There are various ways of practicing Lectio Divina either individually or in groups but Guigo's description remains fundamental.

Carmelite reflections on Lectio Divina – the prayerful reading of the Bible

scripture.jpg

by Carlos Mesters, O.Carm.

translated by Míceál O’Neill, O.Carm.

Introduction

Lectio Divina (‘holy reading/listening’) is the ancient method of prayerfully reading the Bible, the Word of God. Originally cultivated by monastic orders – but now an important part of the lives of many Christians from different traditions – Lectio Divina enables us to contemplate God and God’s will in our lives. If prayed regularly, Lectio can deepen our relationship with God.

Scripture and Lectio Divina

lectio.gif

by Carmelite.org

Attentiveness to God's Word in the Holy Scriptures, the Bible, is essential to all Christians. Throughout its 800 years, Carmelite spirituality has placed a particularly strong emphasis on pondering Scripture. Carmelites, whether lay or religious, are expected to spend some time each day taking up the Bible.

Syndicate content