In Western Christianity, Lectio Divina  (Latin for "Divine Reading") is a traditional monastic practice of scriptural reading, meditation and prayer intended to promote communion with God and to increase the knowledge
of God's Word. It does not treat scripture as texts to be studied,
but as the living Word.

The monastic practice of Lectio Divina was first established
in the 6th century by Benedict of Nursia and was then formalized
as a 4-step process by the Carthusian monk Guigo II during the 12th century. Traditionally, Lectio Divina as established by Guigo II
has four separate steps: read; meditate; pray; contemplate.

First a passage of scripture is read, then its meaning is reflected upon.
This is followed by prayer and contemplation on the Word of God. 
An example of a more 'visual' 4-step approach was developed
by St. Clare of Assisi, a contemporary of St. Francis of Assisi:

 1. Gaze on the Cross (intueri)
2. Consider (considerare)
3. Contemplate (contemplari)
4. Imitate (imitare) 

In the 20th century, the constitution Dei verbum of the Second Vatican Council recommended Lectio Divina to the general public and its importance was affirmed by Pope Benedict XVI at the start
of the 21st century.  
Every Monday you will find the Lectio Divina readings for the coming weekdays posted here.  We welcome you to make use of them to deepen
your relationship with the Word of God.