🕯️ LECTIO – Reading
Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.
1 Sam 3:10
Lectio is the first and foundational step of Lectio Divina. It means to read – but not just with the eyes. It means to read in a way that lets us hear the voice of God hidden behind the words of Scripture.
🔑 🙏 How to begin?
Lectio invites us to listen attentively to each word, allowing it to sink in. In this step, we don’t just seek meaning – we seek the presence of the One who speaks.
The Word becomes alive when we receive it with an open heart, trusting that God has a personal message for us today.
🙏 How to begin?
Find a quiet space and a good time (e.g. morning, evening, before bed)
Take a deep breath and quiet your thoughts
Invoke the Holy Spirit: "Holy Spirit, open my ears and heart to hear what You want to say."
📖 How to read God’s Word?
We recommend:
💡 Notice your inner movements:
✍️ Practical guidance
Preparing to read
Create space to meet with God
Find a quiet place free from distractions – a corner of your room, by a window, or even in nature. What matters is that you feel calm and safe. Have a Bible or a Bible app ready.
Choosing a passage
Pick a short but meaningful text
Start with 3–5 verses. Use the daily Gospel, a Psalm, or a passage based on a theme (peace, love, trust). Quality of attention is more important than quantity.
Attentive reading
Read slowly and mindfully
Read the text three times: first to grasp the context, second to focus on each word, and third to notice what moves you. Imagine Jesus reading it to you personally.
Listening with the heart
Pay attention to your feelings and movements
Listen not only with your mind but also your heart. What feelings arise? What memories or thoughts come up? Accept everything as part of your dialogue with God.
Noting the word
Write down a word or phrase that touched you
If something stood out – a word, phrase, or image – write it down. Use a journal, your phone, or a small piece of paper. Let that word accompany you throughout the day.
📝 A practical example
I choose the text: "Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of people." (Mt 4:19)
First reading: I focus on the context as a whole
Second reading: The word "come" speaks to me – it’s an invitation, not a command
Third reading: "Follow me" stirs my heart – where is Jesus calling me?
I pause at the word "come" and repeat it. I feel God is inviting me closer.
🤲 Closing the Lectio step
After reading, remain in silence for a moment. Let the Word echo within you. Once you sense that something has touched you – that something remains – you may move to the next step: Meditatio – reflection.
"The Word is like a seed. Reading sows it. Meditation waters it. Prayer lets it grow. Contemplation dwells in it."