Meeting Jesus in the Word

by M. John Nissley

Lectio Divina is a Latin term describing an ancient practice of a spiritual reading of the written Word. People ask me: How much time does it take to do the Lectio Divina? The answer depends on how much time you want to spend with Jesus on the “Road to Emmaus.”

Praxis of Lectio Divina

1. Silence—Find a quiet place to prepare to encounter the written and living Word by allowing silence to quiet the inside clutter. Journal your thoughts. What is distracting your mind?

2. Read—Orally read a brief portion of Scripture, then silently read it three times, listening for a key phrase. Reflect upon the meaning emerging for you.

3. Meditation—Process the meaning of the Word, “chew it over,” allow the Word to soak from your head to heart (Luke 24:32).  What new insight is Jesus revealing?

4. Prayer—Enter into dialogue with God by expressing your deep heart. Write down your prayer.

5. Contemplation—A quiet heart at rest is solitude in the Spirit’s presence (secret place, Psalm 51:6). What is God saying to you?

6. Application—How is God prompting you to live out the message of the Word?

John Nissley serves as the bishop for the Great Lakes West District of LMC. Originally from Morgantown, PA, he now resides in Findlay, OH with his wife. In his semi-retirement, he also serves as the Secretary of the LMC Board, a STEP Instructor, and a curriculum writer for Renew Publishing.