How Can I Pray with the Scriptures?

“In the sacred books, the Father who is in heaven comes lovingly to meet his children, and talks with them.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 104)

Senses of reading Sacred Scripture

Literal Sense: What do the Scriptures say?

Spiritual Sense: 

• Allegorical: What does this Scripture passage or event tell us about Christ?
• Moral: How is this passage calling us to act?
• Anagogical: How does this passage lead us to Heaven?

(Catechism of the Catholic Church, 115-117)

How to do Lectio Divina 

Lectio: Read the text. What does this passage say?

Meditatio: Meditation. What does this passage say to us?

Oratio: Prayer. What can we say to God?

Contemplatio: Contemplation. How am I being called to conversion?

(Pope Benedict XVI Verbum Domini, 87)

“When we take up the sacred Scriptures in faith and read them with the Church, we walk once more with God in the Garden.” St. Ambrose 

Prayer before Lectio Divina

My Lord and my God, I firmly believe that you are here, that you see me and that you hear me. I adore you with profound reverence. I ask for your pardon for my sins and for the grace to listen to your voice and respond to you in faith. Amen. 

Prayer after Lectio Divina

I thank you my God for the good resolutions, affections, and inspirations that you have given to me in this time of prayer. I ask for your help to put them into effect. Amen.