Direct from the Latin and meaning “divine reading”.

In contemplative practice, lectio or reading is the first of four steps.

1) so … read, and preferably aloud.

2) Meditatio: “Allow the words to penetrate your awareness through use of your senses and imagination, your feelings and even visualization. Remain open to receiving a meaning rather than assigning one”.

3) Oratorio: Respond to any meaning that arises, using language of your own. Think of this as prayer if you want to.

4) Contemplatio: Rest in silence and in grace and in love, allowing what you have heard and felt to be absorbed. Let go of reasoning, thinking, and even feeling.

Silence is the ground in which this prayer takes root.