Protestant History of Lectio Divina and Why it Matters
If you know anything about Lectio Divina, it’s probably that it is a method of prayerfully reading Scripture created by Catholic monks. As such, Protestants may be hesitant to try it. But Protestants have their own history with Lectio Divina and contemplative practices of reading the Bible.
If you want to explore the origins of Lectio Divina, then I’ve written an article that will take you from the 2nd century up until the 21st to see how Lectio Divina developed throughout history.
As a general rule, Protestants are not as familiar with Lectio Divina as Catholics. However, some Protestant traditions practice Lectio Divina, like the Anglicans. Many Protestant reformers and influential preachers encouraged the practice of Lectio Divina (or at least a revised version).
Let’s dive into the rich history of Lectio Divina and contemplative practices of reading the Bible in Protestant traditions and see how Lectio Divina can be for all.
Reformers on Lectio Divina
When Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door of Castle Church in Wittenburg, he intended to change the Catholic church not leave it. However, Luther’s action sparked what’s called the Reformation.
Luther was German Catholic monk whose spiritual struggles led him to study theology. It was his opposition to the sale of indulgences that led him to write his 95 theses that started the Reformation.
As a Catholic monk, Luther was exposed to and practiced Lectio Divina in the monastery. His theological studies resulted in a clearer understanding of the Gospel which caused him to reject Lectio Divina.
Lectio Divina has four steps: Read, Meditate, Pray, and Rest. The goal of which is to contemplate the beauty of God and His word. If you want to know more about these four steps and how to practice Lectio Divina, then check out this article that will walk you through Lectio Divina step by step.
Luther, however, saw a different cycle of mediation in the Bible in Psalm 119. Using this Psalm, Luther corrected Lectio Divina into these three steps.
- Oratio (Prayer)
- Meditatio (Meditate)
- Tentatio (Temptation)
Luther viewed these three steps as a cycle of the Christian life and means of becoming a theologian. Engagement with Scripture should always start with prayer. After reading it, we are to meditate on it. Ponder it and learn from it.
Luther says this leads to the last step, temptation. Because we are learning from God’s word, the devil will try to attack us, tempt us, and drive us away from God’s word. This, ought to lead us back to God’s word. So, the cycle begins again with prayer.
Likewise, John Calvin encouraged a prayerful reading in and with the Bible. Calvin was a French theologian and reformer who also played a key role in the Reformation. His teachings emphasized the sovereignty of God, predestination, a disciplined Spiritual life, and the authority of Scripture.
While Calvin focused heavily on academic study of the Bible, he did not neglect its more contemplative nature. He pointed out that academic study moves the mind and Lectio Divina moves the heart closer to God. He viewed both academic study and a prayerful reading of Scripture as essential.
Puritans and Lectio Divina
While Puritans are not explicit practitioners of Lectio Divina they have their own approaches to Biblical study, prayer, and meditation that share some similarities. For example, Puritan Pastor Richard Baxter advocated for a reflective reading of of Scripture that was directly derived from the Rule of St. Benedict.
Baxter wrote a book entitled The Saints’ Everlasting Rest in which he says he committed himself to meditate on heaven for at least 30 minutes a day.
Baxter, and other Puritans, considered meditation an essential practice to Christian life. They would describe it like a cow that grazing on God’s word, and chewing the cud to savor the truth and teachings found within.
Anglicans and Lectio Divina
The Anglicans are a Protestant denomination that would be more familiar with the practice Lectio Divina, due to their similarities with Catholicism. As such, there are some Anglicans who practice Lectio Divina.
The Book of Common Prayer, written under the direction of Thomas Cranmer, provides a guide for use in worship and prayer. The Morning and Evening prayers in the daily office involves reading Scripture, reflection, and meditation.
Thomas Cranmer is quoted in his Homily on Scripture as saying, “Let us ruminate, and, as it were, chew the cud, that we may have the sweet juice, spiritual effect, marrow, honey, kernel, taste, comfort and consolation of them [the Words of God].”
Lectio Divina: A Practice For All
Now, while Lectio Divina is typically considered a Catholic practice, it is not solely Catholic. Some Protestants may be concerned about practicing Lectio Divina due to its Catholic origins, it is important to recognize that contemplative reading of the Bible has found its place within Protestantism as well.
Overall, the use of Lectio Divina or other similar contemplative practices of reading the Bible in Protestant traditions shows that a meditative approach to experiencing the Bible is not tied down to one specific branch of Christianity.
Rather, Lectio Divina is a valuable tool for growing our understanding of God[‘s Word, and growing closer to Him in faith and love. So, whether you are Catholic or Protestant, Lectio Divina can be a beneficial practice to experiencing the Bible in a way that you encounter God.
