June 12 – Lectio Divina, Step 2: Meditatio (Meditation)

Gregg’s Reflection

When I first tried meditatio, I misunderstood it. I thought it meant I had to analyze the verse — break it apart, look up Greek words, pull out my study notes. While those are helpful tools, meditatio is something different. It’s less like dissecting a frog and more like holding a seashell to your ear. You turn it in your hands, listen to its hidden sounds, notice its textures, and simply let it speak.

I remember reading John 15 — “Abide in me as I abide in you.” I repeated the phrase slowly, almost like breathing it in. I began to see images in my mind — a vine and branches, sunlight filtering through leaves, the stillness of roots in the soil. It was no longer just an agricultural metaphor. It was an intimate invitation.

In meditatio, we take the word or phrase from Lectio and let it sink deeper. We imagine ourselves in the story, picture the scene, listen for God’s personal whisper through the text. We meditate on why God brought this phrase to mind. Sometimes this feels like God gently turning the diamond so you see a new facet of light.

Scripture

But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.

Luke 2:19

I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.

Psalm 77:11

I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways.

Psalm 119:15

Ancient Quotes

Reading puts the solid food into the mouth; meditation chews it and breaks it down; prayer obtains the flavor of it; contemplation is the sweetness itself which gladdens and refreshes.

Guigo II, The Ladder of Monks, Ch. 2

Meditation is the quest of the mind suspended by the desire for God alone.

St. John Cassian, Conferences, 9.3

Let the memory of Jesus be united to your breathing, and then you will know the benefit of silence.

St. Hesychios the Priest, On Watchfulness and Holiness, 41

Modern Quotes

In meditation, we move from information to formation — from words on a page to a living word in our hearts.

Eugene Peterson, Eat This Book, p. 90

Meditation is allowing God’s word to become God’s voice.

Thomas Keating, Open Mind, Open Heart, p. 38

God speaks and we listen in Lectio. Now, we respond. Meditatio we speak with childlike sincerity and God is hanging on every word. The mind reflects on what was received in silence illumined by faith. In reflective consciousness, we deepen the mind and heart. Tame the superficial mind to enter into a reflective state of pondering. See where that meets the depth of my heart.

James Finley, Living School Teaching

Journaling Prompts

• Take a phrase from your Scripture reading and repeat it slowly several times. What images, feelings, or memories come to mind?
  
  
• How is this word or phrase intersecting with your life right now?
  
  
• What is God inviting you to see, understand, or feel through this passage?
  
  
• How might your life look different if you lived out the truth in this text today?

👉 Go deeper into this week’s theme:
Read the full Week 24 Reflection: Lectio/Audio/Visio/Eco Divina