An ancient form of praying with Scripture that is a slow and thoughtful encounter with the Word of God; Latin for 'divine reading'.

• A. Divine Reading
• B. Scriptural Meditation
• C. Prayerful Contemplation
• D. Lectio Divina

Answer: (D)

Lectio Divina is an ancient way of praying with Scripture that invites a slow, contemplative encounter with God’s Word. The phrase itself means “divine reading” in Latin, signaling that the goal is to encounter the divine through scripture rather than just study the text.

Typically, it unfolds in stages—reading a short passage, reflecting on a meaningful word or phrase, praying about what God might be saying, and resting in God’s presence. Some traditions add a final step of applying the grace received to daily life. This combination of reading, meditating, praying, and contemplative stillness is exactly what the description highlights as a slow and thoughtful encounter with the Word of God.

The other terms describe parts of the practice or translate it in different ways, but Lectio Divina is the established name for this literal “divine reading.”