While no single verse explicitly outlines the four steps* of Lectio Divina, the Bible consistently emphasizes the importance of hearing God's voice through reflective, prayerful, and attentive engagement with God's Word. Below are 10 verses pointing to Lectio Divina principles and practices found throughout the Bible.

1. Meditating on Scripture:

• Psalm 1:2: "but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night." This verse emphasizes the value of dwelling on God's Word. Lectio Divina encourages a slow, meditative reading.
• Psalm 119:97: "Oh, how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day." The Psalmist finds deep engagement and reflection in God's teachings.
• Joshua 1:8: "This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success." This highlights the connection between meditating on Scripture and living according to it.

2. Listening for God's Voice:

• 1 Samuel 3:10: "And the Lord came and stood, calling as at other times, 'Samuel! Samuel!' And Samuel said, 'Speak, for your servant hears.'" This passage illustrates the importance of being attentive and open to God's communication. Lectio Divina cultivates this posture of listening.
• John 10:27: "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me." This verse speaks to the personal relationship believers have with Jesus and the importance of recognizing His voice, which can be discerned through Scripture.

3. Engaging Prayerfully with God's Word:

• While not directly about Lectio Divina, many Psalms are prayers arising from reflection on God and His Word (e.g., Psalm 23, Psalm 139). This demonstrates an interactive and prayerful approach to Scripture.

4. Seeking the Holy Spirit as Teacher:

• John 14:26: "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you." Lectio Divina relies on the Holy Spirit to illuminate the text and speak personally to the reader.
• 1 Corinthians 2:13: "And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual." This suggests that understanding and applying God's Word involves the Spirit's guidance.

5. Savoring and Dwelling on God's Word:

• Psalm 119:103: "How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!" This verse expresses the delight and satisfaction found in God's Word, which aligns with the Lectio Divina practice of savoring phrases.

* lectio, meditation, oratio, and contemplation OR reading, reflecting/meditating, responding/praying, and resting/contemplating