A distinctively monastic and contemplative spiritual exercise, Lectio Divina is a Latin phrase that literally means "divine reading," although it us used to mean a meditative reading of the Bible, sacred texts or inspirational texts. 

      Book lovers and lovers of words have a natural affinity for this spiritual exercise, but it is a rewarding and worthwhile activity for anyone.

      Meditative reading is done slowly and reflectively.  Some people like to use a pencil, pen, highlighters or "stickies" to mark sentences and passages they find especially meaningful. 

      A complementary discipline is keeping a spiritual journal.  Thoughts and feelings stimulated by the Lectio Divina can be recorded in a spiritual journal, as well as prayer lists, prayer themes, and personal experiences and thoughts related to an individual's spiritual or religious affiliation, activities and perceptions.

     Thomas Merton, a Roman Catholic Trappist monk, was a prolific writer and journal-keeper.  You can find out more about him here.  The Thomas Merton Center can be accessed here.

      One of his best known poems can be found on this blog.