Lectio Divina

I believe it is vital to maintain a clear sense of direction in life. Each day contains both routine and the unexpected, and without an inner compass it’s easy to become disoriented. In Roman times, soldiers relied on a standard to find their bearings in the chaos of battle. The standard was a visible point of reference — a pole bearing the symbol of the Roman army — used to signal when to advance, halt, retreat, or regroup. It unified the troops, strengthened morale, and reminded each soldier who they belonged to, even amid confusion.

In my own life, I keep an inward standard as well, through the daily practice of scripture reading known as Lectio Divina. This ancient discipline has its roots in Jewish engagement with the Torah, combining prayer, reflection, and study. Over time, Christians adopted the practice, and it was preserved and practiced by monks in Egypt and Syria before spreading throughout Europe. Lectio Divina is not about accumulation of knowledge; it is about allowing prayer to shape how we live. Its purpose is transformation — becoming a living embodiment of the Word.

What I love most about this practice is that it is carried quietly, within the heart. Unlike outward displays or performative actions, it is an interior alignment that naturally shapes external behavior. Here is how I practice it:

1. I read a short passage of scripture, repeating it twice.

2. I choose a single word or phrase and reflect on it in my journal, praying over its meaning. I allow the prayer to take the form it needs: praise, confession, or honest conversation with God.

3. I rest with the phrase in contemplation, carrying it with me and returning to it throughout the day.

   
   

For example, in Deuteronomy 6:4–9, known as the Shema, a central text in the Jewish faith, we read:

“Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might.”

The phrase that stayed with me was the Lord alone. Holding that in my heart shifted my awareness of time and purpose. Each minute became precious — a gift entrusted to me. If the Lord is truly alone, then what is unnecessary begins to fall away: idle distractions, empty conversations, wasted time, and joyless living no longer fit. The phrase became a quiet filter through which my day passed.

While I may not memorize vast portions of scripture or recite them fluently, I trust that this ancient way of absorbing God’s Word will reveal itself in how I live. Over time, it shapes my conduct, my attention, and my choices. In this way, I become my own standard bearer, carrying silently what guides me forward.

-Written by Shira Pacult