Scripture Meditation: Lectio Divina: The Ladder of Monks

Guigo II, a 12th-century Carthusian prior, described four steps of engaging Scripture in "The Ladder of Monks" (Scala Claustralium): "Reading seeks, meditation finds, prayer asks, and contemplation tastes. Reading puts food whole into the mouth; meditation chews it and breaks it up; prayer extracts its flavor; contemplation is the sweetness itself which gladdens and refreshes."

The four steps are: Lectio (reading) -- read a short passage slowly and attentively. Meditatio (meditation) -- reflect on the passage, turning it over in the mind. Oratio (prayer) -- respond to God about what you have read. Contemplatio (contemplation) -- rest silently in God's presence, allowing the word to work within you.

Guigo compared this to Jacob's ladder reaching from earth to heaven, with each step bringing the soul closer to God. He cautioned against rushing: "Reading without meditation is sterile; meditation without reading is liable to error; prayer without meditation is lukewarm; meditation without prayer is unfruitful."

Practical application: Choose a short passage of Scripture (4-8 verses). Read it aloud slowly three times. Sit with a word or phrase that catches your attention. Speak to God about it. Then simply rest in silence for two minutes. The whole practice takes 15-20 minutes and transforms casual Bible reading into genuine encounter.