Traditionally, Lectio Divina has four separate steps: read; meditate; pray; contemplate. First, a passage of scripture is read, then its meaning is reflected upon. ... In some Christian teachings, this form of meditative prayer is understood as leading to increased knowledge of Christ.

Lectio is an ancient prayer technique originating with the church fathers that were further explored and adopted by the Benedictines and many others. Lectio is a way of allowing the Holy Spirit to illuminate and teach by way of personalizing Scripture. There are variations of Lectio but it consists of progressively reading, praying, and reflecting on a Scripture passage.