Lindsay L. O'Connor

Lectio Divina Steps: from Christine Valters Paintner’s book, A Different Kind of Fast:

1. Lectio: Settling and Shimmering – Sit in a comfortable position that allows you to be relaxed but alert. Read/listen to the passage one or two times and listen for a word or phrase that “shimmers,” or stands out and captures your attention.
   
2. Meditatio: Savoring and Stirring – Read/listen to the passage again and keep noticing the “shimmer” word or phrase. What sensory experience does it evoke? Sights, sounds, scents, tastes, sensations; what images, feelings and memories are coming up? Welcome and savor them. Rest in the experience.
   
3. Oratio – Summoning and Serving – Read/listen to the passage a third time. Look/listen for an invitation to new awareness or action.
   
4. Contemplatio – Slowing and Stilling – Rest in awareness of the sacred, offer gratitude, and sink into stillness. Rest for several minutes. Return to the breath if you become distracted.

Readings to use for Lectio Divina: Below is a poem and a scripture passage for each Enneagram number that may be used to practice Lectio Divina. Feel free to choose either the poem or the scripture passage for your number, or you can try each on different days. You can do also do this exercise with poems/passages that are listed for numbers that are not yours. 

Enneagram type	Scripture	Poem
1	Genesis 1:27 – 31	“Wild Geese” by Mary Oliver
2	Mark 10:46 – 52	“The Clearing” by Martha Postelthwaite
3	Matthew 11:28-30	“Love After Love” by Derek Walcott
4	Psalm 139:1-14	“The Orange” by Wendy Cope
5	Mark 6:30-44	“For the Hardest Days” by Clint Smith
6	John 14:26-27	“The Journey” by Mary Oliver
7	John 4:6 -13	“This Very Here” by Rosemerry Trommer
8	Exodus 14:10-14	“Saturated” by Mark Nepo
9	Matthew 7:7-11	“For a New Beginning” by John O’Donohue