A Trinitarian Theology of Lectio Divina : Locating the Practice of Lectio Divina Within the Economy of Grace

Abstract

This paper proposes a Trinitarian theology of lectio divina, situating its fourfold structure—lectio, meditatio, oratio, and contemplatio—within the economy of grace. Drawing from patristic and medieval sources, particularly Guigo II’s Ladder of Monks, the study argues that lectio divina is a theologically grounded response to the triune God’s acts in redemption: the Spirit’s inspiration of Scripture, the Spirit’s illumination and regeneration of the believer’s mind, and the believer’s adoption through and union with Christ. By aligning each stage of lectio divina with specific Trinitarian works, the paper demonstrates how the practice fosters communion with God and how doctrine can guide and delimit the practice. The result is a model of reading Scripture that is deeply personal, doctrinally robust, and spiritually formative.