What do you think?
Rate this book
Sacred Reading: The Ancient Art of Lectio Divina
Examines the Western tradition of lectio divina (a spiritual and prayerful approach to reading the sacred texts) in order to help readers expand their spiritual approach to living. Paperback
160 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 1996
24 people are currently reading
618 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
March 17, 2016
Another book I was perusing in preparation for my reading class. I'm going to create a secular lectio divina type exercise, so I wanted to read more about it! After reading about monks and their reading practices, the long history of the art of lectio divina in the church, I feel that more monkish practices may appear in my class. There is an underlying of personal reading as part of a shared reading community that I really like, and I'm mulling over ways of making that happen. Perhaps we shall start each class with monkish time.
This is very specific to the spiritual practices of monks within the Christian tradition, but attempts to make the concepts applicable to a normal person. The goal of lectio divina is very much about communing with God in the end, using the study of religious texts as a way to gain greater insight and access. I'm going to turn it on its head by taking out the sacred part, but I enjoyed reading about this tradition.
This is very specific to the spiritual practices of monks within the Christian tradition, but attempts to make the concepts applicable to a normal person. The goal of lectio divina is very much about communing with God in the end, using the study of religious texts as a way to gain greater insight and access. I'm going to turn it on its head by taking out the sacred part, but I enjoyed reading about this tradition.
December 19, 2010
I picked up a copy at a short conference on Lectio Divina at St. Mary's Monastery in Petersham, MA. This is a book I will turn to again and again for the rest of my life.
First of all, it's an excellent introduction to the practice of Lectio Divina. But what I found really remarkable about it was the depth and wisdom of the author coming through, almost leaping, off the page. I'm not accustomed to being around older, spiritually mature men and women of faith and Michael Casey's ability to situate the practice of Lectio Divina in an ecclesiastical, spiritual, and theological context is the sort of reading that fills that void.
First of all, it's an excellent introduction to the practice of Lectio Divina. But what I found really remarkable about it was the depth and wisdom of the author coming through, almost leaping, off the page. I'm not accustomed to being around older, spiritually mature men and women of faith and Michael Casey's ability to situate the practice of Lectio Divina in an ecclesiastical, spiritual, and theological context is the sort of reading that fills that void.
October 21, 2012
I was looking for some good "how to" material on the discipline of lectio divina. This book did a little bit of that but also laid a good foundation for the practice.
My thirst to know more about this spiritual practice was certainly increased by Casey's writing. Although it was perhaps a little more about history and theory, there was enough practical information to get me started.
He is definitely and engaging and thoughtful writer. I will be looking to read one of his earlier books, "Toward God."
My thirst to know more about this spiritual practice was certainly increased by Casey's writing. Although it was perhaps a little more about history and theory, there was enough practical information to get me started.
He is definitely and engaging and thoughtful writer. I will be looking to read one of his earlier books, "Toward God."
March 1, 2022
3.5/5
Half theory, half praxis (and basically in that order). Often felt more like a collection of thoughts—many of which were very insightful & stimulating—than a systematic explanation of the history & practice of lectio divina. The practical helps were, well, helpful, but eventually tiring (especially after the engaging first half of the book). Put together, it's a nice one-stop-shop on the practice.
Half theory, half praxis (and basically in that order). Often felt more like a collection of thoughts—many of which were very insightful & stimulating—than a systematic explanation of the history & practice of lectio divina. The practical helps were, well, helpful, but eventually tiring (especially after the engaging first half of the book). Put together, it's a nice one-stop-shop on the practice.
August 15, 2018
Really lovely and helpful book on lectio divina—the content is both profound and succinct, drawing on the wealth of the Church's tradition (especially as it exists in the monastic context), as well as the author's own practical experience.
December 15, 2013
Probably the best book on Lectio Divina for the "systematically minded" modern person. Not to say it does not have its roots in experience, but the way it is written is very straight forward in order to give a person the best overall knowledge of what Lectio is and why it is so important to spiritual growth. With that said, it might be good to read it in conjunction with Mariano Magrassi's "Praying the Bible: An Introduction to Lectio Divina," or if short on time, Masini's short work on Lectio Divina. All contribute to a deeper understanding of Lectio. I would have to say though, that Casey's book is a "must" out of those three.
August 18, 2009
A very realistic approach to the topic. His down to earth acknowledgement of some of the difficulties one faces as we try to read, study and contemplate using methods from centuries ago.
His recognition of the value offered by the desert mystics was reassuring.
I found the book to be encouraging at my novice level in these pursuits.
His recognition of the value offered by the desert mystics was reassuring.
I found the book to be encouraging at my novice level in these pursuits.
October 7, 2012
“Lectio divina is a technique of prayer and a guide to living. It is a means of descending to the level of the heart and of finding God.” (vi) “My ambition is to describe lectio divina in such detail that those living outside monasteries and not in direct contact with the lived experience of monks and nuns can profit from their tradition in the living of the Gospel.” (viii)
September 15, 2011
A lovely book, one I'll return to. Michael Casey respects scripture, expects discipline and commitment from readers, understands the desire to go deeper with God. Catholic based, but not narrow minded.
December 18, 2012
This book is very useful if you are tired of re-reading the same elementary instructions on how to do lectio divina (sacred reading). Fr. Casey provides reading lists and tools for using texts other than the Scriptures, with an emphasis on the Fathers of the Church.
December 26, 2009
Good, but a bit liberal.
January 7, 2011
Excellent. Takes lectio a bit deeper than the intro books.
July 25, 2011
This really deepened my devotional life. Studying and praying scripture in this way is like having your very own aelethiometer (golden compass) that opens up your heart to the truth.
Want to read
June 17, 2012I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/11210374
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/11210374
December 30, 2013
Probably the best introduction to lectio divina that I have come accross.
October 27, 2023
Michael Casey's Sacred Reading/The Ancient Art of Lectio Divina is a "how to do" Lectio Divina. This is the second time I've read it. I don't often read books twice, but when I do, I underline in different colored inks. If you were to look at this book, Sacred Reading, you would see that the pencil underlined sections (as opposed to the first time reading's ink) by far outnumber the first time's read.
The first time I read the book, I didn't know anything about Lectio Divina, and this book was an introduction. I don't remember being impressed with the book or learning anything. I must have though because I persisted in trying Lectio Divina.
Since then, I taught Lectio Divina to a parish's adult faith formation. I essentially showed videos explaining the steps. Then along came the Order of Preacher's 800th anniversary and I contributed to their Lectio Divina Project. We participants were taught the usual steps: Lectio, Meditatio, Oratio, and Contemplatio, with one more step that was very Dominican--Studium. I loved this step. Studium explained many questions. Finally, somewhere along the way, I was taught to add a final step--Resolutio. This made sense. What could is praying if it doesn't change you? Lectio Divina is praying while reading.
The author, Michael Casey recommends reading the scriptures and church fathers. This makes more sense than sitting in a lotus position and humming. We should get as close as we can to praying as Jesus taught his disciples. Casey lists books to read, as well as his personal reading lists. Plus, his notes are just as interesting as the book, itself.
I'm glad I re-read this book. It has helped me tremendously. I do recommend it.
The first time I read the book, I didn't know anything about Lectio Divina, and this book was an introduction. I don't remember being impressed with the book or learning anything. I must have though because I persisted in trying Lectio Divina.
Since then, I taught Lectio Divina to a parish's adult faith formation. I essentially showed videos explaining the steps. Then along came the Order of Preacher's 800th anniversary and I contributed to their Lectio Divina Project. We participants were taught the usual steps: Lectio, Meditatio, Oratio, and Contemplatio, with one more step that was very Dominican--Studium. I loved this step. Studium explained many questions. Finally, somewhere along the way, I was taught to add a final step--Resolutio. This made sense. What could is praying if it doesn't change you? Lectio Divina is praying while reading.
The author, Michael Casey recommends reading the scriptures and church fathers. This makes more sense than sitting in a lotus position and humming. We should get as close as we can to praying as Jesus taught his disciples. Casey lists books to read, as well as his personal reading lists. Plus, his notes are just as interesting as the book, itself.
I'm glad I re-read this book. It has helped me tremendously. I do recommend it.
November 9, 2018
I finished the book but am still not sure I can accurately distinguish between Lectio Divina and your regular, every day quiet time of prayer and bible reading. Lectio Divina prescribes spending a long time on one text - a book of the bible in its entirety, for example - and reading it slowly, repeatedly, over a six month period. This is obviously different than other popular methods, such as the "read the bible in a year" plans. Beyond that, I didn't pick up on what makes it unique or particularly effective.
The first half of the book was great. It laid out the foundation for biblical study - why we need to be reading it daily and the common pitfalls in doing so. I appreciated his focus on perseverance and the challenge to think about how each book, each story, and each verse points to Christ. I especially liked his warning to not allow our preconceived thoughts and opinions shape the Word, but to approach it with an open mind so that what we hear is not simply our own judgments feeding back to us.
The second half of the book was less helpful to me, presumably because I am not Catholic. I can appreciate the value of reading texts from historical religious figures, but I certainly hope the author wasn't saying that these Patristic texts can be read daily in place of Scripture. One is no substitute for the other!
There is some benefit to be had for reading Sacred Reading, but apparently I will have to look elsewhere to actually understand the uniqueness of Lectio Divina.
The first half of the book was great. It laid out the foundation for biblical study - why we need to be reading it daily and the common pitfalls in doing so. I appreciated his focus on perseverance and the challenge to think about how each book, each story, and each verse points to Christ. I especially liked his warning to not allow our preconceived thoughts and opinions shape the Word, but to approach it with an open mind so that what we hear is not simply our own judgments feeding back to us.
The second half of the book was less helpful to me, presumably because I am not Catholic. I can appreciate the value of reading texts from historical religious figures, but I certainly hope the author wasn't saying that these Patristic texts can be read daily in place of Scripture. One is no substitute for the other!
There is some benefit to be had for reading Sacred Reading, but apparently I will have to look elsewhere to actually understand the uniqueness of Lectio Divina.
April 9, 2025
This is an excellent introduction to the practice of Lectio Divina. I like that the author spends the first half of the book on the whys of lectio before getting into the hows. The chapter titles are self-explanitory: 1) The Spirit of Monastic Lectio; 2) The Theological Basis of Lectio; 3) Levels of Meaning; 4) The Practice of Lectio Divina; 5) Reading Traditional and Patristic Texts; then appendix and notes. This work manages to be brief and yet cover all the bases. I highly recommend this book!
There is also an excellent short introduction to the history and significance of Platonism ("The Spirituality of the Fathers") within the Christian traditionand the thought of the Church Fathers, found on pages 117-126. It does a good job of explaining how and why Platonic philosophy is a part of the early Christian ethos and does so with a balanced and careful voice, largely positive but recognizing dangers and caricatures. This is the best intro summary explanation of Christian Platonism I know of.
There is also an excellent short introduction to the history and significance of Platonism ("The Spirituality of the Fathers") within the Christian traditionand the thought of the Church Fathers, found on pages 117-126. It does a good job of explaining how and why Platonic philosophy is a part of the early Christian ethos and does so with a balanced and careful voice, largely positive but recognizing dangers and caricatures. This is the best intro summary explanation of Christian Platonism I know of.
September 28, 2025
This is like a 3.5 if I could do that. Truthfully, the book was super helpful!! I am thankful for the authors approach to Lectio Divinia - one of respect and admiration, but imitation. I believe that there is much to be learned from the past, yet we can not even imagine to replicate it much less we make the same mistakes. The book did a wonderful job explaining not only the why behind daily devotion to God, but the methodological practices of how to do it. The author was real and gave very tangible ways to read most effectively and efficiently. Unfortunately, what pulled this down was the last chapter, the last chapter seemed irrelevant and inconclusive. The intro to the last chapter sounded like he was going to give how our life is changed by the word, but used the grand major to talk about patristic father and Plato which had been virtually absent throughout the entirety. Although a poor ending to the book, very helpful for ministers to read and those who want to be deeply educated on daily devotion.
December 31, 2022
This has been a slow read. Well, given that the book is on lectio divina, that shouldn't surprise because it doesn't make sense to skim read a book which is trying to tell one how to read more deeply and reflectively. Written by Michael Casey, a Cistercian monk at Tarrawarra Abbey, Australia, this book examines the practices around lectio divina, that way of monastic reading which serves as a form of contemplative practice in the Benedictine context.
Casey combines several important elements of this practice. He gives a strong theological, especially monastic, grounding to the practice, then he moves on to discussing practice in some detail. It is not easy reading, but I found both aspects very useful, even though I am distinctly a beginner in the practice. The text moves slowly, but encourages a deeper reading, which is kind of the point.
This is a really good, if not especially easy, read. Well worth the time I spent on it.
Casey combines several important elements of this practice. He gives a strong theological, especially monastic, grounding to the practice, then he moves on to discussing practice in some detail. It is not easy reading, but I found both aspects very useful, even though I am distinctly a beginner in the practice. The text moves slowly, but encourages a deeper reading, which is kind of the point.
This is a really good, if not especially easy, read. Well worth the time I spent on it.
October 3, 2024
Sacred Reading is a book that hope to improve the prayerful practice of Lectio Divina. Written by Michael Casey, he hopes to help develop our practice of consistent and fruitful prayer by giving his own experience and the experience of monks throughout the western world.
This book is a gold mine for finding great tips to improving our prayer with Sacred Scripture. In my own experience, I had often struggled with this form of prayer and couldn’t always find answers as to why. Casey gave amazing advice with the habits that keep us from prayer as well as great tips on what we can add into our lives to make prayer great. He talks of very relevant topics and is very straightforward in his approach to recognizing the weaknesses we may have.
Because of this book and God’s Grace working through it, my love of praying with scripture has been rekindled. I recommend this to anyone who desires to activate a prayer life that will change their life. 5 stars
This book is a gold mine for finding great tips to improving our prayer with Sacred Scripture. In my own experience, I had often struggled with this form of prayer and couldn’t always find answers as to why. Casey gave amazing advice with the habits that keep us from prayer as well as great tips on what we can add into our lives to make prayer great. He talks of very relevant topics and is very straightforward in his approach to recognizing the weaknesses we may have.
Because of this book and God’s Grace working through it, my love of praying with scripture has been rekindled. I recommend this to anyone who desires to activate a prayer life that will change their life. 5 stars
May 10, 2021
Truthfully, I have never heard of Lectio Divina, and I have been a committed Catholic for fourteen years! So at first, I didn't know where to start.
Not only am I just learning about it, but I am also attempting to practice it. This book has really given me some insights on some of the struggles I am facing, like sleepiness. One thing I particularly liked learning was the description about setting aside ones prejudices and biases in order to hear the truth from God Himself. Although this is easier said than done, it is vital if I wish to listen to His message.
I am also eager to look into some of the books and resources Casey listed in the final chapter.
Not only am I just learning about it, but I am also attempting to practice it. This book has really given me some insights on some of the struggles I am facing, like sleepiness. One thing I particularly liked learning was the description about setting aside ones prejudices and biases in order to hear the truth from God Himself. Although this is easier said than done, it is vital if I wish to listen to His message.
I am also eager to look into some of the books and resources Casey listed in the final chapter.
December 15, 2023
This book is excellent! As a non-Christian, I didn't expect to enjoy it as much as I did. Michael Casey offers us a very complete presentation of the contemplative practice called lectio divina. This presentation gives us a historical account as well as instructions and guidance for anyone wishing to understand and/or engage in this practice. This book inspired me to become interested in the holy scriptures of the Christian tradition, but it is also an excellent guide for anyone engaged in meditative or contemplative practice in any form.
January 5, 2025
Excellent thoughts on a contemplative approach to reading sacred texts. Also has some good introductory thoughts on the subject of contemplation generally. I really resonated with the explain of the connection of the concept of “memory” in Platonic and early church fathers’ (including Augustinian thought) teachings with mindfulness and contemplation, and the innate nostalgia for our heavenly home (with a nod to the idea of the preëxistence of the soul, and contemplative prayer being a pathway to the inner memory of the soul, our true self in Christ, we might say.)
Well worth the read.
Well worth the read.
September 3, 2021
I so look forward to reading another spiritual book by this author! Not only was this book an excellent vehicle to deepen my understanding of Lectio Divina, but the content pushed me spiritually and the author’s ability to express complex ideas simply floored me. Routinely, I had to stop and revel in the beauty of his words and the mind-shifting things he said. Highly, highly recommend to grow in one’s love of God’s Word and prayer.
September 3, 2019
An interesting and challenging read on the practice of Lectio Divina. Working through the practicalities and theology that underpins its use. A most enlightening read and definitely a recommendation to anyone exploring this area of Christian spirituality. Best of all is the recommended reading list at the conclusion!
August 18, 2024
This book was like someone trying to get to a bullseye about Lectio Divina. It seemed to swirl around the central idea, and never ended up walking through the process or what it could possibly look like. The end peters out into a list of books the reader can check out to get more in touch with the Spiritual Fathers.
September 17, 2017
One of the best books on Lectio Divina available.
November 17, 2020
Good structure/organization for starting Lectio Divina
July 6, 2023
Too wordy
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews