The practice of Lectio Divina, or “divine reading,” has been handed down through centuries in the Catholic Church. Although prayerful reading of scriptures date as early as Origen and St. Benedict, the four stages in Lectio Divina were described by Guigo II. However, he was describing the four stages of a monk’s life, NOT a specific prayer practice. It’s rare to achieve a contemplative state the first time we practice Lectio Divina. However, if the desire to get closer to God gets us to practice, perhaps God might choose us.