In Christianity, Lectio Divina (Latin for divine reading) is a traditional practice of scriptural reading, meditation and prayer dating back to the 4th century Benedictine monks. It has been practiced by such pastors as John Calvin, Martin Luther, John Wesley and Richard Baxter. Lectio Divina can be done privately, in groups, or in a corporate worship setting and is intended to promote communion with God and to increase the knowledge of His Word. This method of reading, meditation and prayer treats Scripture as the Living Word, which speaks to individuals and to a community.