Drawing Closer to God: Cynthia Bourgeault, Lectio Divina, and the Power of Nature Walks

Drawing Closer to God: Cynthia Bourgeault, Lectio Divina, and the Power of Nature Walks

"Be still, and know that I am God." – Psalm 46:10 (NKJV)

Walking with God Through Sacred Reading

There is something undeniably sacred about walking in nature. The rhythm of your steps, the rustling of leaves, the gentle whisper of the wind—it all seems to echo the presence of the Divine. But what if we could take this connection even deeper? Cynthia Bourgeault, an Episcopal priest and modern-day contemplative, offers a way to engage more profoundly with God through the ancient practice of Lectio Divina (Divine Reading).

This centuries-old spiritual discipline allows us to engage scripture in a transformative way, shifting from mere reading to deep, meditative communion with God. And, when practised in nature, it can become a profound method for encountering the Holy Spirit in creation.

What is Lectio Divina?

"Prayer is not about words at all; it is about deep listening." – Cynthia Bourgeault, The Wisdom Way of Knowing

Lectio Divina is an ancient Christian practice of sacred reading, traditionally applied to scripture. It follows four steps:

• Lectio (Reading) – Slowly read a passage of scripture, absorbing its words.
• Meditatio (Meditation) – Reflect on a word or phrase that stands out to you.
• Oratio (Prayer) – Offer your thoughts, emotions, and responses to God in prayer.
• Contemplatio (Contemplation) – Rest in God’s presence, beyond words.

Bourgeault teaches that this is not just about reading; it is about listening. She writes,

"The deeper you listen, the more attuned you become to the Divine presence within you and all around you." (The Wisdom Jesus)

How Nature Enhances Lectio Divina

"The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork." – Psalm 19:1 (NKJV)

Practicing Lectio Divina in nature brings an added layer of divine connection. When we take scripture outside, we are reminded that God speaks not only through His written Word but also through creation itself.

Here’s how you can integrate Lectio Divina into your nature walks:

Choose a Passage Before You Walk – Select a scripture that resonates with you. A favourite of mine for this practice is Isaiah 55:12:

For you shall go out with joy, and be led out with peace; the mountains and the hills shall break forth into singing before you.

• Walk in Silence – Begin your walk without distractions. Listen to the natural world and let your heart settle into stillness.
• Read and Reflect – Pause in a quiet place to read your chosen passage slowly. Pay attention to any word or phrase that stands out.
• Meditate with Movement – Let the words soak in as you continue walking. Repeat the phrase in your mind and allow it to sink deeper.
• Pray as You Walk – Talk to God about what the passage means for you in this moment. Ask Him to reveal insights through your surroundings.
• Contemplate and Rest – Find a place to sit and simply be. Let go of thinking and striving—just rest in the presence of God.

Why This Practice Matters

Bourgeault reminds us that "our deepest calling is to awaken to the presence of God in all things." (The Wisdom Jesus) By incorporating Lectio Divina into our walks, we create intentional space to hear God’s voice, to quiet our busy minds, and to deepen our faith.

For many of us, it’s easy to fall into routine prayers or quick scripture readings. But Lectio Divina challenges us to go beyond words and enter into a divine conversation—one where God is speaking just as much as we are listening.

Take the Next Step

If you’ve never tried Lectio Divina, I encourage you to give it a go on your next nature walk. It doesn’t have to be perfect, and there’s no right or wrong way—just an open heart and a willingness to listen.

As Isaiah 30:21 reminds us:

Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, 'This is the way, walk in it,' whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left. (NKJV)

So lace up your walking shoes, grab your Bible, and step into a deeper communion with God.

 Share Your Journey

Have you experienced God in a new way through Lectio Divina or contemplative walking? Share your thoughts in the comments or on social media using #WalksOfFaith. Let’s continue the journey together, one step and one scripture at a time.