Lectio divina consists of four interlocking parts: reading a passage of scripture to yourself aloud; meditating or thinking about what you have read; praying about what has risen up in your mind and heart in meditation; and then contemplation -- simply resting silently in God for a time after you have prayed. It is vitally important to read the scriptures aloud. We have become so skillful at reading rapidly that our eyes just race down the page. Not only does reading aloud help us slow down, but hearing the words uttered aloud helps us take in what we read much better.
— Diogenes Allen in Spiritual Theology: A Call for Renewing Nature, Spirit, and Politics