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Kristine, You'll receive much more information on this. The best modern introduction is probably Michael Casey's Sacred Reading (St. Louis: Triumph Books/Ligouri, ca.1997). Garcia Columbas also has a scholarly book onthe subject.These two books are scholarly, but don't necessarily provide the hisorical background you are looking for. As for the Rule of Benedict, there is more there than meets the eye: see Terrence Kardong's comments in his Commentary and Translation (Liturgical Press, ca. 1995). In fact, I'm not too sure how strong the historical foundations are. Certainly (1) Benedict wanted his monks to spend a great deal of time reading, (2) his goal of personal spiritual formation first of all, (3) and people read slowly and meditatively (thoughtfully and/or with memorization) in the (earlier?) Middle Ages. Then the question arises: does a devout reader, studying Rahner or the Bible, read any differently, even if they are reading in conjunction with writing an article. We don't read just with our heads, but the information and insight we get from reading such material impacts our hearts and consciences. Hence, I think there is some sort of continuum here, which has little to do with speed and much more to do with openness and personal commitment. Lectio divina, then, was reading conceived of as a foundational exercise for prayer and prayerful living. One medieval author who does talk about reading is Pierre de Celle. See the selection of his works published by Cistercian Publications. Hugh Feiss, Ascension Priory. [log in to unmask] %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%