Note: At least in monasticism – and we could make the case that it is also so among all Christians – lectio divina is a core principle, the sine qua non of the spiritual life.

Quote:
“Lectio divina is the center of monastic life because it is how we seek the Father through, with, and in his Word by the Holy Spirit. It is that daily exercise of prayer that opens our hearts to receive God’s Word in loving movement of the Holy Spirit. Lectio is fundamentally an exercise of receptivity–a practice of silence, concentration and prayer that allows us to remain in Christ’s love. For this reason, lectio divina is the one thing necessary in monastic life. It gives significance to our search for God.”

Source: Barban, Alessandro. “Lectio Divina and Monastic Theology in Camaldolese Life” in Belisle, Peter-Damian, editor. The Privilege of Love: Camaldolese Benedictine Spirituality. Collegeville, Minn.: Liturgical Press, 2002, page 49.