The contemplation is an elevation into God, from the mind attracted beyond itself, savoring the joys of eternal sweetness . . . Reading seeks the sweetness of the blessed life, while meditation finds it. Prayer asks for it and contemplation tastes it. Reading, in a certain way, brings solid food to the mouth, meditation chews and breaks it up, prayer obtains its seasoning, contemplation is the same sweetness which refreshes and brings joy. The reason for collapsing the final two steps into one is simple.
Prayer is at the core of the way the two final steps are conceived.
By collapsing them into a third phase, we respect the progression which naturally develops from the first two steps. Some critics object to any tinkering with the traditional structure of lectio divina. Our minor change should be viewed in the same light. The first thing necessary to practice lectio divina should be obvious, time. While we should avoid the kind of rigidity described above, the spiritual life does demand a certain amount of healthy discipline.