8 SUMMONING YOUR TRUE SELF

SUMMONING YOUR TRUE SELF

In the previous chapter I focused on meditatio, the second movement of lectio divina, which immerses us in an experience of savouring the sacred words, listening for what they stir within us, and then making room to welcome in our feelings. In this chapter I explore the
third movement, traditionally called oratio in Latin, which means “speech” or “address” and hence a form of prayer. Of course, all four movements of lectio divina are prayer; however, oratio refers to the kind of prayer that comes spontaneously from our hearts when we allow
them to be touched by the presence of the sacred in the text. After we spend time savouring our inner experience and welcoming in our emotions, we are moved toward some kind of response…

Taken from Lectio Divina the Sacred Art by Christine Valters Painter