Lectio Divina—The Sacred Art

Christine Valters Paintner, PhD, a Benedictine Oblate, is author of Lectio Divina—The Sacred Art: Transforming Words & Images into Heart-Centered Prayer, Desert Fathers and Mothers: Early Christian Wisdom Sayings—Annotated & Explained (both SkyLight Paths) and The Artist's Rule: Nurturing Your Creative Soul with Monastic Wisdom, among other books. She frequently leads retreats and teaches on the wisdom of Benedictine, Celtic and desert ways of praying. A writer, artist, spiritual director, retreat facilitator and teacher, she is the online Abbess of www.abbeyofthearts.com, a global online monastery dedicated to the integration of contemplative practice and creative expression.

"With perceptiveness and grace … revitalizes an ancient way of reading the universe. A beautiful reminder that, if only we can slow down enough to see again, the heavens are still reflecting the glory of God."—Paula Huston, author, By Way of Grace: Moving from Faithfulness to Holiness"A highly practical resource! As a regular lectio practitioner and group facilitator, I enthusiastically recommend this book for both private and communal use. The applications are rich, creative and expansive!"—Wil Hernandez, PhD, spiritual director; author, Henri Nouwen and Spiritual Polarities: A Life of Tension"Draws on a wealth of experience and knowledge…. Opens rich new possibilities for lectio divina practice. An excellent resource, it will find a permanent place on my shelves and be taken down frequently."—Nancy L. Bieber, author, Decision Making and Spiritual Discernment: The Sacred Art of Finding Your Way“Reveals how one of the central practices of ancient Christian spirituality remains meaningful and relevant for the third millennium. More than a mere introduction to sacred reading—it's a creative and holistic invitation to a deeper spiritual life.”—Carl McColman, author, The Big Book of Christian Mysticism“Compellingly invites us to 'wake up' to God's presence in every moment. Shows how to listen and see all life in a contemplative way, leading to an awareness of the divine shimmering in the nooks and crannies of everyday.”—Dr. Nancy Copeland Payton, author, Losses of Our Lives: The Sacred Gifts of Renewal in Everyday Loss“Delve[s] into [lectio’s] historic and linguistic roots, and remind[s] us that a 'shimmering’ phrase may disturb as well as delight us…. Taps the 'inner monk’ in each of us.”—Kent Ira Groff, founding mentor, Oasis Ministries; author, What Would I Believe If I Didn’t Believe Anything? and Facing East, Praying West“A heart-centered engagement with sacred texts and the holiness in all of life—an invitation to the most interesting conversation you will ever have.”—Margaret D. McGee, author, Haiku—The Sacred Art: A Spiritual Practice in Three Lines

• IntroductionPart OneBeginning Our Exploration of Lectio DivinaChapter 1 Sacred ReadingChapter 2 At the Heart of Lectio Divina: BenedictineChapter 3 The Role of Spiritual PracticeChapter 4 "Give Me a Word"Part TwoThe Four Movements of Lectio DivinaChapter 5 Listening for God's VoiceChapter 6 Savoring Sacred TextChapter 7 Summoning Your True SelfChapter 8 The Gift of Being: Resting inPart ThreeReading the WorldChapter 9 Visio Divina: Praying with Images 145Chapter 10 Audio Divina: Praying with Sound 157Chapter 11 Nature as Sacred Text 167Chapter 12 The Sacred Stories of Our LivesAfterword: The Divine Presence Is EverywhereAcknowledgmentsAppendix 1: Retreat ExperienceAppendix 2: Lectio Divina as a Small Group ExperienceAppendix 3: MandalaNotesSuggested Resources