June 13 – Lectio Divina, Step 3: Oratio (Prayer)
God speaks and we listen in Lectio. Now we respond… we speak with childlike sincerity and God is hanging on every word. James Finley
Gregg’s Reflection
When I reach oratio, I’ve already listened to the words (Lectio) and let them sink in (Meditatio). Now the conversation begins. Oratio is my response — my side of the dialogue with God.
I remember a morning when the phrase “Fear not, for I am with you” (Isaiah 41:10) had stayed with me through Lectio and Meditatio. As I moved into prayer, I found myself saying, “Lord, I am afraid. Here’s why…” I began pouring out the things I’d been holding back — fears about the future, the weight of decisions, concerns for people I love. The prayer wasn’t neat or polished. It was raw and direct. And it felt like God met me there, not with explanations, but with presence.
In oratio, we let the Word draw us into heartfelt conversation. Sometimes it’s gratitude. Sometimes confession. Sometimes questions that have no answer yet. It’s less about “praying the right way” and more about being honest before God.
Scripture
Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.
Psalm 62:8
Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.
Jeremiah 33:3
I pour out my complaint before him; I tell my trouble before him.
Psalm 142:2
Ancient Quotes
Prayer is nothing else than a sense of God’s presence.
Brother Lawrence, The Practice of the Presence of God, 3rd Letter
He converses with God with a familiar boldness, as with a friend.
St. Teresa of Ávila, The Way of Perfection, Ch. 26
Modern Quotes
Prayer is responding to God. It’s as much about listening as speaking, but when we speak, we speak from the heart.
Eugene Peterson, Answering God, p. 2
The opposite of faith is not doubt, it’s certitude. Prayer leaves room for mystery.
Richard Rohr, The Naked Now, p. 128
God speaks and we listen in Lectio. Now we respond… we speak with childlike sincerity and God is hanging on every word.
James Finley, Living School Teaching
Journaling Prompts
- What honest words do you need to say to God right now?
- How does today’s scripture invite you to respond — with thanks, confession, a request, or something else?
- What emotions rise up as you pray from this passage?
- What might it look like to leave space for God’s response in your prayer?
👉 Go deeper into this week’s theme:
Read the full Week 24 Reflection: Lectio/Audio/Visio/Eco Divina