Sacred Reading

From information to transformation -- sacred reading is an ancient practice that can help us navigate the modern world. In this podcast, Lory Widmer Hess, an author, spiritual director, caregiver, and lifelong seeker of wholeness, explores reading as a contemplative doorway to deeper levels of peace, insight, and connectedness. Whatever your spiritual tradition or practice, or even if you have none, you are invited to join in the practice and make it your own. Episodes are published every other Sunday, with breaks between seasons. Each season is seven episodes long, with a bonus conversation or interview at the end. Lory also hosts free online meetings where participants can practice Sacred Reading together - visit sacredreading.org to learn more.

Episodes

The Fourth Movement: Resting

December 31, 2025 • 18 mins

In the seventh and last episode of the first season of the Sacred Reading Podcast, we’re exploring the movement of “resting” or silent contemplation. This can be extremely challenging in our restless world, but don’t despair! There are many ways to access a space of peace and calm, if you’re willing to have a bit of patience. I’m happy to share some of the practices that have helped me, and welcome your ideas and experiences as wel...

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The Third Movement: Responding

December 10, 2025 • 18 mins

The third movement or step of Sacred Reading is responding, entering into conversation with the divine out of what has arisen within you through reading and reflection. In this episode, I share thoughts about that invitation to express ourselves, with some opportunities for practice in different ways. Visit sacredreading.org for more information and to connect to the Sacred Reading community.

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The Second Movement: Reflecting

November 5, 2025 • 16 mins

Enter the realm of meaning through consciously reflecting on a text. In this episode, I share a few ways to approach the process of reflecting, giving you a chance to slow down and access different parts of yourself.
Visit sacredreading.org for more information and to connect to the Sacred Reading community.

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The First Movement: Reading

October 13, 2025 • 13 mins

In this episode, we explore the first step or movement of the Sacred Reading practice: reading itself.Please visit sacredreading.org to learn about free online meetings you can join, to practice with me and others, as well as other resources.

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Basic Practice - Secular Text

September 21, 2025 • 27 mins

This episode goes once more through the Sacred Reading practice, a simple sequence you can use on your own or in a group. The text this time is a poem by Walt Whitman, A Noiseless Patient Spider.Please visit sacredreading.org to learn about free online meetings you can join, to practice with me and others. I am also preparing a Substack newsletter that will share resources and inspiration on a regular basis, as well as to host seas...

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Basic Practice - Scriptural text

September 7, 2025 • 30 mins

In this episode, I share a simple sequence you can use as a Sacred Reading practice on your own or in a group. The text I've chosen is the first Psalm from the Christian and Jewish scriptures, one of the great Wisdom documents of the world. If you would prefer a secular, non-religious text, I will offer that in the next episode in two weeks. Please visit sacredreading.org for information about free online meetings you can join, to ...

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What Is Sacred Reading?

August 27, 2025 • 15 mins

What is the practice of sacred reading? This episode offers a brief overview of the origins and form of the practice, which is rooted in the monastic tradition of lectio divina. The four movements or steps of the practice are described: read, reflect, respond, and rest, and some suggestions and resources for further exploration are given.
For free online meetings exploring sacred reading with others, guided by Lory Widmer Hess, visi...

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Sacred Reading Trailer

August 26, 2025 • 1 min

Introducing the new podcast, Sacred Reading.

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Sacred Reading

Episodes

.css-14f5ked{margin:0;word-break:break-word;display:-webkit-box;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;box-orient:vertical;-webkit-line-clamp:2;overflow:hidden;}The Fourth Movement: Resting

.css-r6mb8g{margin:0;word-break:break-word;display:-webkit-box;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;box-orient:vertical;-webkit-line-clamp:1;overflow:hidden;}The Third Movement: Responding

The Second Movement: Reflecting

The First Movement: Reading

Basic Practice - Secular Text

Basic Practice - Scriptural text

What Is Sacred Reading?

Sacred Reading Trailer

Popular Podcasts

The Fourth Movement: Resting

The Third Movement: Responding