<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0" xmlns:itunes="http://www.itunes.com/dtds/podcast-1.0.dtd"><channel><title><![CDATA[Sacred Reading Podcast]]></title><description><![CDATA[Exploring reading as a sacred practice <br/><br/><a href="https://sacredreading.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast">sacredreading.substack.com</a>]]></description><link>https://sacredreading.substack.com/podcast</link><generator>Substack</generator><lastBuildDate>Sun, 23 Aug 2026 04:09:51 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/6557952.rss" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><author><![CDATA[Lory Widmer Hess]]></author><copyright><![CDATA[Lory Widmer Hess]]></copyright><language><![CDATA[en]]></language><webMaster><![CDATA[sacredreading@substack.com]]></webMaster><itunes:new-feed-url>https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/6557952.rss</itunes:new-feed-url><itunes:author>Lory Widmer Hess</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Exploring an ancient practice in the postmodern world</itunes:subtitle><itunes:type>episodic</itunes:type><itunes:owner><itunes:name>Lory Widmer Hess</itunes:name><itunes:email>sacredreading@substack.com</itunes:email></itunes:owner><itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit><itunes:category text="Religion &amp; Spirituality"><itunes:category text="Spirituality"/></itunes:category><itunes:category text="Arts"><itunes:category text="Books"/></itunes:category><itunes:image href="https://substackcdn.com/feed/podcast/6557952/d329756970d1446d9857648af62c084b.jpg"/><item><title><![CDATA[The Fourth Movement: Resting]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>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 well. Please join the community at sacredreading.org.</p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://sacredreading.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_1">sacredreading.substack.com</a>]]></description><link>https://sacredreading.substack.com/p/the-fourth-movement-resting</link><guid isPermaLink="false">substack:post:183044922</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Lory Widmer Hess]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 31 Dec 2025 11:16:03 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/183044922/840699f4857cf4bf3ced439399124364.mp3" length="13510459" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Lory Widmer Hess</itunes:author><itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit><itunes:duration>1126</itunes:duration><itunes:image href="https://substackcdn.com/feed/podcast/6557952/post/183044922/26c53200a23d76306fe704c619bef539.jpg"/></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Third Movement: Responding]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>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. </p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://sacredreading.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_1">sacredreading.substack.com</a>]]></description><link>https://sacredreading.substack.com/p/the-third-movement-responding</link><guid isPermaLink="false">substack:post:181212778</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Lory Widmer Hess]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 10 Dec 2025 06:25:16 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/181212778/222f827961fbfc6f52746139546fe2b5.mp3" length="13658240" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Lory Widmer Hess</itunes:author><itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit><itunes:duration>1138</itunes:duration><itunes:image href="https://substackcdn.com/feed/podcast/6557952/post/181212778/1b80632c31052bc5029c030225dfd6fe.jpg"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>6</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Second Movement: Reflecting]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>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.</p><p>Visit <a target="_blank" href="http://sacredreading.org">sacredreading.org</a> for more information and to connect to the Sacred Reading community.</p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://sacredreading.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_1">sacredreading.substack.com</a>]]></description><link>https://sacredreading.substack.com/p/the-second-movement-reflecting</link><guid isPermaLink="false">substack:post:178068056</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Lory Widmer Hess]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 05 Nov 2025 10:28:29 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/178068056/8efedab4978aea4e16efe0bfcd18ac7d.mp3" length="12218965" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Lory Widmer Hess</itunes:author><itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit><itunes:duration>1018</itunes:duration><itunes:image href="https://substackcdn.com/feed/podcast/6557952/post/178068056/838d5cc8294495b6818412735ca4855c.jpg"/></item><item><title><![CDATA[The First Movement: Reading]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>In this episode, we explore the first step or movement of the Sacred Reading practice: reading itself. Includes exercises to unpack the different layers of reading, leading from the senses to the spirit. </p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://sacredreading.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_1">sacredreading.substack.com</a>]]></description><link>https://sacredreading.substack.com/p/the-first-movement-reading</link><guid isPermaLink="false">substack:post:176313844</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Lory Widmer Hess]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 17 Oct 2025 10:31:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/176313844/b4cd3df6aac84f810fa7097eee968740.mp3" length="9688640" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Lory Widmer Hess</itunes:author><itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit><itunes:duration>807</itunes:duration><itunes:image href="https://substackcdn.com/feed/podcast/6557952/post/176313844/f2f9983ddaf5ffd58c8125d549231443.jpg"/></item><item><title><![CDATA[Basic Practice: Secular Text]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>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.</p><p>Please visit sacredreading.org to learn about free online meetings you can join, to practice with me and others. I have also just started a Substack newsletter that will share resources and inspiration on a regular basis, as well as to host seasonal study groups on special themes. I hope you’ll join us!</p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://sacredreading.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_1">sacredreading.substack.com</a>]]></description><link>https://sacredreading.substack.com/p/basic-practice-secular-text</link><guid isPermaLink="false">substack:post:176022306</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Lory Widmer Hess]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 13 Oct 2025 09:18:01 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/176022306/52f9e68a6060be0a736d927811f6c324.mp3" length="19864797" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Lory Widmer Hess</itunes:author><itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit><itunes:duration>1655</itunes:duration><itunes:image href="https://substackcdn.com/feed/podcast/6557952/post/176022306/cf54682899cad023b3349b3c548a086b.jpg"/></item><item><title><![CDATA[Basic Practice - Scriptural Text]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>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.</p><p>Please visit <a target="_blank" href="http://sacredreading.org">⁠sacredreading.org ⁠</a>for information about free online meetings you can join, to practice with me and others.</p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://sacredreading.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_1">sacredreading.substack.com</a>]]></description><link>https://sacredreading.substack.com/p/basic-practice-scriptural-text</link><guid isPermaLink="false">substack:post:176021872</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Lory Widmer Hess]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 13 Oct 2025 09:11:32 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/176021872/34ea2ae96a778dab0de3abf08c64c4a5.mp3" length="21739481" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Lory Widmer Hess</itunes:author><itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit><itunes:duration>1812</itunes:duration><itunes:image href="https://substackcdn.com/feed/podcast/6557952/post/176021872/cf54682899cad023b3349b3c548a086b.jpg"/></item><item><title><![CDATA[What is sacred reading?]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>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.</p><p>For free online meetings exploring sacred reading with others, guided by Lory Widmer Hess, visit sacredreading.org.</p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://sacredreading.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_1">sacredreading.substack.com</a>]]></description><link>https://sacredreading.substack.com/p/what-is-sacred-reading</link><guid isPermaLink="false">substack:post:176017020</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Lory Widmer Hess]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 13 Oct 2025 07:56:34 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/176017020/8f76e044f5265b891d2f482d7930669f.mp3" length="10829483" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Lory Widmer Hess</itunes:author><itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit><itunes:duration>902</itunes:duration><itunes:image href="https://substackcdn.com/feed/podcast/6557952/post/176017020/cf54682899cad023b3349b3c548a086b.jpg"/></item></channel></rss>