Oratio, Meditatio, Tentatio - Prayer, Meditation and Suffering

Found another interesting new blog this week written be Allen Mickle and called Oratio, Meditatio, Tentatio

Welcome to Oratio, Meditatio, Tentatio. This blog is devoted to the study of pastoral theology. Here we look at areas of pastoral theology including preaching, counseling, pastoral oversight, spirituality, and anything else that would be of an interest or a help to pastors. The need for pastoral theology that is rooted in the Scriptures is much needed in our age of professionalism, business savy, marketer pastors. We have much to learn from the Scriptures about being a shepherd of God’s flock. Lord willing, posts will be made here by myself and guest bloggers that will help to offer biblical, theological, and historical insight into the work of the pastor.

The name of the blog, Oratio, Meditatio, Tentatio, comes from Martin Luther’s (1483-1546) reflections on the way to do theology and in essence, the way to serve Christ in the pastoral ministry. These three Latin words mean prayer, meditation, and suffering (this third word’s translation is hotly debated). Essentially, the pastor (and all believers) are growing and serving the Lord through constant communion with Him in prayer, the study and reflection on the Scriptures, and in temptation, trials, suffering, and spiritual affliction. The cross of Christ, the center of Luther’s theology, motivates us to serve Christ through these three main ways. Therefore, it seemed fitting when talking about pastoral theology to take a note from Luther and his reflections on the importance of prayer, meditation, and suffering in the life of the pastor.

Lord willing, posts will be edifying, challenging, and encouraging to those interested in or are serving in pastoral ministry. Guest bloggers with much more maturity and ability in the Word will contribute here to help make this a true resource to pastor’s everywhere.

I hope some good stuff comes forth from this site, and I will be watching.