ST DOMINIC
(from a13th century text: The Nine Ways of Prayer St Dominic)
The Ninth Way:
“Saint Dominic observed this mode of prayer while travelling from one country to another, especially when he passed through some deserted region. He then delighted in giving himself completely to meditation, disposing for contemplation, and he would say to his companion on the journey: It is written in Hosea, ‘I will now persuade her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak tenderly to her’ (Hosea 2:14). Parting from his companion, he would go on ahead or, more frequently, follow at some distance. Thus withdrawn, he would walk and pray; in his meditation he was inflamed and the fire of love was enkindled in him. While he prayed it appeared as if he were brushing dust or bothersome flies from his face when he repeatedly fortified himself with the Sign of the Cross….”
