Contrite and Humbled

Step #1: Lectio / Read

Click the link below or open your Bible to the passage and read through the reading at least once, paying attention to what is happening in the text. 

Psalm 51:3-4, 5-6AB, 18-19

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Step #2: Meditatio / Meditate

Use the following meditation to help you reflect more deeply on the Scripture (you may want to read the passage again).

A heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn.

If there are golden nuggets to keep in mind this Lent, this verse from the Psalms is one of them. Grab it and hold it tight, and keep it with you all the way until Easter Sunday. 

This is such a grace-filled time of year to remember that Christ died for our sins, and to realize our littleness and unworthiness and His overwhelming, incredible mercy. 

If you haven’t done it yet this Lent, schedule a time to go to Confession. And go. 

If you haven’t done it yet this Lent, take time to do a meditative examination of conscious in a quiet church or in adoration. 

If you haven’t done it yet this Lent, sit for a bit and journal on your life, where you truly are, and where you truly sit with the Lord. 

Take some time to think of what Jesus went to through 40 days in the desert. We’ve only been in Lent for two days now, but it’s time to start. This meditation of Christ’s sacrifice should be something that stays with us for the entire 40 days. 

Most of us gave something up for Lent two days ago – but how many of us actually remembered Christ dying on the cross when we were tempted to reach for a cookie or turn our Facebook page back on?

Here’s your early reminder: Lent isn’t about giving something up. It’s about Christ, and his bleeding and bruised face staring at you, overwhelmed with love and passion and delight, even when He was suffering the greatest pain possible on this planet. 

A heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn.

Remember His face this Lent. Remember His mercy. He will not spur a contrite and grateful heart – but we need to get our hearts in that place to begin with. 

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Step #3: Oratio / Pray

These questions are to be used to talk to God; have a conversation with the Lord about these questions and what is going on in your heart as you pray today.

So far this Lent, how has your journey to meditate on Christ's sacrifice for you been going? How can you continue to dive into this Lenten season? 

How can you take this season to reflect on God's unending mercy? When will you go to confession? When can you take time to truly examine your conscience?

When you sit with the gift of Christ's sacrifice on the cross, what does God say to you?

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Step #4: Contemplatio / Contemplate

In this step, you listen. Stop talking, let God speak to your heart. You may repeat one of these short phrases to focus your mind on the Lord.

"Make my heart contrite and humble."

"Your mercy is great, oh Lord."

​"I long to see Your face."

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Step #5: Actio / Act

In light of today's reading and your time spent in prayer with the Lord, what concrete action or actions will you take to let this encounter with the Lord bear fruit in you today?

On this Friday in Lent, take the time to really focus on your sacrifice for Lent as well as abstaining from meat on this day. As you enter into this time of sacrifice, let it lead you deeper to Christ's heart and mercy in a special way today. 

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Smartphone Lock Screen

The following image is here for you to save and use as a background or lock screen on your smartphone or device to help you carry today's Lectio Divina with you the rest of the day.

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Today's prayer was prepared by Andrea Scott, a writer and editor based in Washington, D.C. 

If you have anything you'd like our team to pray for, please go to the page of our website called "Prayers" and let us know how we can pray for you today.