CARPE VERBUM
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Step #1: Lectio / ReadClick 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. Step #2: Meditatio / MeditateUse the following meditation to help you reflect more deeply on the Scripture (you may want to read the passage again). In our first reading today, David realizes that he lives in a very nice palace, while the Lord dwells in a tabernacle. David perceives this as wrong and wants to build a glorious temple for the Lord. But the Lord didn’t ask for temple, that is not what He wants. The Lord wants David to serve Him, to follow Him. While the Lord did not ask David for a temple, the Lord does ask that we prepare a place for Him. The Lord asks that we let Him into our heart? The advent season is coming to a close; we are in the final hours to prepare for His coming. What place have you prepared for Him? By now you are probably done with most of your preparations, shopping, decorating, baking. But, when I say what place have you prepared for Him, I don’t mean setting up a manger scene, decorating the tree or wrapping presents. Instead, what place have you prepared in your heart for the Lord? The Lord didn’t want David to build a grand temple, just as He probably doesn’t care much about the presents under the tree. What the Lord does want from you for Christmas is your heart, your whole heart. Our Gospel today tells a story we are all familiar with, Mary is visited by the angel Gabriel and Gabriel asks if she will bear the Lord’s son. Of all the places that the Lord could dwell, He instead asks if Mary, a young teenager, will carry Him in her womb. And she said yes; her yes changed the course of human history. How will you say yes to the Lord? How will you say yes to giving Him your heart? We have one day left to prepare for the Lord’s coming. Let’s not waste it. Ask the Lord to come into your heart today, so tomorrow you can celebrate His coming with full and complete joy. Step #3: Oratio / PrayThese 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. Have you ever thought that you should give God a Christmas present? How can you give Him your whole heart? What is in your life that makes it difficult to give your whole heart to the Lord? How can you prepare yourself today to be able to give the gift of yourself to God tomorrow and every day? Is Christmas a time to celebrate Christ or to celebrate gifts for you? How can you make room for Christ in your heart to that tomorrow is focused on the joy, peace, and love of God? Step #4: Contemplatio / ContemplateIn 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. "Come, Lord." "I give you my heart." "Make me Your home." Step #5: Actio / ActIn 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? Sit down and make room in your heart for Christ today. Christmas Eve can be a busy and even stressful time, but make time to sit in silence with the Lord. Remove all the things that fill your heart that are not of the Lord, and really prepare your heart to be a gift to God. Smartphone Lock ScreenThe 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.  Today's prayer was prepared by Lisa Majernik.
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