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). We make a lot of judgments about appearance throughout the day. Why's she wearing that? Does he think those two patterns go together? Why would someone say that to me here? In today's first reading three guys come up to Abraham outside of his tent which was a little weird. I mean Abraham knew other people, but he didn't live in a neighborhood that was heavily populated. He and Sarah lived pretty far away from their nearest neighbor and weren't really in a place where 'people just walked by on a Sunday stroll.' He immediately recognizes that these people were sent to him specifically (either that or he knew to be super nice to them because they could kidnap him or his wife!). He welcomes them into His home, asks them what they want to eat or drink, and then shows kindness and hospitality. Then he gets the surprise of his life. After they receive his kindness of washing, muffins, meat, and curds, they say "I'll be back this time next year and Sarah will have a son." WHAT? Sarah is so taken aback that she laughs out loud (the first lol of Scripture). She basically says, "Um, we've been through this, I can't have kids, and I'm a little old - scratch that - a lot old." The Lord (Oh these three people were angels of the Lord, by the way) then says "Is anything to marvelous for me to do?" Basically, are you doubting that I can give you a son? Are you doubting my goodness? Are you doubting my abilities? Are you doubting? They were both skeptical, but the Lord delivered on His promise. A year later we know that Sarah had a son, and she named him Isaac - which means laughter in Hebrew. 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. Are there things in your life that you think are impossible, even for God? Why? Do you treat people you meet with this level of kindness? How can you be more kind to the people you meet today? Do you trust 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. "Jesus, I trust in you." "Come, Holy Spirit." "Father God, I love you." 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? Pray the litany of trust today and learn how to trust the Lord a little more. 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 Katie Herzing, a former youth minister turned parish evanglization consultant living in North Carolina.
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. Comments are closed.
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