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). How have you been doing during this pandemic? What are some of the struggles you’ve been facing? What have been some of the positives you’ve experienced lately? Well, no matter what you’ve had to go through for the past few weeks, today’s Psalm calls us to constantly sing of the goodness of the Lord. Praising God forever, regardless of the circumstances, can be a lot more difficult than it looks. I know there have been times in the past few months for me where I’ve had a really hard time with my spiritual or mental health. I think we all have experienced some kind of struggles because of stay at home orders and social distancing. One of the hardest things to do is praise God through all of this. Praising Him when we’re happy and joyful is easy but remembering His faithfulness and kindness during hard times like these is much more difficult. Yet praising God is exactly what our hearts need most in those dark times. Praising God when we are at our weakest and most vulnerable reminds us of who God is. He is in control, He is loving, He is faithful. He provides, guides, protects. He does all things for our good, He even brings forth some good out of every situation, even a pandemic. He anointed David in the Old Testament, but we too have been anointed with the Holy Spirit through the sacraments, especially Confirmation. We can say with confidence, “the Lord is faithful, and his mercy is with me” and say to God, “you are my Father, my God, the Rock, my savior.” Remember these words and listen to the truth they reveal to us. The Lord is faithful to you, He will never abandon you or leave you on your own. He will always forgive you and share His love with you. Our God is not just a creator, protector, or provider, He is our Father, our savior, our rock. This is why, no matter what, we offer praise to God no matter the circumstances. Whether you find yourself struggling or thriving, give praise to the Lord always. Let the words of this Psalm remind you of the greatness of God and give thanks for all He has done for you. Repeat them out loud or in your heart throughout the day and see how the Lord reveals His love to you through them. 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. What have you struggled with most throughout the pandemic? What has been a positive that has resulted from it? How have these things lead you closer to God? Do you find it difficult to praise God during hard times? How does today's Psalm encourage you to praise in all circumstances? How would you praise God now in your own words? 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. "Thank you, Lord." "Help me praise you." "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? In this difficult time, we will use our Action step each day to join with people around the world in praying for an end to the pandemic of the Coronavirus, for the healing of all those affected, and for the comfort of all those who have lost a loved one. The prayer below is from Archbishop José H. Gomez, President of the USCCB in his reflection and prayer: Holy Virgin of Guadalupe, Queen of the Angels and Mother of the Americas. We fly to you today as your beloved children. We ask you to intercede for us with your Son, as you did at the wedding in Cana. Pray for us, loving Mother, and gain for our nation and world, and for all our families and loved ones, the protection of your holy angels, that we may be spared the worst of this illness. For those already afflicted, we ask you to obtain the grace of healing and deliverance. Hear the cries of those who are vulnerable and fearful, wipe away their tears and help them to trust. In this time of trial and testing, teach all of us in the Church to love one another and to be patient and kind. Help us to bring the peace of Jesus to our land and to our hearts. We come to you with confidence, knowing that you truly are our compassionate mother, health of the sick and cause of our joy. Shelter us under the mantle of your protection, keep us in the embrace of your arms, help us always to know the love of your Son, Jesus. Amen. 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 Mary Griffin, a Vagabond Missionary in Greenville, NC.
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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