God Delivers

4/2/2020

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 105:4-5, 6-7, 8-9

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).

I have a habit of questioning the Lord, sometimes asking him the same question over and over again, even after I’ve already received a clear answer in prayer. This often sounds like “Are you sure, Lord?” and again, “Okay but like are you SURE?” and then, “So like...you’re really sure then?” Somehow, asking over and over doesn’t bring me the lasting peace and reassurance I’m longing for.

It’s funny, one of my favorite scripture verses is Luke 1:45, “Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.” I love hearing that the Lord will fulfill his promises; it touches my heart in a special way. But let’s also pay attention to where it says “Blessed are you who believed…” and my incessant questioning of our Lord doesn’t really line up with a person who believes that the Lord will fulfill his promises. Now, in my head, I most definitely know that the Lord is so good and will always take care of me, but sometimes it hasn’t yet traveled all the way to my heart, so instead of being so quick to believe all these things I ask, “Lord do you really love me?” “Lord will you really protect me?” “Lord this doesn’t feel good, are you still good?” His answer always remains the same. “I love you. I will protect you. I am still good and I am working all of this for your good.” Friends, that never changes.

In today’s Responsorial Psalm we say, repeatedly, “The Lord remembers his covenant forever.” Covenant is defined as, “A usually formal, solemn, and binding agreement.” A covenant is not just a promise, it holds more weight than a promise does, and Jesus reminds us today that he remembers his covenant forever. He will never forget what he has promised to give us. He will never forget to take care of us. He will never forget to walk with us.

God promised Abraham descendants as numerous as the stars, yet, he had no children. And guys, he was OLD! But the Lord made good on that promise. Even when it seems absolutely impossible, the Lord will always always always give to us what he has promised us. That may look different for each one of us in the way he delivers his promise, but he has promised us all the same thing. The Lord has promised us his perfect, unconditional love. With a love like that we never have to worry about a dang thing, because Jesus has already taken care of it all. He promised you that.

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.

Do you find it difficult to trust in the Lord's promise to take care of you, to work for your good, and to love you always?

How have you been walking with the Lord throughout Lent and the global pandemic?

Have you been worrying or anxious over the past few weeks? How does knowing that Jesus promised his perfect, unconditional love bring you peace?

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.

"Lord, you are in control."

"You always work for my good."

"Thank you for your love."

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?

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 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.

Today's Prayer was prepared by Anna Roche, the High School Youth Minister at St. Thomas the Apostle in Crystal Lake, IL.

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.

CARPE VERBUM