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). “My God will fully supply whatever you need.” I don’t know about you but I’m a planner, an avid list writer, and a bit of a control freak. I like things to be a certain way and I like to cross my t’s and dot my I’s. When I’m leaving the house, I always ask myself if I have everything that I need. Wallet, diaper bag, glasses, epipen, snacks, and on and on. If there is something that I need or have forgotten, I can run back into the house. Or if I don’t have it on hand, I can hop onto the Target app and do a drive by pickup. I can usually get whatever I need and get it rather quickly. Which got me to thinking in the passage in today’s second reading. What is it that God is supplying to us? St. Paul is telling us that he has lived in many different circumstances and that God has provided for Him in every single one of them. He is encouraging us on our journey and reminding us that God will supply whatever we need. So what do I really need? What is my heart really longing for? What is it that I need in my circumstances right now that will strengthen me? In my life, I feel heavy. I feel like I have a million things to do and no time to do them. At every turn, there is something new added to my to do list. As the weeks drag on, my to do list is not getting any shorter and I am getting weary. I feel like I’m bench pressing a weight far too heavy and it is crushing me. But today’s reading gives me encouragement and a wakeup call. Look! We were not meant to do this alone. We were not meant to endure these circumstances on our own. We can find God in each of these places and cling to Him. He will supply whatever we need. We can be bold and ask Him to help us and to supply us with what we need. For me, I need clarity of mind to see what needs to be done and what can be moved aside for a bit. I need peace that I am doing a good job even when I feel like I’m failing. I can do all of these things because it is God who strengthens me. But if I put God on my To Do list as an item to be checked off, I am not giving Him the glory. I am not giving Him the chance to be the strength of my life. I’m not allowing Him to come shoulder the burden of that heavy weight. “My God will supply whatever you need, in accord with his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” A beautiful reminder that God has so many riches and that He is such a good, good God. I can trust that He will supply what I need. 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 is filling your life right now? How does it make you feel? What do you need from the Lord? What have you asked God for? 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. "God will supply." "I give my needs to you." "Lord I need 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? What do you need? Be blunt with God, make a list for Him and take it to prayer. 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 Megan Kramer, a parishioner at St. Mary's Parish in Huntley, 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. Comments are closed.
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