God's Guidance

9/10/2020

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 139:1B-3, 13-14AB, 23-24

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).

From a very young age, I’ve loved doing things my way. When I would play with friends, I’d usually be the one making up the rules or deciding what we would do. I remember getting very frustrated with people if they didn’t do something “my way.” If I remember correctly, there was a lot of stomping off and pouting involved. And I’d like to say that I got better as I got older, but that wouldn’t be quite true. I would just pout in a different way. Honestly, it’s not so good for the soul. When I focus so much on my way in worldly things, it’s hard to let God truly drive the boat of my heart.

The Psalm today reminded me of this particular area of struggle. I love that David is telling the Lord to “see if my way is crooked and lead me in the way of old.” So good. Inviting the Lord into our ways and letting Him guide them is the path to joy. Telling God that I’d like to do things “my way” is a path to uneasiness and separation from God.

God knows our hearts. He made us in His image and likeness. We are “wonderfully made.” God knows my heart and my desires. He understands all my journeys and all my faults. He knows where I have been and where He wants me to go. I can find so much comfort in that. The God of the Universe knows everything about me. He knows even the littlest details. He knows how I prefer my coffee. He knows how I delight in the giggle of a one-year old baby. He knows that I love Parks and Recreation memes. He knows that I think kabobs are pointless and that I strongly feel that people need to learn how to use apostrophes correctly. He knows that I get frustrated and upset easily when things don’t go as planned. He knows all of these things. And yet, He still chooses to love me. Because of this, I can ask the Lord to see if my way is crooked, and I can trust Him to take my hand and lead me in love and joy.

Lord, come into my day today. Come speak me my heart and show me the areas that need to be straightened. I give you permission to take my stubborn hand. I will go with you. Thank you for loving me and guiding me in your everlasting way.

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.

What are some places in your heart that you are stubborn with God? What are the hopes or desires that you won't give over to Him?

How does knowing how perfectly God knows you, all your faults and imperfections, and how He still chooses to love you effect your relationship with Him?

How can you let God into your heart and lead you today?

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.

"Come into my heart, Lord."

"Lead me, I surrender myself to you."

"I will go with you."

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?

Throughout the day, pray this simple prayer: "guide me, Lord." Invite God into your day, into even the smallest things, and constantly ask for His guidance. Let His love be your guide.

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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 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.

CARPE VERBUM