Hope and Surrender

7/25/2018

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.

2 CORinthians 4:7-15

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).

“So that the immensity of the power is God's and not our own.”

Today has been a really bad day for me. With job changes and overwhelming piles of work, relationship issues and loneliness in a town as friends move away – the temptation to despair has been great.

I am an overthinker – and the big questions keep rushing at me. “Should I move cities?” “Should I get a roommate” “How many years should I stay at my job?” “What is in store for my boyfriend and I – what should I do?” “Why am I so upset? What do I do?” It was paralyzing. I was in bed in tears all morning. But what a comfort to then read today’s first reading.

The Lord tells us that we may be “subjected to every kind of hardship.” But, like the Corinthians, we should not despair. The power on earth is not in our hands – it is in the Lord’s. And He will use it to give us life, bring us to himself, and guide us on our journey.

The pressure of making decisions and trying to figure everything out can make it seem like the world is swirling at us, and make it feel out of control. But today’s reading is a reminder that even if it all seems out of control God is in control. And if we choose to stay close to him, he will not let us fall.

You’re not alone in this – and I am not alone in this. Know if you’re having a bad day – I’ve been having them too. But there is hope, and we have each other, and most importantly we have the power of God on our side, who will banish every attack of Satan and be at our aide in an instant if we ask him.

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 questions are you wrestling with right now?

What do you need to surrender control of to the Lord?

What small step can you take to grow closer to the Lord 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.

"Do not despair."

"God is on my side."

"I am not alone."

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?

Whether you are having a bad day or a great day, say a prayer of surrender to the Lord, offering everything to Him and reminding yourself that He is in control.

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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 Andrea Scott, a writer and editor based in Washington, D.C.

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