In the Waiting

​​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 138:1-2AB, 2CDE-3, 7C-8

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​​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).
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​I gave it to the Lord, now I’m just going to wait to see what happens. This morning I was reflecting on how that line of thought might be oversimplifying who God is. I have a question. God has an answer—eventually. I have a problem. God has a solution—eventually. It’s a great habit to bring our struggles to the One who has the answers, but is that all God is? An answering machine? 

I know that there are certain times of waiting, especially in our prayer lives, but does God cease to be in those times of apparent silence? God is alive. He is relational. He desires to be in relationship with you. Pretty foundational catholic preachy things to say. Despite knowing these things, don’t we still make a habit of pausing God when He seems quiet though? If we have a big decision to make, we might ask the Lord for clarity, and give Him a 2-day window in order that He might answer. ‘Let me know when You’ve got it figured out Lord.’ A relationship with God is so much more than this game of cat and mouse. 

You’ve brought your struggle to the Lord, and so now it’s easy to want to ‘move on’ and let it all play out. The Lord loves you more than that though. How did it feel to bring up your need? Did it hurt to be vulnerable? He wants to hear about that too. He desires to continue communication with His beloved. Oftentimes we find that His ultimate answer is still unclear. How does that make you feel? Are you angry? Lonely? Hopeless? Tell Him. He can handle it and wants to bring you the peace that your heart desires. 

I’m left with silence, and it’s hard to trust Him. The Scriptures tell us that on the day you call for help, the Lord answers. The moment. That silence that we all hate so much; might be the action the Lord knows you need. Forget about the question. Rest with Me. You called and I answered. You called and I am the answer. 

I know that it’s hard to rest in the ‘down times’ but the psalm teaches us some tips and tricks. Give thanks, with your whole heart. Sing out in gratitude for every beautiful thing the Lord has lavished upon you, with no fear of what anyone will think. Reflect on how kind the Lord has been to you, recognize that He has made you incredibly strong. Life might feel like walking on egg shells, trying to get things done and not make any mistakes but in love, in love with the Lord we don’t have to walk gently. We can run, dance, and keep digging our heels in because His love endures. The Lord endures. 

I know that it’s hard when it feels like He is asking us to wait for an answer, solution, or consolation, but my dear brothers and sisters, we do not wait alone—we wait with the Lord who loves us. 

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​​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.
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​What question have I asked of the Lord? 

What am I waiting for from the Lord?

How will I continue to pray and be in relationship with God even in the waiting?

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​​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.
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"God is alive."

"You are there in the waiting."

"The Lord endures."

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​​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?
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Take some time to pray with today's psalm and rest with the Lord even in the waiting and the longing.

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​​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.

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Today's prayer was prepared by Deacon Robert Blood, seminarian and transitional deacon of the Diocese of Rockford. 

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.