Listen

3/26/2018

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.

Isaiah 42:1-7

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).

“He shall bring forth justice to the nations, not crying out, not shouting, not making his voice heard in the street.”

We seem to see and hear plenty of voices shouting and crying out in the streets these days. And often our natural reaction is to shout or cry out back. Yet, this is not the way of the Kingdom. The way of the Kingdom comes in peace. The way of the Kingdom disarms the shouter and the one crying out by offering an attentive ear to listen to their concerns. This is quite difficult to do when it seems the only way to be heard among amidst the noise and chaos is to shout. Yet, as I was praying with this verse in my own lectio, the Lord kind of turned that practical and narrow-minded thought of mine on its head:

“Sometimes the only way to be heard amidst the noise and chaos is to listen.”

Perhaps this is something for you and I to sit with as we enter into this Holy Week. So often we want to assert ourselves, we want to share our opinion or our experience because it seems more important or more valid or more true than another person's. And perhaps that might be the case sometimes. And perhaps other times it is not. Either way, we have something to learn from listening to the other person who sees things differently than we do. And oftentimes all people want is to be heard- why else would they be crying out? And when we stop to listen and listen with silent reverence without interrupting or interjecting with our own thoughts, we are Christ to them, “we bring forth justice to the nations.” Sometimes our silence allows us to be heard far more loudly than does our shouting out.

Think of one person this week who grinds your gears, or who you find particularly uninteresting, or who you thinks very different than you and hold different beliefs than you do. Seek that person out, engage them in conversation, and then sit in silence and listen. This may be easier for some than others, but I encourage you to give it a try. You would be surprised what type of bridges can be built, what type of justice can be brought forth, by just listening to another. Then, let the Resurrection surprise you with how Christ transforms that small little act of yours into something far greater than you would have ever thought.

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 is the difference between hearing and listening? How is the Lord calling you to listen?

Who annoys you? How can you better listen to them?

Life is chaotic. Are you spending time in silence? How can you increase your silent prayer time to listen to the Lord?

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.

"Here I am Lord."

"Help me to Listen."

"Help me be silent."

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?

Today for your fast, don't talk, listen. Fast from responding to someone immediately. Instead of immediately responding, truly listen to what they have to say.

Today, can you also tithe as part of your Lent? Carpe Verbum is only possible through our monthly donors and we appreciate your support. Anyone who becomes a monthly donor will help us plant the seeds of faith for teens across the US and will receive a packet of seeds as a token of our thanks.

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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 Austin Ashcraft, a graduate student in New Orleans.

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.

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