Living and Effective

6/22/2020

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.

HEBrews 4:12

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).

Think of your favorite book.

Imagine your favorite characters from that book. How the author made them come alive for you. How connected you felt to them, almost like you personally knew them. Remember how that book made you feel? The ups and downs of the plot, the excitement of its climax, and the closure you received at the end. Were you inspired by it? Did it make you look at the world differently? Did it change your mind about something?

Books are powerful.

Today the Lord drew me to that tiny little verse that accompanies the “Alleluia” today. Here’s the full verse: “Indeed, the word of God is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating even between soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart.”

As if books weren’t already powerful on their own, the Bible takes it to a whole other level.

That’s because it’s not just a book. Since it’s the Word of God, it’s “living and effective” in our lives. The Scriptures have convicted me of sins in my life, encouraged me during times of crisis, given me deeper awareness of myself and others, guided me to make good decisions, and challenged me to live in a totally new way. Through the Word of God I’ve grown closer and closer to my Lord.

The Bible is a truly unique book because although the words on the pages don’t change... I change.

My wife and I have our kids take just 5-10 minutes a day for personal prayer. My 8-year old son James chose to use Carpe Verbum to guide his prayer time each day (hey James!). The first couple times he opened it up, he was done in less than a minute. Literally. I was like, “Did you just read the Mass reading for the day? Did you even read the reflection? Did you keep scrolling down past the reflection?” Even his sisters teased him about how he breezed through it with lightning speed. He’s only 8, so I won’t fault him for it. You gotta start somewhere. (Good job, buddy.)

But what about you?

Have you allowed the Scriptures to change you? It’s great that you’re using Carpe Verbum to reflect and pray every day... but are you breezing through the Word of God like it’s a really good book instead of a “two-edged sword” that cuts through your heart and soul? Are you savoring each word and letting it take root in you?

If we let it, the Bible will come alive for us through the power of the Holy Spirit. It will cut through our defenses and excuses like a sword, purifying our love for God. It will reveal to us the state of our own hearts. And most importantly, it will deepen our relationship with the Word Himself: Jesus Christ.

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.

Think about how you read scripture. Does it come alive for you? Do you breeze past it? How can you let it change you?

What is one time where scripture really impacted you as you read it? What was different about that time?

Today, did you breeze past the readings? If so, go back and really sit with them.

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.

"living and effective."

"Change me Lord."

"Open my heart."

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?

Before we continue with the prayer we have been praying daily during this pandemic, let us pray for unity. Please click here to pray the Prayer to Overcome Racism. I encourage you to pray this prayer often, or one similar in your own words so that we can begin to strive towards the unity God created us for.

In this difficult time, we will use our Action step each day to join with people around the world in praying for an end to the pandemic of the Coronavirus, for the healing of all those affected, and for the comfort of all those who have lost a loved one. The prayer below is from Archbishop José H. Gomez, President of the USCCB in his reflection and prayer during coronavirus:

Holy Virgin of Guadalupe,
Queen of the Angels and Mother of the Americas.
We fly to you today as your beloved children.
We ask you to intercede for us with your Son,
as you did at the wedding in Cana.

Pray for us, loving Mother,
and gain for our nation and world,
and for all our families and loved ones,
the protection of your holy angels,
that we may be spared the worst of this illness.

For those already afflicted,
we ask you to obtain the grace of healing and deliverance.
Hear the cries of those who are vulnerable and fearful,
wipe away their tears and help them to trust.

In this time of trial and testing,
teach all of us in the Church to love one another and to be patient and kind.
Help us to bring the peace of Jesus to our land and to our hearts.

We come to you with confidence,
knowing that you truly are our compassionate mother,
health of the sick and cause of our joy.

Shelter us under the mantle of your protection,
keep us in the embrace of your arms,
help us always to know the love of your Son, Jesus. Amen.

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.

Today's prayer was prepared by Dan Wolff, husband, father and spreadsheet extraordinaire in Crystal Lake, 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