CARPE VERBUM
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Step #1: Lectio / ReadClick 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. Step #2: Meditatio / MeditateUse the following meditation to help you reflect more deeply on the Scripture (you may want to read the passage again). Two things from today’s Psalm stick out to me: “The Lord loves His people,” and “sing for joy upon their couches.” These verses really put a smile on my face. It can be so affirming to be told you’re loved, especially when you don’t hear it often. I mean, how often do the Heavens open and hear God say, “Hey there, I love you”? That’s great if you do, but God gave us the Scriptures to constantly remind us that He is always loving us, even if we can’t hear His voice in the ways we want to. God loves His people, and He loves you, personally. He rejoices in you just as you are, not for your accomplishments, strengthens, deeds, skills, popularity, or anything like that. He loves you; He loves all of us, and today’s Psalm reminds us to celebrate that! Sing for joy from your couch! That really made me laugh when I first read the verse. Praise God with joy wherever you are, even from your living room. Look at all the good He has done in your life! You don’t have to always be somber and super serious with God; we can praise Him by singing and playing music. So have fun and really rejoice in God's love for you, and bring that joy and praise to Mass. That is when we are assembled to worship God and thank Him for this love He has for us. Sing out loud with your friends and family and let your heart be open to the reality that God delights in you. Praise God today, from your couch, a church pew, or wherever, and soak in that merciful love. Step #3: Oratio / PrayThese 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 lines from today's Psalm stick out most to you? What about them touched your heart? Do you rely on your actions to earn God's love? How can you grow in your trust in and understanding of the fact that God loves you for who you are and not for what you accomplish? How can you praise God with your life today? Step #4: Contemplatio / ContemplateIn 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. "Open my heart to your love." "I delight in you." "All praise be to you, Lord." Step #5: Actio / ActIn 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, take an extra five to ten minutes of prayer time to praise God out loud. You don't have to sing if you don't want to, but verbally praise God. Remember all the good He has done and is doing in your life, even if it can be hard to see at times, and remember all the good He has done throughout history in the Scriptures. Praise God in your own way but keep your heart open to the love He has for you. Smartphone Lock ScreenThe 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 Mary Griffin, a Vagabond Missionary in Greenville, NC.
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. Comments are closed.
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