Moving Mountains

8/11/2018

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.

MATTHEW 17:14-20

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).

In today’s Gospel, Jesus says, “Amen, I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed,
you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."

Wow - let’s think about that for a minute. Uh, I haven’t moved any mountains lately, have you?

Yeah, that’s the catch, isn’t it … FAITH = TRUST … do you completely trust in God and His plan for you especially in the tough times in your life?

I, like you, pray for things to happen in my life that may seem like I am asking to move a mountain. I have faith that he hears me but I don’t always have the patience to wait for them to be answered on his time. I don’t always persevere in my prayer or fast to show how much I would like my prayer answered.

How much am I willing to do to show Jesus my faith in Him? Am I living right, loving others, obeying his commandments, deepening my relationship with Him through prayer and strengthening my trust in him? Do I trust in Him when my life isn’t going well? Do I struggle to surrender control of my life to His will? Tough questions...

We all struggle with 100% faith in God which is why we need to continue to ask him for more faith, “Lord I believe - help my unbelief.”

Ultimately, we must accept that He has the best plan for us and sometimes our prayers will not be answered. Is your faith solid when your prayers don’t get answered?

I have actually looked back on some of my prayers and have been so grateful that they were NOT answered. Sometimes I say, “Whoa, what was I thinking? That would have been brutal if he answered THAT prayer!”

Let’s commit ourselves to surrender to him and renew our trust every day by asking for more faith and believe he has the plan. We can move mountains and nothing will be impossible for us if we have faith.

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.

Where in Life do I trust God? Where in my life do I lack trust?

How do I know what your will is for me?

Can you grace me with more faith and the ability to surrender to you completely?

Step #4: Contemplatio / Contemplation

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.

"Lord, I believe - help my unbelief."

"Jesus, I trust in you"

"Lord, can move the mountains."

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, pray the Litany of Trust and ask God to increase your trust in Him.

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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 Kendra Von Esh, a Speaker and Author, inspiring others to lead with compassion and enrich their lives through faith and prayer.

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