Open Hearts

8/8/2019

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.

PS 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9

Step #2: Meditatio / Meditate

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.

“If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts”

This is one of those psalms that I struggle to read in a normal, non-melodious voice. The church choir in my head simply insists to always sing it for me. This is also one of those psalms that I struggle to reflect on in a personal way. Like, of course, if I heard God’s voice, why in the world would I harden my heart? … Can you tell I often forget that God does not usually speak to us in a literal big, booming voice?

About a year and a half ago, I started noticing little inclinations of the heart that were pointing me towards something I had zero interest in at the time. I thought I was being super holy in praying for God’s will to be done and for saying that I surrender everything to Him. In reality, if translated from the intentions of my heart, the prayer would have been: “God, I want your will to be my will, and may that will be done. I surrender everything to you that will make sure that that happens.”

As the months passed, I became disappointed with God that things were not turning out the way I wanted them to. I took my desire and buried it deep in my heart; I built up rows of thick walls to keep those little inclinations I was still feeling away from it. Hearts are meant to be warm and malleable; rows of thick walls only make it cold and hard.

The time came and the very thing I had zero interest in manifested itself into my life. However, Jesus, the truest gentleman, never came smashing through my walls and dug up the desire I buried away. It was only once I gave Him permission to go back to the battlefield to dig it up for me and after I finally genuinely surrendered it to Him that I felt free- physically, mentally, and spiritually.

There is always a reason of why and a story of how a heart became hardened, but the common factor- no matter the reason or story- a heart hardens when it rejects God. If you desire to soften your heart again, to unite it with the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, you must invite God into its greatest depths. And to help keep it from hardening: When you hear God’s voice- in the very unique way that you do- listen to it!

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.

Are you open to God's will? Have your truly surrendered to His plan for your life over your own?

What is God leading you to now in your life? Are you being open to His voice?

How can you invite God into the depths of your heart today?

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.

"I trust in you."

"I surrender."

"Lead me, Lord."

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, spend some time in silent prayer. Take as much time as you can, maybe start out with five minutes or as long as thirty, it's up to you, and just be silent with God. Soak in His presence and just don't talk. Listen to Him and how He moves your heart.

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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 Katie LoBosco, a music therapist for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Cincinnati.

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