Peace and Truth

7/7/2018

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.

Psalm 85:9AB, 10, 11-12, 13-14

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).

When I was reflecting on today's readings, I was expecting something to jump out and me. I kept looking for something big to whack me over the head and make me understand. But that didn't happen. I left it for a few days and then I looked at the Psalm. "The Lord speaks peace to His people." And it hit me. Sometimes, the Lord speaks in very subtle ways. As I kept reading, I realized that if we listen to the voice of God in the quiet of our hearts, we will hear His voice loud and clear. The Lord's voice is always one of peace, kindness and truth. When we tune our hearts to hear His voice, and not the voice of the world, we will be filled with the peace that only the Lord can offer. As you go through the Psalm today, there is so much peace and joy that surrounds the words. "Truth shall spring out of the earth and justice shall look down from heaven." When we start listening to the quiet voice of the Lord, the truth becomes a bit more clear. In the world today, there is so much noise being thrown at us. Our newsfeeds are full, our twitter accounts are overwhelmed. There is literally something shouting at us at all times-our phones, even, are constantly dinging at us for our attention. Even when they are on SILENT! But when we stop and focus our attention on the Lord and quiet our hearts, the Lord's truth will break through the noise and speak to us. The peace and truth will jump out and touch our hearts.

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 are some of the noisy distractions in your life?

How can you begin to let the Lord's peace break through all that noise?

What are some ways the Lord may be calling you to experience HIs peace and truth 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.

"Jesus, I trust in You."

"Here I am Lord."

"Come Holy Spirit."

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?

Stop what you are doing and just sit with the Lord. Sit with the Lord today and let His peace and truth be with you.

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 Megan Kramer, a parishioner at St. Mary's Parish in Huntley, 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