Rest

7/18/2019

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.

Matthew 11:28-30

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).

Today’s Gospel is one of my favorite scripture passages in the whole Bible. No matter what’s going on in my life, God always calms my heart and mind through the words, “Come to me… and I will give you rest.” There are so many things we can stress over throughout our day but there is no need to stress out with God on our side. When we come to Him, we find rest physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually. Really you can get any kind of rest you want with Jesus.

God is meek and humble of heart. Isn’t that kind of crazy? I feel like everyone tries to be the strongest or best at something. Everyone wants to be a winner, but God is meek and humble. He is not imposing or aggressive, He is gentle and patient. He invites us to take His yoke with Him, to join Him in His work. He tells us that this yoke is easy, and the burden is light. His work is love. Working with Jesus, coming to Him, brings peace, rest, and ease into our lives. When we join Jesus in His humility and meekness, our lives are filled with good, calming, joyful things, not stress or anxiety.

So, come to Jesus today. Bring your stress, anxiety, troubles, whatever it may be to Him and He will give you rest. Not like the “rest” we feel when on social media or watching TV or movies, but real relaxation and peace in our hearts and minds. Work with Jesus, join Him in His humility, and find rest in enjoyable work of love with Jesus.

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 is burdening you? What is stressing you out or causing you anxiety or fear?

What are some other things that are on your heart that you need to offer to Jesus? What do you need to give to Him so that you can really and completely come to Him?

How can you join Jesus in humility and meekness today? How can you join Him in His work of love and salvation?

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 come to you."

"Take my heart, Lord."

"Give me rest."

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, journal about that aspects of your life that you are not bringing to God, that you don't offer to Him. Even if they are small things, take the time to give them to Jesus. Let your whole heart and mind go to Him in prayer and hold nothing back from Him. Throughout the day, work on being humble like Jesus, not imposing or rude. Seek His rest and peace.

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 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.

CARPE VERBUM