Strength and Shield

11/19/2016

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 144: 1, 2, 9-10

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).

It's interesting that the church chooses this to be the reading today. We are approaching the end of the liturgical year and many of our readings have come from the Book of Revelation. In the psalm today, we are reminded of the Lord's strength and protection. It is also an interesting time in our country. It's been almost two weeks since the presidential election and this reading is so timely. Psalm 144, our psalm for today, is also the prayer for National Deliverance and Security.

Both before and now after the election, people have felt uncertain of our future. So, in this time of transition and and moderate chaos, lets take a minute to focus on what is really important. That the Lord has deigned to give us a chance to participate in the salvation of souls. This is our mission, to bring others to Him.

And while this is our mission, God does not abandon us to it on our own. As the psalm says, The Lord is "My mercy and My fortress, my stronghold, my deliverer, My shield, in whom I trust." He is our shield. He will not let harm come to us.

Our Lord is reminding us of that in this moment right now. He is giving you an opportunity to focus on the silence of the morning. Take a minute and just breathe. Be in the Lord's presence and draw your strength from Him.

He will not let harm come to us. My brothers and sisters we have far more important things than a presidential election to be worried about right now. We have to be concerned with the salvation of souls. Stay close to the Sacraments and to the Lord. This election is just a distraction from the bigger things. So take this moment, whatever time it is, just to enter into a moment of prayer and quiet.

The saints were very serious about peace and quiet St. Francis de Sales said "Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset." Take time with that today. Allow it to dictate today for you.

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 the things in your life or in the world that are unsettling you? How can you invite God into these unsettling places?

The Lord is our strength and our shield. Do you trust Him to protect you?

Our mission is to bring others to Christ, how can you do this 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.

"The Lord is my strength."

"The Lord is my shield."

"Jesus, I trust in you."

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 Lord bear fruit in you today?

Today, spend some time in silence. Think about the things that are unsettling you or stressing you out. Offer them up to The Lord.

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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 Ron Nakis, a student at Franciscan University of Steubenville studying Theology and Catechetics.

CARPE VERBUM