CARPE VERBUM
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Step #1: Lectio / ReadClick 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. Step #2: Meditatio / MeditateUse the following meditation to help you reflect more deeply on the Scripture (you may want to read the passage again). The Prophet Elijah is scared, on the run, and in hiding, but this all seems out of character for him. In the previous chapter of 1 Kings we see a very different Elijah. We see a man who is the only true prophet of God. His country has fallen over to idolatry. There are hundreds of priests who serve the false god Baal. But faced with overwhelming odds, Elijah isn't running or hiding. He challenges the 400 priests to a showdown. They will both bring offerings and whoever's god consumes the offerings with fire will be declared the true God. Elijah, with more than a little swagger, ends up being victorious and puts the 400 priests to death. His victory comes at a price, and now the queen wants him dead. Elijah retreats. What changed? its a question we can ask ourselves as well. Maybe we can remember times when we were confident in the Lord. Our prayer life was strong. we had no problem talking about Christ to others. Yet, after a time we slip and fall. We go back to old sins, we neglect our prayer life, we dare not speak the name of Jesus to another. In these times, if we listen, we will learn what God was teaching Elijah on the mountain. Our "strength" in the faith is never our own. As soon as we think we are strong, we fail. True strength comes from the God who loves us. The same God who showed Elijah his presence, not in epic fire or wind or earthquake, but in a tiny whispering sound. It is when we are quiet, when we accept that we are small, that God comes to us to give us a renewed experience of his presence. He is the one who will sustain us. So, once again, we go down the mountain to carry out the work He gives us. Step #3: Oratio / PrayThese 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. When have you felt confident in the Lord? When has your faith faltered? How does the Lord sustain you? Where is the Lord giving you strength? Step #4: Contemplatio / ContemplateIn 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. "My strength is from the Lord." "Strength in weakness." "Here I am Lord." Step #5: Actio / ActIn 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? Before we continue with the prayer we have been praying daily during this pandemic, let us pray for unity. Please click here to pray the Prayer to Overcome Racism. I encourage you to pray this prayer often, or one similar in your own words so that we can begin to strive towards the unity God created us for. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In this difficult time, we will use our Action step each day to join with people around the world in praying for an end to the pandemic of the Coronavirus, for the healing of all those affected, and for the comfort of all those who have lost a loved one. The prayer below is from Archbishop José H. Gomez, President of the USCCB in his reflection and prayer during coronavirus: Holy Virgin of Guadalupe, Queen of the Angels and Mother of the Americas. We fly to you today as your beloved children. We ask you to intercede for us with your Son, as you did at the wedding in Cana. Pray for us, loving Mother, and gain for our nation and world, and for all our families and loved ones, the protection of your holy angels, that we may be spared the worst of this illness. For those already afflicted, we ask you to obtain the grace of healing and deliverance. Hear the cries of those who are vulnerable and fearful, wipe away their tears and help them to trust. In this time of trial and testing, teach all of us in the Church to love one another and to be patient and kind. Help us to bring the peace of Jesus to our land and to our hearts. We come to you with confidence, knowing that you truly are our compassionate mother, health of the sick and cause of our joy. Shelter us under the mantle of your protection, keep us in the embrace of your arms, help us always to know the love of your Son, Jesus. Amen. Smartphone Lock ScreenThe 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 Fr. Anthony Sciarappa who was ordained in 2016 and is a priest of the Diocese of Pittsburgh.
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. Comments are closed.
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