The Potter

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.

Jeremiah 18:1-6

---

​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).

Often times, or most of the time, we imagine ourselves as somehow beyond repair in the eyes of God. Because of this or that thing we have done or because of some permanent disposition we have that we see as a weakness or limitation, we think that we are not “good enough” for God- and we can be tempted to despair. Yet God makes it crystal clear in this passage that He is aware that we will often “turn out badly,” yet that does not scandalize him. He doesn’t ask that we perfect ourselves, He simply asks that we entrust our lives over to His hands, so that He may mold us as He wishes and make of our lives something beautiful.

In what areas of your life are you still wanting to be the potter, are you still refusing to let God mold you into whatever He pleases? Is it certain habits of sin that you are unwilling to let go of? Is it cutting something unhealthy out of your life that consumes time that you could be devoting to better things? Is it the lie that you are not good enough and you are somehow beyond repair? Take some time to identify those and then hand them over to God and hand yourself and your life back over to the Potter, who is far more capable of molding your life into something beautiful than you are. You can trust Him.

“Can I not do to you, House of Israel, as this potter has done?”

---

​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.

In what areas of your life are you still wanting to be the potter, are you still refusing to let God mold you into whatever He pleases?

Is it certain habits of sin that you are unwilling to let go of?

​Is it cutting something unhealthy out of your life that consumes time that you could be devoting to better things? Is it the lie that you are not good enough and you are somehow beyond repair?

---

​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.

"Mold me."

"Heal me."

"I need 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 the Lord bear fruit in you today?

Focus on how God wants to mold you today. Do not focus on your sins, your past mistakes, or how you can be the best person in the room. Just focus on letting God use you for His purpose. Let the words of today's reading shape the way you think about God and how to grow in your relationship with Him.

---

​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 Austin Ashcraft, a graduate student in New Orleans. 

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.