Words of Everlasting Life

3/4/2018

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 19:8, 9, 10, 11

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).

Lent is drawing us on a journey. Every day we walk closer and closer. Our feet hit the ground each morning. But where are we going? Where is this journey of Lent bringing us? So much of our lives are spent searching for what will fulfill us. Many times students see the path ahead of them as a series of tasks and tests to get to the ultimate end of graduation and getting a good job. The path is marked with words like competition, stress, texts, unrest, anxiety, confusion, and exhaustion. In today's Psalm, we hear that Jesus has the words of everlasting life.

The words we read today: refreshing, trustworthy, wisdom, rejoicing, enlightening, clear, enduring, just, pure, true, gold, sweet. Reading those words brings life to my soul. Read that list again. Let the words fill your heart. This is what the Lord is offering us. A journey with Jesus is full of everlasting life that brings joy to our hearts.

I'm a visual person. When I want to remember something, I have to write it down. The post it note situation is real. I like to put words or phrases where I can see them. There was a Bible verse on my mom's bathroom wall when I was growing up. Every day while straightening my hair, I would read it over and over again. Not because I particularly liked the verse, but because it was there in front of me and straightening hair is pretty dull. Surrounding yourself with words that breathe truth, goodness and beauty is so important. We know how some words can lift us up and other words can bring us down. The words spoken around us or towards us affect us. They can bring us two places- away from God or towards Him. They can bring us life or they can lead us to sorrow.

This Lent, I'm trying to focus on the words that bring everlasting life. And Jesus is the one that has them. I can spend days and days searching for things that will bring me life. But if my eyes and heart are not focused on walking the road to Calvary, the road to Jesus, I am lost. I will write those words that bring life on bright purple Post-it notes and scatter them everywhere. So that while I brush my teeth, straighten my hair, make my toast, do the laundry or drive my car, I am walking that journey with Jesus, the Lord who has the words of everlasting life.

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 word from the list above sticks out to you most? What about that word resonates with your heart?

What words are you surrounding yourself with? Do they lead to you towards God or away from Him?

How can you surround yourself with words of everlasting life?

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.

"You are true."

"Help me listen."

"You have the words of life."

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?

Write out your favorite Scripture verse and put it someone where you can see it. For example, your lock screen, screen saver, note on your bedroom wall, or any location that you look at or visit frequently. Surround yourself with words of truth and life.

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