Yes or No

6/16/2018

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.

Matthew 5:33-37

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).

We all know that taking an oath is a big deal. I mean, you are committing to stick to the truth of whatever you are promising and standing up for the great importance it holds. We can see this importance of remaining true to what is said in marriage vows, when military men and women swear to faithfully serve and defend our country, and when a witness takes an oath in a courtroom to “tell the truth the whole truth, so help you God!” That last portion, “so help you God,” is a true prayer if you think about it. We as humans, find it hard to stick to to truth - not just what we think to be true or when we have heard celebrities preach,”live your own truth,” but the truth that Jesus is Lord and following His way is the most life-giving adventure. It is not easy to be truthful in all circumstances and it can make us uncomfortable, but living by the truth of our faith is always living in goodness.

When it comes to making decisions that seem small, I am the definition of indecisive. Even ordering a meal at a restaurant is tough for me (that’s why my husband usually goes ahead and orders!) but anytime it has come to matters of trusting the Lord’s will in my life, the Holy Spirit has consistently aimed me in the right direction and given peace to allow me to remember the most important truth; to say “yes” to Christ because peace is always clear in those decisions.

We don’t have to always know exactly what we are doing to follow God’s will. However, our oath to Him is to listen, obey, and love Him with our whole heart and mind. We can know this encouragement in the small matters as we walk on this journey of faith; just little daily things. We all want friends who commit to hanging out with us when we invite them to and give us a clear answer when we ask. It is similar to when the Lord is inviting us to know Him more, to love our neighbor, and to say “yes” to His will daily.

Lord, help my “yes” be true to you each time you ask something of me.

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.

How can we practice saying truthful and heartfelt “yes’s” to God and more “no’s” to the things that distract us or pull us away from Him?

How have I over thought or been indecisive about picking up my cross daily and following God?

Are there areas in my prayer life where I can be let my “yes” be yes and my “no” be no?

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.

"Yes, Lord."

"Come Holy Spirit."

"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 the Lord bear fruit in you today?

Try to cut out sarcasm and exaggeration today. Try and let your yes really mean yes and your no really mean no. See how your relationships start to change when you speak more clearly and honestly.

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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 Katy Praetzel, a worship leader in Pittsburgh, PA.

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