Today’s Reflection
LECTIO DIVINA, as a formal prayer practice, consists of four steps or phases. These steps are not mechanical activities you must perform correctly in a certain order to “get it right.” Sacred reading is a living conversation between you and God. In the same way that conversation with another person has rhythms, ebbs, and flows, so too does sacred reading.
If we are talking with our best friend and constantly interrupt or, at the other extreme, never say anything, then the conversation will have little value. A rich, lively conversation encompasses times of listening and times of responding, times of speech and times of silence. Think of the waves upon the shore; they break with tremendous force and noise; they gurgle up to the shore, and then silently recede. Such is the rhythm of lectio divina.
– Daniel Wolpert
Creating a Life with God: The Call of Ancient Prayer Practices
From pages 41-42 of Creating a Life with God: The Call of Ancient Prayer Practices by Daniel Wolpert. Copyright (c) 2003 by Daniel Wolpert. All Rights Reserved. Used with permission. http://bookstore.upperroom.org/ Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Question
There will be more about Lectio Divina in tomorrow’s reflection. Are you familiar with the practice? Choose a scripture and give it a try. Share your thoughts.
Today’s Scripture
Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David! Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
Mark 11:9-10, NRSV
This Week: Pray for persons who are looking for a church family. Submit your prayer to The Upper Room Living Prayer Center or share it in the comment section.
Did You Know?
In need of prayer? The Upper Room Living Prayer Center is a 7-day-a-week intercessory prayer ministry staffed by trained volunteers. Call 1-800-251-2468 or visit The Living Prayer Center website.
This week we remember: Joseph (March 19).
Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
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8 Comments
Thankful for a new day and a new week, a walk yesterday, and a good supper.
Glad to read posts from the UR family and respond.
Have done lectio divina a couple times during an Advent study, but it is not a habit, I would need guidance again.
Prayers for Julie’s safe travel, Mary’s new job, her parents, and a neighbor who fell, Marcy’s health and well being, Julie’s hands, feet, and relationship problem, Lou, her children, and house sale, Andrea and Lowell, Connie and Robin, Francesca, April, Joan, Chloe and Paige, those looking for a church family, and those who do not yet believe.
Prayers for Dan, our church organist, both his dog and he were bitten by an unleashed dog. Thankfully he may not need treatment for rabies. Healing for Richard recovering from a respiratory illness, Arnolds recovering from heart surgery. Prayers for Anneliese, her heart problem, recovery from Lyme disease, house repairs, and the sale of the condo. Thankful for Erich’s cooking, shoveling, help around the house. Prayers for guidance in finding the right job. Grateful for the joy Pearl brings us. Hopeful that this week will the bank account hack will be resolved. So thankful that bills are paid.
Blessings to all the UR family as we move through Lent to Holy Week. Thank You Lord for all that You do for us.
Thank you for your responses and prayers. May God bless you this week- your faith is always as inspiration as many have indicated here.
Yes thank the Lord for he is good and his mercy endures-
Prayers for all who come here today.
I came across this quote this morning: tough times never last, but tough people do! – Robert Schuller
So appropriate for us
Blessings
Thanks Robert!
I was thinking why dont Erich start an on line business for his pies or even approach the neighbourhood bakery whether he could sell his pies there, just a suggestion. In this way, he can work comfortably at home.
Blessings to all and have a winderful week ahead
I meant have a wonderful week ahead!
I second Mary’s suggestion for Erich and add that I would gladly buy from him. Your descriptions make my mouth water.
Mary, prayers for your new job and your parents.
Robert, prayers for your bank issues and thanks for your ability to meet financial obligations.
Lou, prayers for you as you clean out your house and continue to heal.
Stress at an all time high due to my home situation. Thank you for your prayers. I need all the kindness and comfort from you as I have none in my life here in person. My daughter is kind and very helpful but has never beeen overly warm.
Blessings, prayers, and thanks to and for all of the UR family. Your words are a balm for my battered heart and soul.
Be the person who can smile on the worst day.
Cate (character from book “Wonder”)
Julie, love the quote you posted here today:
be the person who can smile on the worst day
Thanks for your prayers
May God’s blessings and favor be upon you, your daughter and everyone here!
I can see that you have stayed all day to write this amazing post thanks a lot for you
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