After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written:“‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’”Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.” After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the … [Read more...]
How to Grow in God’s Favor – Lectio Divina
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.Colossians 3:12-17 (NIV)Lord, today’s Old Testament reading told us that Samuel grew in your favor.Lord, today’s Gospel shared the story of Jesus’ spirit being nurtured through You.And Lord, today New … [Read more...]
Mary’s Focus Only on God – Lectio Divina
And Mary said:“My soul glorifies the Lordand my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed,for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name.His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be mercifulto Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.”Luke 1: 46-55I am so ashamed, Lord. Please forgive me.The majority of my prayers begin with “I.”The focus is me - what I want, what I think I need, what I demand. Often giving You orders instead of humbly reporting to duty.Even the prayers for others drip with ego.In this prayer … [Read more...]
Healing Comfort Prayer – Lectio Divina
All praise to the God and Father of our Master, Jesus the Messiah!Father of all mercy!God of all healing counsel!He comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, he brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us.We have plenty of hard times that come from following the Messiah, but no more so than the good times of his healing comfort—we get a full measure of that, too.2 Corinthians 1: 3-5 (The Message)Healing ComfortI stumbled into your arms tonight, Lord.My heart plunges even further shattered in disbelief; in pieces that can’t be put back together.Lord, this evil that pervades the world overwhelms us at times.Wickedness darkens our life by snuffing out too many candles, much too soon.I am weary of senseless violence, Lord.Eradicate evil and grant us Your Goodness.Today I hold my kids a little longer.Tomorrow I will snuggle my precious grandkids.But some have empty arms … [Read more...]
A Prayer for the Reader – Lectio Divina
I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return. May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ for this will bring much glory and praise to GodPhilippians 3: 9-11 (NLT)Lord today I lift up into Your loving hands the readers of these words.Some who come here are celebrating Your joyous presence.Others drown in tears of loss.Another one stands lost in the dark fog of not knowing where to go to next.But we all come to You today Lord just as we are - in need of You.I ask You to pour into their hearts Your love until overflowing.Grant that they grow in knowing and embracing You.Purify their motivations and wash clean their desires to mirror You, Lord.May the work of their hands honor You and tell others of Your grace, … [Read more...]
An Advent Prayer – Henri Nouwen – Quote of the Week
Lord Jesus,Master of both the light and the darkness,send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas.We who have so much to do seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day.We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us.We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom.We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence.We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light.To you we say, “Come Lord Jesus!” Amen.-Henri Nouwen … [Read more...]
Trusting God – Lectio Divina
In you, Lord my God, I put my trust.Psalm 25: 1Lord, I read this verse today and my heart rejoiced.Years ago, a flash in Your eyes, You led me to these words as my first breath prayer.A scripture I silently, repeatedly, pray in my heart throughout the day.In You, Lord my God, I put my trust.Your voice in these words wraps its warmth around me like a thick comforter at night.This divine declaration carries me through tough times when I can’t find You or know where to turn to next.These words anchor me in the storms and rescue me from the thrashing waves of life.When I have no idea where to go, what to do, and the unknown overwhelms me, my only prayer, my only step is to put my trust in You.You are my Lord, my God.When thoughts distract me like mosquitoes and worries invade my soul, I find peace and stillness in these words.In You, only in You, Lord do I put my trust.I empty my hands of all that blocks me from You and come palms upward to my God, my Lord.I entrust my all, everything, … [Read more...]
Hem Me In, Lord – Lectio Divina
“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”Revelation 1: 8Lord you are the Alpha and the Omega.The first and the last.You surround me with Your protective armsProtecting me from myself and other dangers.You hem me in, Lord encompassed by all that is You.You are the beginning of all things.You are the final conclusion to life.You are the opening prelude and the grand finale.You are the miracle of conception and enclose us with Your presence through tender death and the surprising beyond.My eyes cannot see where You start nor can I comprehend Your closing moments.You existed before anything else and will outlast all that have breath and life.You who is, who was and who is to comeYou are the Almighty.King and Master of my soul.Lord and Savior.My Alpha and my Omega.Enfold me in Your Majesty and embrace me in Your everlasting love. … [Read more...]