Discover Who We Really Are, Part 6
Kris Judd of Des Moines, IA, USA
O God, you are my God, I seek you, my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. -Psalm 63:1
You are invited to spend time in prayer with this scripture through the practice of Lectio Divina (Sacred Reading). Read the text four times, pausing for silence after each reading. The prompts below will guide you in the movements of this prayer.
Lectio Divina:
- What captures your attention in this text? What word or phrase are you invited to hold and savor?
- What moves within you in response to this text? What memories, feelings, or images are evoked for you?
- What is God’s invitation for your life in this text? Is there a new awareness, summons, or way of being that you feel called to explore?
- Rest into God’s presence meeting you through this story here and now. Let the words guide you into a few moments of silence and stillness in divine presence. Breathe and simply be.
Prayer Phrase
Are we moving toward Jesus, the peaceful One?
Lenten Spiritual Practices
Moving Toward the Peaceful One
As Jesus was nearing the final days of his life, he wept over the city and proclaimed, “If you, even you, had only recognized on this day the things that make for peace” (Luke 19:41-42).What are the things that make for peace in our lives, communities, and around the world? During the Lenten season, spend time in silent refection or journaling each day to notice: Am I moving toward Jesus, the peaceful One? Pay attention to your attitudes, actions, and relationships this day. When did you most embody the peaceful One in your daily living? When were your thoughts or actions contrary to the peace of Jesus Christ? How might Jesus, the peaceful One, who is always near to you, be inviting you to draw nearer to him through your daily living?
Fasting and Giving-$40 in 40 Days
A Lenten fast gives us an opportunity to make space in our lives so that God can live in and through us. It’s a time to evaluate what we hunger for most and what we consume. This year, we’ve been invited to tithe as a spiritual practice by setting aside $40 during the 40 days of Lent. If you are participating, pay attention today to the dollar you have given. What might you have done with that dollar otherwise? How does Lenten generosity invite you to reflect on what is “enough” in your life? Who might you invite to join you in this practice? How might your gift be magnified by the many others responding to the same call?
You can make your $40 offering anytime during the Lenten season online or through your offering envelope for Worldwide Mission Tithes.
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
