Lectio Divina Template 18

 "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?"

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We invite you to a few minutes of silence before we begin our prayer time together.

Take a deep breath and breathe in the breath of God, knowing by faith that God breathes into us the breath of life.

CONTEMPLATIVE / SILENT PRAYER

Our Centering Prayer sit is 20 - 30 minutes sounded by the chime/chant.  At the end of the Prayer sit, we will linger in silence a few minutes, then follow by praying together the Our Father.

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LECTIO DIVINA: Listening to the Word of God with the ears of our heart [See Chopping Wood (or Carrots) Under the Gaze of God for a discussion of Lectio Divina].

First reading & silent reflection:  Reflect in silence.

LECTIO: Matthew 14:22-33. It was evening, and Jesus was alone. Meanwhile the boat, already a few miles offshore, was being tossed about by the the wind and the waves. Jesus came toward the boat on the sea. When the disciples saw him walking on the sea they were terrified. At once Jesus spoke to them, "Take courage, it is I. Do not be afraid." Peter replied to Jesus, "Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water." Jesus said, "Come." Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus.......Peter began to sink and cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught Peter and said to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt!"

Second reading & reflection: What word or phrase catches your attention? Share or pass.

Third reading & reflection:  How does this word or phrase touch your life? Share or pass.

Fourth and last reading & silent reflection:  How is God inviting you to grow?  We will reflect in silence for a few moments before we move from Lectio Prayer to the teaching by Father Keating.

Teaching: Little by little, we are able to hear the still small voice in the hurricane, the earthquake, or the fire. God is hidden in difficulties. If we can find Him there, we will never lose Him. Without difficulties, we do not know the power of God's mercy and the incredible destiny He has for each of us. We must be patient with our failures. There is always another opportunity unless we go ashore and stay there. A no-risk situation is the biggest danger there is. To encounter the winds and the waves is not a sign of defeat. It is a training in the art of living, which is the art of yielding to God's action and believing in His love no matter what happens. Awakenings, Father Thomas Keating.

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We now take some time to share our thoughts and reflections on our own spiritual journey and our prayer practice.  Followed by brief prayers of intercession. Share or pass.

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Go in the name of Christ Jesus to love and serve the Lord.  Thanks be to God!

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[This is an adapted format courtesy of Martha Johnston, Contemplative Outreach of Maryland and Washington, DC]