Lectio Template 183

  "Teach us to number our days..."

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.

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LECTIO: from Psalm 90: 1-8, 12

Lord, you have been our refuge 
from one generation to another.

Before the mountains were brought forth,
or the land and the earth were born, 
from age to age you are God.

You turn us back to the dust and say, 
“Go back, O child of earth.”
For a thousand years in your sight are 

merely a day gone by, 
and before a watch passes in the night,
you sweep us away like a dream--
we fade away suddenly like the grass.
In the morning it is green and flourishes; 
in the evening it is dried up and withered.

So teach us to number our days 
that we may apply our hearts to wisdom.

 

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 or another contemplative guide.

Teaching: 

Faith is strengthened by reading and meditation on the Word of God, prayer, fidelity to duties of our state of life, and the acceptance of the circumstances of life. We must try to perceive Christ in the interruption of our plans and the disappointments of our expectations; in difficulties, contradictions, and trials. No matter what happens, “We know that in everything God works for good with those who love God” (Romans 8:28). The Holy Spirit works on our evolution not only by purifying and enlightening us from within, but also by allowing difficulties, trials, and temptations to assail us from without. This much is certain, that once we make up our minds to seek God, God is already seeking us much more eagerly, and God is not going to let anything happen to prevent God’s purpose. God will bring people and events into our lives, and . . . they are designed for the evolution of God’s life in us.

 

--Thomas Keating, The Heart of the World, 41.

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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 Richard and Linda Hall, Contemplative Outreach of Maryland and Washington, DC]