Devotional: Let's Get to It!

Nov 5, 20235 min read

Updated: Nov 27, 2023

Before we begin the first week of daily reflection, let's make sure that you have a few things ready in order to make the process move easily and help you stay in the presence of God and His words for you.

Have your bible (A digital one is good if you don't have a physical one handy. I like to use the one in the Laudate app.)
A pen or pencil.
Highlighters, colors, markers, etc if you like to decorate or color code. (These are purely optional supplies.)
Your Pursuing Peace: Through the Love Letters of Saint Paul Part Two Devotional or a a journal to write in until yours comes in.
You may also want a nice cup of tea or coffee, a lit candle, and a cozy blanket.

Sunday Is A Time For Reflection

Each day of the week is set up the same way, with the exception of Sunday. It is both the ending and the beginning of each weekly scripture. Sunday is a time to reflect on the week past and to prepare yourself for the new week. In preparation for the week ahead of you, you'll be introduced to the verse for the week and complete the Lectio Divina process to get a better understanding of God's word and spend time with the Lord to receive any special words He may have for you. This blog will be sectioned out in days so that you can refer back to the section you need each day.

We think a good routine starts on Sunday evening, then continues every morning and evening with a quick reflection. But please do what works for you! This is only a suggested routine. The point is spending time in God's presence. It doesn't matter what time that happens.

Get Settled

First things first, get settled into a comfortable and quiet space where there will be no interruptions. This is your time with the Lord, and what is needed here most is your presence. Once you are settled in, close your eyes and prepare yourself for what the Lord has for you this day. Quiet yourself and offer yourself up to God. Ask Him to open your heart and your mind as you share this time with Him so that you may receive what He is offering you. Make this process a part of your daily prayer routine. You'll be amazed at the affect it has on your prayer time and day!

We are using Ephesians 3: 2-3, 5-6 this week. It was submitted by Dana Dicharry. The virtue we are focusing on is Unity. The companion song to use as prayer or meditation throughout the week is "If We Are the Body" by Casting Crowns. You may also want to listen to this song during the Weekly Lectio Divina on Sunday.

Let's Get Started: Sunday Lectio Divina

Read the scripture once slowly. Consider reading it again in multiple translations. Allow the words to settle in to you heart and read the passage again out loud. Listen for words that light up for you. Underline, highlight, or jot them down in your journal or on the provided lines.

Next, spend some time letting these words settle in. Ask yourself, "Where does the word connect with my life right? Who do I most identify with in the scene? What does the passage say about Jesus?" Write your thoughts in your journal or in the space provided in the devotional.

Now reflect on what thoughts, feelings, and desires come to mind. Pause and ask Jesus to guide you.

Pray. Talk to God about the words He revealed. How is He inviting you to respond? Allow the scripture to lead you into a prayer response. Maybe it's to spend time in adoration, offering up a prayer of thanksgiving or intercession, or turning up the radio and belt out some praise and worship songs!

The Last step in the Lectio Divina process is to rest in Him. Rest in His presence. Deeply receive God's word and rest in His love. Stay in the arms of God until you fell prompted to leave.

Some people find it helpful to jot down a Vision of the Week. Doodle words or images you want to take with you into the week to refer back to when you need a quick reminder of your message.

In the weekly pages you'll see a reminder of the Virtue of the Week. This has a few guided suggestions of actions you may want to take in the week to help you develop that virtue. Feel free to do any or all of them.

This weeks Virtue of the Week suggestions are:

Pray the Holy Spirit Prayer every morning. You can find it on p. 23.
Attend service/ Mass at a different church.
Call a friend or family member that yo haven't spoken to in a while.