This week, notice the Virtue of the Week Suggestions. Two of them reference pages in the front of the devotional. I am pointing this out as a reminder of how important the front pages, especially the prayers and litanies, are.
Use them as you choose, but we can't recommend getting familiar with these pages enough! The Beatitudes on page 22 are an amazing way to reflect with scripture at the end your day. Reciting the Stewardship Prayer on page 18 can aid you in using the gifts you are discovering in a new way or insure that you include God in your decision of how to use those gifts. Praying the Litany of Trust found on page 23 may help you lean into God more, allowing Him to help you in your efforts, which in turn causes you realize you aren't all alone in your struggles. Spend some time looking over them this week and see what happens!
Let's Get Started: Sunday Lectio Divina
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 Acts 1: 6-8 this week. It was submitted by Laure Mosely. The virtue we are focusing on is Trust. The companion song to use as prayer or meditation throughout the week is "Oceans" by Hillsong United. You may also want to listen to this song during the Weekly Lectio Divina on Sunday.
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:
Study the Fruits of the Holy Spirit on page 23.
Pray the Litany of Trust on page 21 daily.
Recall the times when God was faithful to you.
Monday Reflection
Morning Routine: Once you are settled in, start by rereading the Bible passage.
Today's reflection question is: In what areas of my life can I trust more in the Lord and less in myself? Make notes and journal your response.
Evening Routine: As you settle in for the night, reflect on
What are you grateful for today?
What do I need to surrender?
What are my prayer requests?
Tuesday Reflection
Morning Routine: Once you are settled in, start by rereading the Bible passage.
Today's reflection question is: Fear is the opposite of faith. What fears are currently weighing me down that I need to give to the Father? Make notes and journal your response.
Evening Routine: As you settle in for the night, reflect on
What are you grateful for today?
What do I need to surrender?
What are my prayer requests?
Wednesday Reflection
Morning Routine: Once you are settled in, start by rereading the Bible passage.
Today's reflection question is: The world is full of loud voices. How can I quiet my life this week and listen for the Holy Spirit?
Make notes and journal your response.
Evening Routine: As you settle in for the night, reflect on
What are you grateful for today?
What do I need to surrender?
What are my prayer requests?
Thursday Reflection
Morning Routine: Once you are settled in, start by rereading the Bible passage.
Today's reflection question is: Flesh vs Spirit. How can I tell when I am operating in the flesh instead of seeking guidance of the Holy Spirit? Make notes and journal your response.
Evening Routine: As you settle in for the night, reflect on
What are you grateful for today?
What do I need to surrender?
What are my prayer requests?
Friday Reflection
Morning Routine: Once you are settled in, start by rereading the Bible passage.
Today's reflection question is: Jesus gave us the Holy Spirit to counsel us. What daily habits can I cultivate to help me rely more on the Spirit? Make notes and journal your response.
Evening Routine: As you settle in for the night, reflect on
What are you grateful for today?
What do I need to surrender?
What are my prayer requests?
Saturday Reflection
Morning Routine: Once you are settled in, start by rereading the Bible passage.
Today's reflection question is: In review of my week, what did I experience that fed my spirit and brought me joy? What actions taken filled me up? To whom can I express gratitude this weekend? Make notes and journal your response.
Evening Routine: As you settle in for the night, reflect on
What are you grateful for today?
What do I need to surrender?
What are my prayer requests?
Sunday Reflection
Morning Routine: Once you are settled in, start by rereading the Bible passage.
Today's reflection question is: What wisdom have I gained that I can take into this new week? Make notes and journal your response.
You may want to bring your devotional with you to Mass/ service today and jot down notes in the space provided. They may come in handy for later reference, and sometimes they even tie in with something from the past week or the week ahead!
Evening Routine: We'll start the Lectio Divina process again with a new scripture next Sunday.
Wishing you Love and Light!
Leah
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