Lectio for Lent- Monday, April 4th, 2022
Theme: A Single Grain
Readings: Psalm 51:1-4 John 12:24-26
Today begins the week of April 4th, we are reading the Psalm and gospel reading from the fifth Sunday in Lent.
Thomas Keating, a Cistercian monk, describes Lectio Divina as a circle consisting of four movements:
Reading in the presence of God
Reflecting through repetition
Responding with heart felt prayer
Resting in God’s presence
“The regular practice of lectio divina has the power to transform us if we give ourselves over day after day. God dismantles our falsity and we are free to step out of our small ego-centered mind and into the mind and heart of Jesus Christ.” -Maria Tasto, OSB
This is your time to be still before God so remove anything that might distract you from your prayer.
CLICK ON THE ARROW TO PLAY THE AUDIO
Prayer of Stillness
Oh Lord, as we enter prayer now, we pause to be still (Pause & Pray)
To be silent (Pause)
To gather our scattered senses and thoughts (Pause)
To re-center our attention on the presence of God (Pause)
To breath in deeply the love of God (Pause)
God is here with us. He desires and loves to be with us.
He delights in us. He delights when we come together in a community of prayer.
Prayer of Gathering
O Lord, we ask that you would gather us as one vessel to receive and hold whatever you would pour into us so that whatever you give us might overflow from our hearts to others near to us and to the rest of the world. Fill us now with your Holy Spirit.
Amen
We join with the universal body of God’s people in reading the words of Psalm 51:1-4.
Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions.
Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin! For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me.
Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment.
Psalm 51:1-4
Lectio Divina
Lectio– First reading: John 12:24-26
As I read the text slowly let the words wash over you, noticing words or phrases that grab your attention.
Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.
If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.
John 12:24-26 ESV
(Pause & Pray)
Meditatio– Second reading: John 12:24-26 From The Message Translation
Reflect on the words and their connection to your life.
Listen carefully: Unless a grain of wheat is buried in the ground, dead to the world, it is never any more than a grain of wheat. But if it is buried, it sprouts and reproduces itself many times over.
In the same way, anyone who holds on to life just as it is destroys that life. But if you let it go, reckless in your love, you’ll have it forever, real and eternal.
John 12:24-26 MSG
(Pause & Pray)
Oratio– Third reading: John 12:24-26
After hearing the text read again, respond to God with prayer. Talk freely with God as you would a close friend.
Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.
If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.
John 12:24-26 ESV
Respond to God with prayer. Talk freely with God as you would a close friend.
(Pause & Pray)
Closing Prayer
Beloved God:
Remind me that your life is living in me. Your love is holding me.
Your presence is surrounding me. Your being is blessing me.
Your wisdom is guiding me. Your light is leading me.
Your creation is nurturing me. Your power is protecting me.
Your will is shaping me. Your name is claiming me.
Your Son is healing me. Your Spirit is transforming me.
How could I ever feel alone?
At this moment, please add your prayers for a need in your community or the world that needs a healing touch...
Lord, you hear us in ways we cannot put into words. Please hear our prayers.
In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
