Lectio Divina Reading

May 19, 2005

A Prayer to the Holy Spirit

Come Holy Spirit and Living Flame, pour into our hearts from the depths of the Trinity the rays of your light. Help us to listen more deeply to the words of scripture you have enflamed. May your holy fire penetrate our hearts and minds so that we in turn may penetrate your words at ever deepening levels of understanding, insight and response. AMEN

Sirach 6:5-17

A kind mouth multiplies friends and appeases enemies, and gracious lips prompt friendly greetings. Let your acquaintances be many, but one in a thousand your confidant. When you gain a friend first test him, and be not to ready too trust him. For one sort is a friend when it suits him, but he will not be with you in times of distress. Another is a friend who becomes an enemy, and tells of the quarrel to your shame. Another is a friend a boon companion, who will not be with you when sorrow comes. When things go well he is your other self, and lords it over your servants; but if you are brought low he turns against you and avoids meeting you. Keep away from your enemies; be on your guard with your friends. A faithful friend is a sturdy shelter; he who finds one finds a treasure. A faithful friend is beyond price; no sum can balance his worth. A faithful friend is a life-saving remedy; such as he who fears God finds; For he who fears God behaves accordingly, and his friend will be like himself.

"All love is not friendship, for we may love without being loved. Friendship is mutual love, and unless it is mutual, it is not friendship,"

St. Frances De Sales

Lectio Divina for CP Groups
Contemplative Outreach of Dallas