Lectio Divina Reading

March 8, 2007

Psalm 119:105-112

Ant. Your word, O God, is a light for my path.

O God, your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light for my path.

I have sworn an oath and confirmed it
to observe your commandments.

Ant. Your word, O God, is a light for my path.

I am sorely afflicted:
give me life according to your word!
Accept my offerings of praise,
and teach me your decrees.

Ant. Your word, O God, is a light for my path.

Though I hold my life in my hands,
I do not stray from your precepts.

Ant. Your word, O God, is a light for my path.

Your will is my heritage forever,
the joy of my heart,
I incline my heart to carry out your will forever, to endless ages.

Ant. Your word, O God, is a light for my path.

Meditation:

Only in trustful and persevering prayer do we come gradually to the full knowledge of the name of Jesus, and thus, to the experience of that love of which St. Paul says, “there is no limit to its trust” (1 Cor 13:3). And if we unite with others in calling upon the name of Jesus, the Savior of all, then we hope for each other, encourage each other, give credit to each other, respect and love each other.

In everything Christ does, he is guided by the Spirit. The Spirit leads him into the desert where he lives “on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” The Spirit comes visibly upon him in his baptism in the Jordan where he shows his readiness to bear the burden of all.. and to be the brother of all people. It is by the power of the Holy Spirit that Jesus drives out evil spirits and cures the sick. Through the power of the Spirit he is the Poor One, the Blessed who brings the kingdom of God.  Bernard Haring, Prayer: The Integration of Faith and Life

Lectio Divina – Opening Prayer

I invite you to pray the following prayer that invokes the Holy Spirit of the LORD:

Come, Holy Spirit, come, Pour the living water of Your presence
on the thirsty ground of Our hearts.
Make rivers of living water flow
on the barren heights of our souls,
and springs will well up within all its valleys.

We would receive power, Lord Jesus Christ, to be your witnesses
at home and throughout the earth.
Be Thou in us the fountain of living water,
springing up unto everlasting life.  AMEN

Closing Prayer
Canticle of Mary

My Soul proclaims your greatness, O my God,
and my spirit has rejoiced in you, my Savior,

For your regard has blessed me,
poor and a serving woman.
From this day all generations
will call me blessed,

For you who are mighty, have made me great.
Most Holy be your Name.

Your mercy is on those who fear you
throughout all generations. You have shown strength with your arm,
You have scattered the proud in their hearts’ fantasy.

You have put down the mighty from their seat,
and have lifted up the powerless.

You have filled the hungry with good things,
and have sent the rich away empty.

You, remembering your mercy,
have helped your people Israel,
As you promised Abraham and Sarah,
Mercy to their children, forever.

All:  Glory to source of all Being, Eternal Word and Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be world with out end.  AMEN

When I am in pain, I think of prisoners who have no voice concerning their food, medicines, or the temperature of their cells.  My discomfort becomes the occasion to pray for those who know no comfort.

A Carmelite.

Lectio Divina for CP Groups
Contemplative Outreach of Dallas