Lectio for Lent- Monday, February 22nd, 2021

Theme: You are my Beloved

Readings: Psalm 25:1-5   Mark 1:9-13

Today is Monday, February 22nd, we are reading the Psalm and gospel reading from the first Sunday in Lent.  

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 into our community and the world. Fill us with your Holy Spirit.

Amen 

We join with the universal body of God’s people in reading the words of Psalm 25:1-5.

O my God, in you I trust; let me not be put to shame; let not my enemies exult over me.

Indeed, none who wait for you shall be put to shame; they shall be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.

Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths.

Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you, I wait all the day long.

Psalm 25: 1-5

Lectio Divina

Lectio– First reading  Mark 1:9-11 ESV

Let the text wash over you, noticing words or phrases that grab your attention.

In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you, I am well pleased.”

Mark 1:9-11 ESV 

(Pause & Pray)

Meditatio– Second reading Mark 1:9-11 From The Message Translation  

Put yourself in the story, notice what images, sensations, or feelings stand out to you.

At this time, Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. The moment he came out of the water, he saw the sky split open and God’s Spirit, looking like a dove, come down on him. Along with the Spirit, a voice: “You are my Son, chosen and marked by my love, pride of my life.”

Mark 1:9-11 MSG 

(Pause & Pray)

Oratio– Third reading  Mark 1:9-11 ESV

In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you, I am well pleased.”

Mark 1:9-11 ESV 

Respond to God with a prayer of what you’ve just seen and heard.

(Pause & Pray)

Closing Prayer

Loving God, you fill all things with your presence and hope that we can never comprehend. Thank you for being here with us as we gather together as one community for the sake of the world. 

Awaken me more into the realm of faith that I might feel your power working through me as a vessel of divine healing.

Let me be the conduit of your healing touch. Give me the courage at that moment to forget myself and simply remember you. 

At this moment, please add your prayers for a need in your community or the world that needs a healing touch...

Good God, you are hearing us better than we can put into words, we offer these prayers.

In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Amen.