Theme: A Single Grain
Readings: Psalm 51:1-4 John 12:24-26
Today begins the week of March 22nd, we are reading the Psalm and gospel reading from the fifth Sunday in Lent.
St. John of the Cross says, “Our greatest need is to be silent before this great God…” Feel free to pause the recording at any time to be silent.
When you feel ready simply rejoin the audio. Be free to follow a rhythm that feels natural to you.
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
Let the text 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
Put yourself in the story, notice what images, sensations, or feelings that stand out.
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
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 a prayer of what you’ve just seen and heard.
(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.