Shared Lectio Divina , Monday, January 23, 2023, 8:00am on Zoom

  Our sacred text for the morning is taken from the Gospel for next Sunday, The Fourth Sunday of The Epiphany of Our Lord.

Lectio Divina Procedure

1st reading:  Read:  Listen for the overall sense of the passage.  Share a word or phrase that seems to “light up” or makes the passage come alive for you.

2nd reading: Reflect-. What most captures your attention as you listen? Share a message or question from God you are hearing.

3rd reading:  Respond-  What are you moved to say to God in response to what you are hearing? Share a prayer of intention, thanksgiving, or concern that rises within you.

Silence: Rest in God- Make room to listen to God speaking in your heart beyond words.

Matthew 5:1-12

    1 When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him.2 Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying: 3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.5:4 "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 6 "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 7 "Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. 8 "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.9 "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. 10 "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 "Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Lord's Prayer  (recited together)

Our Father, Who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the Kingdom, and the Power, and the Glory, now and forever. Amen.

Closing Prayer

God our deliverer,
you walk with the meek and the poor,
the compassionate and those who mourn,
and you call us to walk humbly with you.
When we are foolish, be our wisdom;
when we are weak, be our strength;
that, as we learn to do justice
and to love mercy,
your rule may come as blessing. Amen