Communal Lectio Divina, Monday, February 20, 8:00am

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 4:1-11  

    1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 He fasted forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was famished. 

    3 The tempter came and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread." 4 But he answered, "It is written, 'One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'" 

    5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, 6 saying to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down; for it is written, 'He will command his angels concerning you,' and 'On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.'" 7 Jesus said to him, "Again it is written, 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'" 

    8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor; 9 and he said to him, "All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me." 10 Jesus said to him, "Away with you, Satan! for it is written, 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.'" 

    11 Then the devil left him, and suddenly angels came and waited on him. 

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.  the Kingdom, and the Power, and the Glory, are yours, now and forever. Amen.

Closing Prayer

 Artist of souls, you sculpted a people for yourself out of the rocks of wilderness and fasting. Help us as we take up your invitation to prayer and simplicity, that the discipline of these forty days may sharpen our hunger for the feast of your holy friendship, and whet our thirst for the living water you offer through Jesus Christ. Amen.