Prayerful Reflection Helps Reconnection
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on His law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. (Psalm 1: 1-3)
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on His law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. (Psalm 1: 1-3)
Psalm 1 indicates there is a link between thriving and meditating on the Lord and His way. Reflecting on Scripture, especially before the Real Presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, gives us a particular receptivity to the Holy Spirit, for “all Scripture is God-breathed.” I encourage you to reflect often so that you will be like the tree planted by streams of water, bearing much fruit.
Before proclaiming the Gospel and preaching at Mass, I always pray: “Cleanse my heart and my lips O Almighty God, that I may worthily and fittingly proclaim Your Holy Gospel, and preach Your Word to Your people, Lord, the Word You want us all to hear this day. Your Word O Christ to our hearts, on my words.” Then I let the Spirit of the Living God take over, for I serve as His mouthpiece. And so, my hope is that, as you reflect on the materials here in The Online Cottage of Prayer, Healing & Preaching, you will hear Our Lord speak a word to your heart.
Sit with the Lord
Prayerful Reading
To really sit with Scripture, we need to take time to read the Scriptures prayerfully. Even if we are not used this, the Lord will reward our desire to connect with Him and the effort put into seeking Him, and just being with Him. If you are not sure where to start, it can be helpful to pray “Come, Holy Spirit, and lead me.” The Lord is so good, and will always lead by His Kindly Light when we ask.
Ask Him and Wait
“Lord, what are You saying to me?”
Sometimes we’re like little kids, thinking that after reading something, we know it or understand it. But through Saint Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians, the Lord says, “If any one imagines that he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know. But if one loves God, one is known by Him.” Understanding and Knowledge are gifts of the Holy Spirit, and to tap into the gifts, we need to commune with Him, in love. It is like any relationship: the more we show interest in the Other, the more the Other will respond. It is the same with the Lord: “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.”
Ask More and Act
“Lord, what do you want me to do?”
Only when we consult the Lord and ask for His view can we proceed in earnest. He always provides. God spoke to Abraham and Moses…to Isaiah and Jeremiah…to Micah and Nahum…to Peter and Paul, and many more. The Lord does not change, and Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He speaks to us today so that we can take action on the specific word He has for each of us.
Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may all be holy. Act in me, O Holy Spirit, that my work, too, may be holy. Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit, that I love but what is holy. Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit, to defend all that is holy. Guard me, then, O Holy Spirit, that I always may be holy.
Prayer of Saint Augustine