Lectio
Passage: Give ear, O Lord, to my words, understand my cry. Hearken to the voice of my prayer, O my King and my God. For to thee will I pray: O Lord, in the morning thou shalt hear my voice. In the morning I will stand before thee, and will see: because thou art not a God that willest iniquity. Neither shall the wicked dwell near thee: nor shall the unjust abide before thy eyes. Thou hatest all the workers of iniquity: Thou wilt destroy all that speak a lie. The bloody and the deceitful man the Lord will abhor. But as for me in the multitude of thy mercy, I will come into thy house; I will worship towards thy holy temple, in thy fear. (Psalm 5:2-8, Douay-Rheims)
Meditatio
- God’s Attention to Prayer: Meditate on David’s plea for God to hear and understand his cry. Meditate on the assurance that the Lord, as our King and God, is attentive to our prayers.
- Morning Devotion: Think about the significance of seeking God in the morning, starting the day with prayer and placing trust in His guidance.
- God’s Holiness and Justice: Meditate on the nature of God who does not wish for iniquity to exist and will not tolerate wickedness. Reflect on His absolute holiness and justice.
- Rejection of Evil: Ponder the strong stance God takes against iniquity, lies, and deceit. Reflect on how this calls us to live truthfully and righteously in His law.
- Mercy and Worship: Meditate on David’s commitment to come into God’s house and worship Him in fear, relying on God’s mercy. Reflect on the balance of reverence and trust in God’s loving-kindness.
Oratio
O Lord, hear my words and understand my cry as I come before Thee in prayer. Truly, Thou art my King and my God, and I trust in Thy attentive ear. Each morning, I shall seek Thee, knowing that Thou art a God who detests iniquity and cannot dwell with wickedness. Help me to live in truth and righteousness, avoiding deceit and malice. In the multitude of Thy mercy, O Lord, I come to Thy house to worship and revere Thee. Guide me in Thy ways and keep me close unto Thee, for Thou art my refuge and my strength. Amen.
Contemplatio
Contemplate the image of starting each day with prayer, placing your trust and petitions before God. Feel the peace and assurance that comes from knowing that God hears you and understands your cry. Rest in the knowledge of the Lord’s holiness and justice, and His steadfast mercy that invites you to worship Him with reverence and love.
Actio
- Morning Prayer: Commit to starting each day with prayer, dedicating your morning to seeking God’s guidance and presence.
- Living Righteously: Examine your life for any areas of deceit or iniquity and make a conscious effort to live truthfully and righteously.
- Worship with Reverence: Make a regular practice of worshipping God with a sense of awe and reverence, acknowledging His holiness and mercy.
- Trust in God’s Mercy: In moments of distress or uncertainty, remember to lean on God’s mercy and come before Him in prayer, trusting in His understanding and care.
