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Lectio Divina for 28 September 2024

Lectio
“Judge me, Yahweh, for I have been walking in my innocence, and by hoping in Yahweh, I will not be weakened. Examine me, Yahweh, and test me: enkindle my temperament and my heart.”  (Psalm 24:1-2) (more…)

Lectio Divina for 27 September 2024

Lectio

“Free Israel, O God, from all his tribulations.” (Psalm 24:22) (more…)

Lectio Divina for 26 September 2024

Lectio

“The troubles of my heart have been multiplied. Deliver me from my needfulness.” (Psalm 24:17) (more…)

Lectio Divina for 25 September 2024

Lectio

“My eyes are ever toward Yahweh, for He will pull my feet from the snare.” (Psalm 24:15)

Meditatio

The psalmist’s eyes are constantly fixed on the Lord, symbolising unwavering trust and focus. As Christians, we are called to fix our eyes on Christ, the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). By keeping our gaze on Jesus, we remain steadfast in times of trial and temptation, knowing that He leads and strengthens us.

In this verse, snares represent the traps of sin, temptation, and spiritual danger. In Christ, we have the perfect Saviour who rescues us from the snares of the evil one. Through His sacrifice on the Cross, Jesus broke the bonds of sin and death, offering us freedom. We can trust Him to deliver us from any spiritual or moral dangers we face.

When we meditate on this passage, we recognise that it is Christ who protects us and frees us from the snares of sin, as long as we keep our focus on Him.

Oratio

Lord Jesus Christ, I keep my eyes fixed on You. You are my strength and my deliverer. In times of trial and temptation, when snares surround me, I trust that You will pull me to safety. Help me to remain vigilant and focused on You, knowing that You alone can deliver me from the traps of sin and evil. Lead me on the path of righteousness, and let my heart rest in Your protection.

Contemplatio
In silence, contemplate Christ as the one who frees you from the snares of sin. Imagine yourself caught in a trap, and Christ reaching down to pull you out with His loving hands. Rest in the assurance that, as long as you keep your gaze fixed on Him, no snare can hold you captive. Let this truth bring peace and confidence to your soul.

Actio

Throughout the day, consciously turn your attention back to the Lord when you face temptation or difficult situations. Keep your spiritual eyes on Him.

In moments of prayer, ask the Holy Spirit to show you any “snares” in your life—whether it be sinful habits, distractions, or spiritual dangers—and trust in Christ to deliver you.

Strengthen your trust in God by reading Scripture regularly, keeping your heart aligned with His will, and remembering His power to save.

In Christ, we find protection, guidance, and freedom from all that would lead us astray. Let your heart be constantly focused on Him, and He will keep your feet safe from every trap.

Lectio Divina for 24 September 2024

Lectio

“O Yahweh, remember Your compassion and Your mercies, which are from ages past. Do not remember the offenses of my youth and my transgressions. Remember me according to Your mercy, because of Your goodness, O Yahweh.” (Psalm 24:6-7)

This passage is a humble plea for God’s mercy, acknowledging past sins and seeking forgiveness. It reflects deep trust in Yahweh’s eternal compassion and goodness. (more…)

Lectio Divina for 23 September 2024

Lectio

“O Yahweh, demonstrate Your ways to me, and teach me Your paths. Direct me in Your truth, and teach me. For You are God, my Saviour, and I remain with You all day long.” (Psalm 24:4-5) (more…)

Lectio Divina for 22 September 2024

Lectio
“To you, Yahweh, I have lifted up my soul. In you, my God, I trust. Let me not be put to shame.” (Psalm 24:1-2)

This psalm is a cry of trust and surrender to the Lord. David lifts up his soul in a gesture of complete reliance on God, expressing faith that God will not allow him to be disgraced or abandoned.

Meditatio

“To you, Yahweh, I have lifted up my soul.” This is an act of offering and surrender. Lifting up one’s soul means entrusting our deepest self to God—our thoughts, desires, and emotions. It’s a movement of turning everything we are over to Him.

“In you, my God, I trust.” Trust in God is foundational to the Christian life. This is an act of placing our confidence in God’s care and providence. David declares that he finds security and hope in the Lord alone.

“Let me not be put to shame.” Shame here refers to being abandoned or disappointed in hope. David asks God to be faithful to His promises, to protect him from disgrace, and to show His power and love in his life.

As we meditate, we recognise our own need to trust in God, lifting up our souls to Him and asking for protection from all that would cause us shame or disgrace.

Oratio

O Lord, I lift up my soul to You. I trust in Your mercy and Your faithfulness. Do not let me be put to shame; do not let my hope in You be in vain. Strengthen my faith, especially in times of trial, and let me always rely on Your goodness. I surrender myself to You, knowing that You will not abandon me. Amen.

Contemplatio
Sit in silence before God, imagining yourself lifting your soul up to Him. Allow your heart to rest in the security of His presence. Contemplate His faithfulness and the trust you can have in Him. Let go of any fear or anxiety, resting in the assurance that God will never put you to shame. Simply be with Him, trusting in His love and care.

Actio

Surrender any area of your life where you are struggling to trust God fully. Lift it up to Him in prayer, offering your soul into His hands.

When you face moments of doubt or fear, remind yourself of this psalm: “In you, my God, I trust.” Repeat this verse as an act of faith.

Live confidently in the knowledge that God will not abandon you or allow you to be put to shame, trusting in His constant care and protection.

This passage invites us to lift up our souls to the Lord in complete trust, knowing that He is faithful and will never allow those who rely on Him to be disgraced. Place your hope in Him, and trust in His unfailing love.

(Guest author)

Lectio Divina for 21 September 2024

Lectio
“Lift up your gates, you princes, and be lifted up, eternal gates. And the King of Glory shall enter. Who is this King of Glory? Yahweh who is strong and powerful; Yahweh powerful in battle. Lift up your gates, you princes, and be lifted up, eternal gates. And the King of Glory shall enter. Who is this King of Glory? Yahweh of virtue. He himself is the King of Glory.” (Psalm 23:6-10) (more…)

Lectio Divina for 20 September 2024

Lectio

“Who will ascend to the mountain of Yahweh? And who will stand in His holy place? The innocent of hands and the clean of heart, who has not received his soul in vain, nor sworn deceitfully to his neighbour. He will receive a blessing from Yahweh, and mercy from God, his Saviour.” (Psalm 23:3-5) (more…)

Lectio Divina for 19 September 2024

Lectio

“You have prepared a table in my sight, opposite those who trouble me. You have anointed my head with oil, and my cup, which inebriates me, how brilliant it is! And your mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and so may I dwell in the house of Yahweh for length of days.” (Psalm 22:5-6) (more…)

Please pray for peace and safety in the Holy Land. (info)