Author Archives: Holy See

Lectio

Passage: “He sent from on high, and he accepted me. And he took me up, out of many waters. He rescued me from my strongest enemies, and from those who hated me. For they had been too strong for me. They intercepted me in the day of my affliction, and Yahweh became my protector.” (Psalm 17:17-19, WCV) (more…)

Lectio

Passage: “In my affliction I called upon the Lord, and I cried to my God: And he heard my voice from his holy temple: and my cry before him came into his ears.” (Psalm 17:7, DR)

Meditatio

• “In my affliction I called upon the Lord”: David acknowledges that in times of suffering and distress, his instinct is to turn to the Lord. Consider your own life—do you call upon the Lord in moments of affliction? Meditate on the importance of seeking God’s help and comfort in difficult times.
• “I cried to my God”: This phrase shows a deep, personal relationship with God. David does not just call out in a general sense but cries out to his God, indicating trust and intimacy. How personal is your relationship with the Lord? Do you cry out to Him with the confidence that He is listening?
• “And he heard my voice from his holy temple”: The assurance that God hears our prayers, even from His holy temple, is very significant. Despite the grandeur and majesty of God’s dwelling, He is attentive to the cries of His people. Meditate on the comfort and peace that comes from knowing that God listens to you.
• “My cry before him came into his ears”: This part of the verse reinforces the fact that God is not distant or indifferent. Your prayers, no matter how small or desperate, reach Him. Meditate on the significance of God being attentive to your voice and the implications for your faith and trust in Him.

Oratio

Lord, in my times of affliction, I will call upon Thee, knowing that Thou art my refuge and strength. I cry out unto Thee, my God, with confidence that my pleas come unto Thine ear, and Thou hearest me from Thy holy temple. I give thanks unto Thee for Thy constant attention and care, even when I feel overwhelmed. Strengthen my faith and help me to trust in Thy listening ear, knowing that my cries do not go unheard. May I always turn unto Thee, assured of Thy love and mercy. Amen.

Contemplatio

• Contemplate God’s Nearness: Sit in silence and meditate on the nearness of the Lord, especially in times of affliction. Imagine your cries for help rising up to His holy temple and being heard with compassion and love.
• Rest in God’s Attention: Take comfort in the knowledge that God’s ears are attentive to your every cry. Let this thought bring peace to your heart, and allow yourself to rest in the security of God’s ever-present care.

Actio

• Call Upon God in Difficult Times: Make a conscious decision to turn to God first in your moments of affliction. Trust in His ability to hear and respond to your prayers.
• Encourage Others to Pray: If you know someone who is going through a difficult time, encourage them to cry out to God. Share this verse and your reflections as a source of hope and reassurance that God hears their prayers.

Lectio

Passage: “I call to Yahweh who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my foes.” (Psalm 18:3, NJB / 17:4, DR) (more…)

Lectio

Passage: “I will love thee, O Lord, my strength: The Lord is my firmament, my refuge, and my deliverer. My God is my helper, and in him will I put my trust. My protector and the horn of my salvation, and my support.” (Psalm 17:2-3, DR) (more…)

Lectio

Passage: “From them that resist thy right hand keep me, as the apple of thy eye. Protect me under the shadow of thy wings.” (Psalm 16:8, DR) (more…)

Lectio

Passage: “I have cried to thee, for thou, O God, hast heard me: O incline thy ear unto me, and hear my words. Shew forth thy wonderful mercies; thou who savest them that trust in thee.” (Psalm 16:6-7, DR) (more…)

Lectio

Passage: “Perfect thou my goings in thy paths: that my footsteps be not moved.” (Psalm 16:5, DR) (more…)

Lectio

Passage: “Thou hast made known to me the ways of life, thou shalt fill me with joy with thy countenance: at thy right hand are delights even to the end.” (Psalm 15:11, DR) (more…)

Lectio

Passage: “I set the Lord always in my sight: for he is at my right hand, that I be not moved. Therefore my heart hath been glad, and my tongue hath rejoiced: moreover my flesh also shall rest in hope.” (Psalm 15:8-9, DR) (more…)

Lectio

Passage: “I have said to the Lord, thou art my God, for thou hast no need of my goods.” (Psalm 15:7, DR) (more…)