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Welcome to day five of our week of Lenten meditations using the ancient technique of reading scripture called divine reading (Lectio Divina).  Using Lectio Divina, we let go of our own agendas and open ourselves to the word of God.

I invite you to share God’s word on you on your blog and then post it on this linky tools page.  When you share your devine reading, I enter you in the drawing to win a free copy of Praying Scripture for a Change - in introduction to Lectio Divina by Dr. Tim Gray.

THURSDAY
Scripture reading:  Matthew 7:15-23
Meditation starter:  Satan will always try to block our pathway to God.
Lectio Divina:  There are four steps to Lectio Divina.  Follow them as you prepare your blog post.

1. Lectio (read) – Gently read the Word of God, slowly and reflectively so that it sinks into us.

2. Meditatio (reflect) – Think about the text and ruminate upon it so that we take from it what God wants to give us.

3. Oratio (response) – Leave our thinking aside and simply let our hearts speak to God. This response is inspired by our reflection on the Word of God.

4. Contemplatio (rest) – Let go not only of our own ideas, plans and meditations but also of our holy words and thoughts. We simply rest in the Word of God. We listen at the deepest level of our being to God who speaks within us with a still small voice. As we listen, we are gradually transformed from within.

My Lectio Devina of Matthew 7:15-23

Jesus told us to “beware of false prophets.”  A prophet is Who are the false prophets, those who claim to speak in the name of God?  How can I tell if I am authentic Christian so that I do not myself become a false prophet?

Jesus said that “every good tree bears good fruit and a rotten tree bears bad fruit.”  His admonition provides an objective standard to identify false prophets:  my own deeds.  It is my deeds that show my intent.  When my intent is against the will of God, my deeds (fruit) are rotten.  I spoil my life when I allow temptation to poison my intent.  Even worse, others around me can be spoiled by my deeds.  I risk damnation because “Every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.”

To ensure my deeds are pure, I must prayerfully discern the will of God for me because Jesus said that ”not everyone will enter the kingdom of heaven” but that “only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.”

When I claim to do something in God’s name but my intent is to further my own glory, then I am a false prophet.  However, when my intent is to glorify God, then my deeds are imbued with the power of the Holy Spirit because in these moments, I am with God.  I am a true disciple.

Tagged: Bible, Catholic, Christianity, Lectio Divina, Prayer, Protestant, scripture