We begin our prayer…
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Enlighten, O God of compassion, the hearts of your children, sanctified by penance, and in your kindness grant those you stir to a sense of devotion a gracious hearing when they cry out to you. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Reading (Lectio)
Read the following Scripture two or three times. 1 Timothy 6:6-10, 17-19
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9 Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs… 17 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19 In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age.”
Meditation (Meditatio)
After the reading, take some time to reflect in silence on one or more of the following questions:
- What word or words in this passage caught your attention?
- What in this passage comforted you?
- What in this passage challenged you?
Contemplation (Contemplatio)
Read the scripture passage again, followed by this reflection:
How does this passage connect with the experience of your daily life?
“Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”
Have you ever known anyone who wandered from the faith? Was money involved?
Do you consider yourself “rich in good deeds”?
How do you picture laying up treasure for the coming age?
Prayer (Oratio)
Read the scripture passage one more time. Bring to the Lord the praise, petition, or thanksgiving that the Word inspires in you.
Complete this time by reciting the Lord’s Prayer and the following:
Closing Prayer:
“Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn” Psalm 37:4-6