For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me, yet I cannot say which I will choose. I am hard pressed between the two: my desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better,  but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for you.  Since I am convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in faith, so that, by my presence again with you, your boast might abound in Christ Jesus because of me. Only, live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that, whether I come and see you or am absent and hear about you, I will know that you are standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel  and in no way frightened by those opposing you. For them, this is evidence of their destruction but of your salvation. And this is God’s doing.  For he has graciously granted you the privilege not only of believing in Christ but of suffering for him as well,  since you are having the same struggle that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.

Scripture Readings for the Week

Monday: 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Tuesday: Ecclesiastes 12:13

Wednesday: 1 Corinthians 10:3

Thursday: 1 Peter 4: 7-11

Friday: Philippians 3:12-14

Morning Prayer: Holy God, you have brought me to another day. Whatever lies before me, let me embrace both possibility and challenge with faith and hope, glorifying you in all I say and do.

Evening Prayer:  Merciful God, I look back on this day and lay both success and failure at your feet. Forgive me of my errors and give me restoration as I sleep so that, when I wake, I may live more fully loving you with all my heart and loving my neighbor as myself. 

Steps for Reading Scripture Using Lectio Divina

1. Lectio: Read the text slowly and prayerfully, listening for the word that God has prepared for you. 

2. Meditatio: Read it again. When a word or phrase strikes you, rest with it. Allow it to speak, reflecting on what it means to you.

3. Oratio: Pray. Enter into a loving conversation with God. How is God speaking to you through this word of phrase?

4. Contemplatio: Release the word or phrase and read the text once more. Rest in God’s presence; God’s transforming embrace. Contemplation is not your action or doing, but allowing God to act within you.