Scripture

I have always been drawn to the Word of God. Every morning and every evening I spend some time with scripture. This time of praying and listening grounds me. It makes every joyful time more profound, and eases the more difficult times. It is the one constant in my life.

Today’s first reading from Isaiah (55:10-11) makes me ponder.

“Thus says the Lord: / Just as from the heavens / the rain and snow come down / And do not return there / till they have watered the earth, / making it fertile and fruitful, / Giving seed to the one who sows / and bread to the one who eats, / So shall my word be / that goes forth from my mouth; / It shall not return to me void, / but shall do my will, / achieving the end for which I sent it.”

I have been spending time with this reading for two days. I love the imagery of the rain and snow from heaven making the earth bring forth its gifts, seed and bread. God says “just as,” so his word, as we take time to listen to it, performs the same task in us. It makes us “fertile and fruitful,” it brings forth God’s gifts in us and leads each person to do the will of God in the way that they are called to it. “It shall not return to me void;” this is the promise to the reader. God will create a work in us if we make time to listen to the word he has sent.

In my efforts to keep Lent this year, my heart has shied away from giving something up. I find that humbling, penitential moments find me. I do not have to add to the burden the world places on me to find a closeness with the Lord. Spending time with the scriptures, this is rejuvinating for me. It reassures me that I am not alone. God is with me, he speaks to me. He accompanies me on my journey.

If you haven’t yet made a committment to a lenten practice, consider spending some time with the word of God. I promise, it is worth the effort. God will nourish you with his word, just as he feeds me.

I highly recommend this source for daily prayer. It is published by Liturgical Press and is available in digital form in your app store. There are prayers to follow for the morning and evening, the daily mass readings, an article about a saint or holy person, and reflections on scripture for each day of the year. Visit www.litpress.org for more information.