SIMPLE40 - DAY 27 - Ever Ancient, Ever New
- Katie Donahue
- Mar 19
- 4 min read
As you continue moving toward a life of greater simplicity, one thing becomes clear: we do not just need less noise, we need something more true to fill the space.
That “something” is the Word of God.
After everything we have reflected on so far...your needs, your rhythms, your relationships, your interior life...it is only natural to feel a deeper desire to draw closer to God Himself. Not just to think about Him, but to truly encounter Him. And one of the most powerful ways to do that is through His Word.
There is an ancient practice in the Church called Lectio Divina, which simply means “divine reading.” Dating back to the early centuries of Christianity, this way of praying with Scripture is about listening for God's voice to grow in relationship with Him, not just studying the Word to grow in knowledge. Lectio creates space for a real, personal encounter with God, right in the middle of your ordinary life.
This kind of prayer is different from reading for information. It is slow, intentional, and deeply personal. It invites you to hear God’s voice, to sit with His words, and to allow them to gently move your heart. Over time, this encounter grows into a friendship, one that is always deepening, always unfolding, always new.
God is not silent. He is speaking through Scripture directly to you. He desires to console you, guide you, and transform you in a way nothing else can. And the beautiful thing is: you do not need to have it all figured out before you begin.
Tomorrow, we will walk step-by-step through exactly how to pray with Lectio Divina so you can enter into this conversation with God in a simple and tangible way.
I would like in particular to recall and recommend the ancient tradition of Lectio Divina: the diligent reading of Sacred Scripture accompanied by prayer brings about that intimate dialogue in which the person reading hears God who is speaking, and in praying, responds to him with trusting openness of heart. If it is effectively promoted, this practice will bring to the Church, I am convinced of it, a new spiritual springtime. ~Pope Benedict XVI
spiritual
Lord, help us to see in your Crucifixion and Resurrection an example of how to endure. - St. Teresa of Calcutta
As we continue walking through Lent, today is an invitation to draw closer to the heart of Christ, especially through His suffering.
Fridays in Lent are set apart in a special way. The Church invites us to remember the sacrifice of Jesus, not out of obligation, but out of love. One of the most powerful ways to enter into this is by praying the Stations of the Cross, walking with Him, step by step, in His Passion.
Whether you pray them at a parish, in your home, or even quietly in your heart, allow this time to be personal. Let yourself slow down. Let yourself feel. Let yourself be near to Him.
You might begin with this simple prayer:
Please, Lord, guide my mind with your truth. Strengthen my life by the humble, obedient example of Jesus. He fulfilled your will by becoming human and suffering for us. He died so that I would no longer be separated from you. Help me to follow the way of the Cross today and know that you are near. AMEN
self Are you drinking enough water?
If you have been making an effort to stay hydrated as you move throughout your day, keep going as it really does take intention. In the midst of full days, it is one of the simplest ways to care for your body well. One small habit I’ve come to enjoy is adding half a lemon to my water with a pinch of sea salt. It not only makes it more refreshing, but also supports hydration with a bit of vitamin C and natural electrolytes.
As much as I like my lemon water, I know that acidic drinks like this can affect your teeth over time. A simple fix is to swish your mouth with plain water after you finish your drink. This is an easy way to care for your oral health without overthinking it.
service A simple idea: empty your pockets.
From now until Good Friday, begin collecting your loose change each day...whatever ends up at the bottom of a purse, in the cup holder, or forgotten in the laundry.
Place it all in a jar as a quiet, daily offering.
This small, almost unnoticed habit becomes something more. It is a gentle way of saying: nothing is too small to give.
At the end of Lent, donate what you have collected to a local family in need, a food bank, or a pregnancy resource center. What feels insignificant day-to-day often becomes surprisingly abundant over time.
And yes, you may find a little extra help from teens (or husbands!) who unknowingly contribute from un-checked pockets along the way.
Simple. Hidden. Generous.
simple recipe EMERIL'S ESSENCE CREOLE SEASONING
We use this seasoning all the time! A friend gave me the recipe several years ago and we make it in bulk by at least tripling the recipe and keeping it handy to "kick things up a notch." Originally from: Emeril Lagasse 2 1⁄2 tablespoons paprika 2 tablespoons salt 2 tablespoons garlic powder 1 tablespoon black pepper 1 tablespoon onion powder 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper 1 tablespoon dried oregano 1 tablespoon dried thyme
Mix all spices together in a small glass jar and use to roast veggies or season your protein of choice.
Thank you for following along.
Please reach out to me if you have any questions or comments. katie@integratedlife.co If you are enjoying SIMPLE40, please share with a friend. Click the link to sign up. It's never too late! SIMPLE40
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