SIMPLE40 - DAY 28 - Where Growth Begins
- Katie Donahue
- Mar 20
- 5 min read
Yesterday, I introduced Lectio Divina...a simple, beautiful way to pray with Scripture and grow closer to God. Today, let’s gently step into the practice itself.
The best way to learn Lectio Divina is not by overthinking it, but by doing it. This is how we become people who do not just hear the Word, but are transformed by it. The goal is not perfection, it is relationship. It is allowing God to speak to you through His living Word.
Begin by finding a quiet, comfortable place. Take a moment to settle your body and invite the Holy Spirit to guide you. Start with a short passage from one of the Gospels as they are familiar, accessible, and deeply personal. As you practice, you will notice the rhythm of this prayer begin to flow naturally.
The 4 Steps of Lectio Divina
1) Lectio (Read) Read the passage slowly and prayerfully. You may want to read it more than once (three times is a helpful rhythm). Pay attention to any word or phrase that stands out to you as this is often where God is inviting you to pause.
2) Meditatio (Meditate) Stay with the word or phrase that caught your attention. Turn it over in your heart. Ask: What is God saying to me through this? How does this meet me in my life right now?
3) Oratio (Pray) Respond to God. Speak to Him honestly and simply about what stirred within you. Share your thoughts, your desires, your questions. Then make space to listen.
4) Contemplatio (Contemplate) Rest in God’s presence. No striving, no words...just being with Him. Let His love do the work within you.
Contemplative prayer is the simple expression of the mystery of prayer. It is a gaze of faith fixed on Jesus, an attentiveness to the Word of God, a silent love. It achieves real union with the prayer of Christ to the extent that it makes us share in his mystery. ~CCC 2724
There is a simplicity to Lectio Divina, but it is not shallow. This kind of prayer is deeply fruitful. Whether you practice it daily, weekly, or when you can, what matters most is that you enter in.
Do what is fruitful. Not what is easy. Not what is ideal. But what you will actually do.
As you begin, you may even pair this time with slow, intentional breathing, allowing your body to rest as your soul listens.
spiritual Begin to prepare for Mass on Sunday by reading the Gospel, John 11:1-45. Use the Lectio Divina method to prayerfully read and ponder. Place yourself in the scene, notice the emotions, the waiting, the sorrow, and the hope. Where do you see yourself in this story? What is Jesus speaking into your life right now?
Let this not just be preparation for Sunday, but an invitation to deeper trust.
Even in moments that feel delayed or uncertain, God is always at work, often in ways we cannot yet see.
Living in this digital age has made it easire than ever to engage in prayer. I highly recommend the "Discerning Hearts" podcast or "Pray as You Go" for guided Lectio Divina. Their reflections can gently lead you into a deeper encounter with Scripture and help you stay rooted in a rhythm of listening and responding.
Give it a try.
Stay with it.
And watch what begins to grow.
Words of Wisdom...
Lent is not the spiritual Olympics. It’s not about doing what’s hard. It’s about doing what’s fruitful. And a fruitful Lent is one which will lead you to a deeper understanding of your weakness and your need for Jesus. It’s one which will draw you closer to Him. And it’s one in which you will have united your prayers, sacrifices and sufferings to His, taking seriously your role as His co-worker in the redemption of the world. (Colossians 1:34; 1 Corinthians 3:9). ~Emily Stimpson Chapman
self Sometimes I feel like I need a reminder... just breathe.
So…pause for a moment. Take a slow, deep breath in…and gently let it out.
If you feel even a little lighter, you are not imagining it. Breathing is one of the most simple and powerful ways to care for your body and calm your mind. It is always available to you, quietly supporting you in the background of your day.
The average person takes millions of breaths each year, but most of them are shallow and rushed. Today is an invitation to be a little more intentional. Even a few slow, deep breaths can shift your nervous system, helping you feel more grounded and present.
If you want to try something structured, there are different breathing practices you can explore. Box breathing is simple and can be done anywhere. Another option is the Wim Hof method, which is more intense and better suited for a quiet, intentional setting.
When I first tried it, I was surprised...both by how challenging it felt at the beginning and by how quickly my body responded. Over time, deeper breathing became easier, almost like my lungs were remembering how they were meant to work. The result was a sense of calm and energy at the same time.
Today, keep it simple: 40 minutes of intentional movement and then return to your breath. Let it anchor you. Box Breathing - Appropriate for grocery store check out lines Wim Hof - best done at home!
service This weekend, step into something a little more intentional, and a little more human.
Think of someone you have not connected with in a while. Not a quick text, not a social media comment, but real, attentive presence. Then take the next step: call them or make plans to see them in person.
As you enter into that conversation, keep this at the center:
Be fully present (no multitasking)
Listen more than you speak
Let your words be gentle, encouraging, and life-giving
This is an act of love. A small but powerful way to serve another by reminding them they are seen, known, and not alone.
Who came to mind as you read this?
Don’t overthink it. Reach out.
simple recipe EMERIL'S SHRIMP SCAMPI Over the years, our family has come to love many of Emeril Lagasse's recipes. This is another quick and easy Lenten recipe that always gets great reviews and is highly requested throughout the year in our house. Serve with a salad and Emeril's recipe for garlic bread. 1 pound large (16-20 count per pound) shrimp peeled and deveined 2 teaspoons Essence (yesterday's recipe) 2 teaspoons olive oil 1⁄4 cup unsalted butter 1 1⁄2 tablespoons minced garlic 1 tablespoon capers crushed 1⁄2 cup dry white wine 1⁄4 cup fresh lemon juice 1⁄4 teaspoon salt 1⁄8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1⁄2 pound cooked linguini 3-4 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves Directions Toss the shrimp in a medium bowl with the Essence. Place the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of the butter in a large skillet over high heat. Add the shrimp and spread them out evenly in the skillet. Cook for 2 minutes and quickly turn the shrimp. Add the garlic and capers to the pan and cook for 30 seconds. Add the wine, lemon juice, and remaining 2 tablespoons of the butter to the skillet and cook for 1 1/2 minutes. Season the shrimp with the salt and pepper and add the pasta, tossing to coat well. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the parsley. Serve hot.
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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