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SIMPLE40 - DAY25 - Ever Ancient, Ever New

Katie Donahue

Updated: Mar 13, 2024

It's Wednesday and that means we fast and pray for our husbands and the men in our lives to be strong spiritual leaders in our homes and in our communities. Click for more info.

As you move toward living a life of simplicity, it is important to make the Word of God a foundational part of your life. With all the topics addressed thus far, we are naturally led to a desire to grow closer to God through His Word. One way to do this is to pray in the way of Lectio Divina. Lectio Divina literally means "divine reading" and is an ancient form of prayer, dating all the way back to the 3rd century. This prayerful reading of scripture is an experience that opens your heart so you can hear God speak to you through His Word. Many saints have used this method of praying through the scriptures and have found it to be “Ever Ancient, Ever New.” Praying in this way is meant to be an individual, private encounter with God, different from anyone else. The purpose is to "listen" to the scripture rather than read it. As you “hear” it in your mind, you then meditate upon it, and contemplate it. The Word of God will ultimately transform and fulfill you in a way that nothing else can. Lectio is a dynamic process that moves you from an initial awkward acquaintance-type relationship with God to an every deepening journey of friendship. There is always something new to take away from God's Word. He is speaking to you, inspiring you, and consoling you through the scriptures. To learn the practice of Lectio Divina, you just have to do it. The actual methodology will be explained tomorrow, so hang in there! 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

Lenten 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 with us. He died so that I would no longer be separated from you. Help me to feel how close you are and to live in union with you. AMEN

 

self Are you drinking enough water? If you have been working on increasing your water intake, I am proud of you! It takes intentional effort to stay hydrated. One thing I enjoy is taking half a lemon and pressing it into my water with a pinch of sea salt. This helps your body absorb properly, gives you a little vitamin C and some electrolytes as well. I just learned about the effects of acidic things, like lemon juice, on our teeth and overall oral health. Simply swish your mouth with water after finishing your drink. Give it a try!


And if you are interested in learning a lot more about the science of optimizing your oral health check out this podcast by Dr. Andrew Huberman.

 

service An idea: Empty your pockets! Every day, from now until Good Friday, collect all loose change in a jar and then donate it to a local family in need, food bank or pregnancy resource center the week following Easter. You will be surprised how much you collect, especially if you have teens (or husbands) who don't check their pockets before putting clothing in the washing machine!

 

today's 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 I am sharing this recipe today, because tomorrow's recipe calls for it! 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 Share on social Check out our site

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