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- Wrap Yourself in Scripture #2 ~ The Bible: “A Pharmacy Open to All Souls”
The Bible is: “A pharmacy open to all souls….with remedies just right for your cases.”
A PharmacyDid you know the Bible offers a “pharmacy open to all souls” with remedies for your worries and troubles? Saint Basil the Great tells us this and more. Join us today to learn how WRAP – the acronym for Lectio Divina- can help you discover the medicine just right for your body, soul, and spirit. (Scroll Down to Listen.)
WRAP – Simplified Guide to Lectio Divina- The WRAP acronym stands for Write, Reflect, Apply, and Pray.
- It’s a simplified guide for the practice of Lectio Divina, which Christians have used in prayer since the third century.
- Pope Benedict XVI recommended Lectio Divina for all: If it is effectively promoted, this practice will bring to the Church – I am convinced of it – a new spiritual springtime. … Lectio Divina should therefore be increasingly encouraged, also through the use of new methods, carefully thought through and in step with the times. It should never be forgotten that the Word of God is a lamp for our feet and a light for our path (cf. Ps 119[118]:105). (International Congress on Dei Verbum (9- 16-2005).
Four Stages of Prayer- The four stages of prayer described by Rev. Mark Thibodeaux (The Armchair Mystic) include: . Talking at God, Talking to God, Listening to God speak to your heart –through reading & reflecting on Scripture daily, Resting in God’s presence, enjoying His company.
- Take the Self-report Prayer Survey in WRAP Yourself in Scripture, 4th Edition, by Karen & Lawrence Dwyer, or download the bookmark from WRAPYourselfinJoy.com.
St. Basil the Great- “The Holy Spirit composed the Scriptures so that in them, as in a pharmacy open to all souls, we might each of us be able to find the medicine suited to our own particular illness…and in the Books of Psalms we can find… remedies just right for their cases.” (Spidlik, T., & Drake, P. (1993). Drinking from the Hidden Fountain: A Patristic Breviary, Liturgical Press.)
- He reminds us that the Lord, encountered through the passages of Scripture, heals our cases.
- Cases can refer to problems, worries, anxieties, rejection, and much more.
Personal Application- Grab a pen and a small, inexpensive notebook and call it your WRAP Journal, plus your Bible.
- Select a Scripture passage WRAP with Psalm 103: 1-13 again.
- Go to a quiet place to be alone for 10 minutes.
- Pray, ask, and open your heart for God. Begin your prayer of thanksgiving. Acknowledge that the Lord is with you. Thank Jesus, that He wants to speak to your heart today through Scripture. Pray, Come, Holy Spirit, and enlighten my mind to Your truth.”
- Spread out the W R A P in your journal over at least one page.
- Download the template bookmark from the website WRAPyourselfinJOY.com and practice WRAP.
Five Part Series- Part 1 Hearing God’s Voice
Books- Download Bookmarks from the podcasts: WrapYourselfinJOY.com
- Check out more podcasts here!
- Find Karen’s books:
- Wrap Yourself in Scripture: A Guide to Lectio Divina, Fourth Edition
- Wrap Yourself in JOY: Find the Joy and Fight the Fear
- Esther for Such a Time as This: Prayer, Reversals & Joy
- Nehemiah: Rebuilding Hope & Joy in Your Life
The post Wrap Yourself in Scripture #2 ~ The Bible: “A Pharmacy Open to All Souls” appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.
14 min - Wrap Yourself in Scripture ~ Hearing God’s Voice
WRAP fosters a personal two-way conversation with your heavenly Father through prayer and Scripture.
Hearing God’s VoiceHave you heard from God today? He wants to speak to you. Are you listening? Join the podcast this week and learn how to hear from God and “WRAP yourself in Scripture.” (Scroll Down to play the Podcast.)
Two-Way ConversationYou can have a personal two-way conversation with your heavenly Father. He wants to speak to you. Begin today to practice the original WRAP method for reading, reflecting on, and hearing God’s voice in Scripture with author Karen Dwyer. Karen, with husband Larry, created the WRAP acronym and the book WRAP Yourself in Scripture in 2009, and now it’s in a NEW 4th edition. We will cover these points:
Method Promoted by the Church Fathers- WRAP is based on the principles of Lectio Divina (pronounced Lect-see-oh Di-vee-na), an ancient, yet rediscovered, method of reading, reflecting on, and praying Scripture.
- The Catechism of the Catholic Church describes Lectio Divina as a method “where the Word of God is so read and meditated on that it becomes prayer” (CCC 1177). This method has been practiced for centuries by the Desert Fathers, the Benedictines, the Carmelites, and various Doctors of the Church, including St. Gregory the Great, St. Jerome, St. John of the Cross, and St. Teresa of Avila, among others.
Defined by the Catechism- The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines Christian prayer as “a covenant relationship between God and Man in Christ” (CCC 2564). Inherent in this relationship is a two-way conversation.
- The Second Vatican Council points out: “In the sacred books [of Scripture] the Father who is in heaven comes lovingly to meet his children and talks with them” (Dei Verbum 21).
WRAP – Simplified Guide to Lectio Divina- Lectio Divina is Latin for “divine reading” of Scripture. It is much more than simply perusing the chapters of Scripture as if reading a novel or a newspaper or reading a history book.
- The Latin word lectio means deeply consuming a reading.
- The four steps of WRAP is a simplified version of Lectio Divina, which includes lectio, meditatio, oratio, and contemplatio in the original Latin.
WRAP, the Acronym- WRAP is an Acronym that stands for:
- W=WRITE the verse(s) down when the words jump out to you.
- R = REFLECT or meditate on the words, reread them, mutter them, and imagine the meaning in dialogue with Jesus.
- A=APPLY by continuing to ask the Lord if there is an application and response.
- P= PRAY & PRAISE, by making the verse your prayer. Praise the mighty name of Jesus your Savior, God your Heavenly Father, and the Holy Spirit, your Guide
- Enhance your joy by cultivating a deeper relationship with God.
Download the template and 14 Days of WRAP bookmark from my website WRAPyourselfinJOY.com and start by practicing WRAP with Psalm 103: 1-13.
Four Part Series coming- Part 2 The Bible: “A Pharmacy Open to All Souls”
- Part 3 Holy, Heavenly Meditation
Books- Download Bookmarks from the podcasts: WrapYourselfinJOY.com
- Check out more podcasts here!
- Find Karen’s books:
- Wrap Yourself in Scripture: A Guide to Lectio Divina, Fourth Edition
- Wrap Yourself in JOY: Find the Joy and Fight the Fear
- Esther for Such a Time as This: Prayer, Reversals & Joy
- Nehemiah: Rebuilding Hope & Joy in Your Life
Cup of Joy- Consider hosting a weekly one-hour Cup of Joy small group study with friends. It’s free, and I will send you a study guide for discussion and Scripture reflection that accompanies each podcast. To learn more or sign up for free materials, Go to:
CUP of JOY Women or Gathering.The post Wrap Yourself in Scripture ~ Hearing God’s Voice appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.
18 min - Wrap Yourself in Scripture #4 ~ Tips for Hearing God Every Day
WRAP can lead you to hear Jesus Christ with a personal message just for you.
Tips for Hearing God Every DayHave you ever thought, “Can I really hear from God every day?” The answer is, “Yes, you can!” But you have to pause. WRAP can help you hear Jesus Christ with a personal message meant just for you. With WRAP, you’ll discover that God’s Word is truly alive and that He wants to speak to you. But you have to pause and make room for Him. Being faithful in reading and praying the Word of God will transform your life forever! Join us today and discover the tips you need to hear from God every day, pausing for a message specifically for you. (Scroll Down for Podcast.)
Practical Council in the Holy SpiritFr. John Horn, in the foreword of our book, WRAP Yourself in Scripture, says, “WRAP provides a way of receiving practical counsel in the Holy Spirit and a new, intimate relationship with Jesus and the Father. This method of prayer will awaken your inner desire to become more and more ‘filled with all the fullness of God’” (Ephesians 3: 19). Today, we will cover these tips for hearing God every day, pausing, and being ‘filled with all the fullness of God.”
How Much Time Does WRAP Take?- You can follow this method for as little as 10 minutes or much longer.
- For example, you could take your Bible and journal with you to WRAP in Adoration.
Where should I WRAP?- Try to pause for a few minutes every day to practice WRAP.
- To pause means to intentionally slow down and step away from the chaos of daily life.
- Spiritually, it’s more than just taking a break; it means you take time to be with God in prayer-a time free of distractions, to pray and connect to His peaceful presence.
- Go to a place where you can be alone to pray and listen for God’s voice; you may simply shut the door.
What Supplies Do I need for WRAP?- You will need an empty notebook to use as your journal, a pen or pencil and of course, your Bible.
- Keep a zippered notebook or tote bag that holds these supplies so you will have them handy
How do I Select Verses for WRAP?- Choose a section from a daily or Sunday Mass reading.
- You could choose a Psalm.
- Choose a passage that’s about 5 to 10 verses.
How do I Begin?- Close your eyes and picture in your mind that the Lord is sitting with you, and you can sense his loving, sustaining presence.
- Offer a simple prayer of thanksgiving and invite the Holy Spirit to guide and speak to you.
Personal Application- Grab a pen and a small, inexpensive notebook and call it your WRAP Journal, plus your Bible.
- Turn to Psalm 27 in your Bible and WRAP with it.
Four Part Series- Part 1 Hearing God’s Voice
- Part 2 The Bible: “A Pharmacy Open to All Souls”
- Part 3 Holy, Heavenly Meditation
Part 4 Tips for Hearing God Every DayBooks- Download Bookmarks from the podcasts: WrapYourselfinJOY.com
- Check out more podcasts here!
- Find Karen’s books:
- Wrap Yourself in Scripture: A Guide to Lectio Divina, Fourth Edition
- Wrap Yourself in JOY: Find the Joy and Fight the Fear
- Esther for Such a Time as This: Prayer, Reversals & Joy
- Nehemiah: Rebuilding Hope & Joy in Your Life
Cup of Joy- Consider hosting a weekly one-hour Cup of Joy small group study with friends. It’s free, and I will send you a study guide for discussion and Scripture reflection that accompanies each podcast.
- CUP of JOY Women or Gathering small group and to sign up.
The post Wrap Yourself in Scripture #4 ~ Tips for Hearing God Every Day appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.
16 min - Wrap Yourself in Scripture #3 ~ Holy, Heavenly Meditation
WRAP with the “Four M’s of Christian Mediation” will guide you in Prayer and Reflection
Meditation & WRAPHave you ever wondered if meditation could really be part of prayer? It can! Meditation on Scripture can bring you into a two-way conversation with God. Join us today to learn how to approach the Word of God with Holy Heavenly Meditation and prayer, guided by WRAP. (Scroll Down for Podcast.)
Distinctions Among Prayerful Meditation and Other FormsThere is a big distinction between prayerful Biblical meditation and other forms of meditation. Eastern or New Age meditations have an inward focus on the deepest self. Biblical meditation, on the other hand, brings us into a closer encounter with God and His presence around Scripture. We will cover the “Four M’s of Christian Meditation” and these points:
Straightforward and Uncomplicated WRAP- Christian meditation “engages thought, imagination, emotion, and desire” (CCC 2708).
- You speak to God from your thoughts, feelings, and desires as you contemplate the message in the verse.
- What does it mean for the way you act, live, and treat others?
The Bible Encourages Meditation- Joshua 1: 8: “You shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to act in accordance with all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall be successful
- Psalm 1: 1-2: Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path that sinners tread, or sit in the seat of scoffers; but their delight is in the law of the Lord.
- Psalm 119: 97 Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long.
- Luke 2: 10: Mary treasured all these words [the words from God] and pondered them in her heart.
The Old Testament Hebrew Words translated “Meditation”- HÂGÂH, translated “meditate,” means “to murmur or mutter or to repeat over and over,” “to ponder,” and “to deeply imagine” God’s word.
- SIYACH means to meditate upon, study, ponder, to talk, to speak aloud, and even to sing.
The 4 M’s of Meditation- MULL OVER means positively pondering and intensely considering the meaning of the verse.
- MUTTER means repeating the verse and words aloud and to yourself in order to chew them.
- MENTALLY IMAGINE means to put yourself in a scene as you read it.
- MEMORIZE comes easily after mulling over, muttering, and mentally picturing the verse or verses.
Personal Application- Grab a pen and a small, inexpensive notebook and call it your WRAP Journal, plus your Bible.
- Turn to Psalm 1: 1-6 in your Bible and WRAP with it.
Five Part Series- Part 1 Hearing God’s Voice
- Part 2 The Bible: “A Pharmacy Open to All Souls”
- Part 3 Holy, Heavenly Meditation
Books- Download Bookmarks from the podcasts: WrapYourselfinJOY.com
- Check out more podcasts here!
- Find Karen’s books:
- Wrap Yourself in Scripture: A Guide to Lectio Divina, Fourth Edition
- Wrap Yourself in JOY: Find the Joy and Fight the Fear
- Esther for Such a Time as This: Prayer, Reversals & Joy
- Nehemiah: Rebuilding Hope & Joy in Your Life
Cup of Joy- Consider hosting a weekly one-hour Cup of Joy small group study with friends. It’s free, and I will send you a study guide for discussion and Scripture reflection that accompanies each podcast.
- CUP of JOY Women or Gathering small group and to sign up.
The post Wrap Yourself in Scripture #3 ~ Holy, Heavenly Meditation appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.
17 min - Wrap Yourself in Scripture #2 ~ The Bible: “A Pharmacy Open to All Souls”
The Bible is: “a pharmacy open to all souls….with remedies just right for your cases.”
A PharmacyDid you know the Bible offers a “pharmacy open to all souls” with remedies for your worries and troubles? Saint Basil the Great tells us this and more. Join us today to learn how WRAP – the acronym for Lectio Divina- can help you discover the medicine just right for your body, soul, and spirit. (Scroll Down to Listen.)
WRAP – Simplified Guide to Lectio Divina- The WRAP acronym stands for Write, Reflect, Apply, and Pray.
- It’s a simplified guide for the practice of Lectio Divina, which Christians have used in prayer since the third century.
- Pope Benedict XVI recommended Lectio Divina for all: If it is effectively promoted, this practice will bring to the Church – I am convinced of it – a new spiritual springtime. … Lectio Divina should therefore be increasingly encouraged, also through the use of new methods, carefully thought through and in step with the times. It should never be forgotten that the Word of God is a lamp for our feet and a light for our path (cf. Ps 119[118]:105). (International Congress on Dei Verbum (9- 16-2005).
Four Stages of Prayer- The four stages of prayer described by Rev. Mark Thibodeaux (The Armchair Mystic) include: . Talking at God, Talking to God, Listening to God speak to your heart –through reading & reflecting on Scripture daily, Resting in God’s presence, enjoying His company.
- Take the Self-report Prayer Survey in WRAP Yourself in Scripture, 4th Edition, by Karen & Lawrence Dwyer, or download the bookmark from WRAPYourselfinJoy.com.
St. Basil the Great- “The Holy Spirit composed the Scriptures so that in them, as in a pharmacy open to all souls, we might each of us be able to find the medicine suited to our own particular illness…and in the Books of Psalms we can find… remedies just right for their cases.” (Spidlik, T., & Drake, P. (1993). Drinking from the Hidden Fountain: A Patristic Breviary, Liturgical Press.)
- He reminds us that the Lord, encountered through the passages of Scripture, heals our cases.
- Cases can refer to problems, worries, anxieties, rejection, and much more.
Personal Application- Grab a pen and a small, inexpensive notebook and call it your WRAP Journal, plus your Bible.
- Select a Scripture passage WRAP with Psalm 103: 1-13 again.
- Go to a quiet place to be alone for 10 minutes.
- Pray, ask, and open your heart for God. Begin your prayer of thanksgiving. Acknowledge that the Lord is with you. Thank Jesus, that He wants to speak to your heart today through Scripture. Pray, Come, Holy Spirit, and enlighten my mind to Your truth.”
- Spread out the W R A P in your journal over at least one page.
- Download the template bookmark from the website WRAPyourselfinJOY.com and practice WRAP.
Five Part Series- Part 1 Hearing God’s Voice
- Part 2 The Bible: “A Pharmacy Open to All Souls”
- Part 3 Holy, Heavenly Meditation
Books- Download Bookmarks from the podcasts: WrapYourselfinJOY.com
- Check out more podcasts here!
- Find Karen’s books:
- Wrap Yourself in Scripture: A Guide to Lectio Divina, Fourth Edition
- Wrap Yourself in JOY: Find the Joy and Fight the Fear
- Esther for Such a Time as This: Prayer, Reversals & Joy
- Nehemiah: Rebuilding Hope & Joy in Your Life
Cup of Joy- Consider hosting a weekly one-hour Cup of Joy small group study with friends. It’s free, and I will send you a study guide for discussion and Scripture reflection that accompanies each podcast.
- CUP of JOY Women or Gathering small group and to sign up.
The post Wrap Yourself in Scripture #2 ~ The Bible: “A Pharmacy Open to All Souls” appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.
13 min - Wrap Yourself in Scripture #1 ~ Hearing God’s Voice
Have you heard from God today? He wants to speak to you.
Hearing God’s VoiceHave you heard from God today? He wants to speak to you. Are you listening? Join the podcast this week and learn how to hear from God and “WRAP yourself in Scripture.” (Scroll Down to play the Podcast.)
Two-Way ConversationYou can have a personal two-way conversation with your heavenly Father through prayer and Scripture. Begin today to practice the original WRAP method for reading, reflecting on, and praying Scripture with Karen Dwyer, the author with husband Larry, who created the WRAP acronym and book WRAP Yourself in Scripture© with Imprimatur in 2005, (originally published by IPF Publications) and now in its Fourth Edition. We will cover these points: (Click on the LINK BELOW to play Podcast.)
Method Promoted by the Church Fathers- WRAP is based on the principles of Lectio Divina (pronounced Lect-see-oh Di-vee-na), an ancient, yet rediscovered, method of reading, reflecting on, and praying Scripture.
- The Catechism of the Catholic Church describes Lectio Divina as a method “where the Word of God is so read and meditated on that it becomes prayer” (CCC 1177). This method has been practiced for centuries by the Desert Fathers, the Benedictines, the Carmelites, and various Doctors of the Church, including St. Gregory the Great, St. Jerome, St. John of the Cross, and St. Teresa of Avila, among others.
Defined by the Catechism- The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines Christian prayer as “a covenant relationship between God and Man in Christ” (CCC 2564). Inherent in this relationship is a two-way conversation.
- The Second Vatican Council points out: “In the sacred books [of Scripture] the Father who is in heaven comes lovingly to meet his children and talks with them” (Dei Verbum 21).
WRAP – Simplified Guide to Lectio Divina- Lectio Divina is Latin for “divine reading” of Scripture. It is much more than simply perusing the chapters of Scripture as if reading a novel or a newspaper or reading a history book.
- The Latin word lectio means deeply consuming a reading.
- The four steps of WRAP is a simplified version of Lectio Divina, which includes lectio, meditatio, oratio, and contemplatio in the original Latin.
WRAP, the Acronym- WRAP is an Acronym that stands for:
- W=WRITE the verse(s) down when the words jump out to you.
- R = REFLECT or meditate on the words, reread them, mutter them, and imagine the meaning in dialogue with Jesus.
- A=APPLY by continuing to ask the Lord if there is an application and response.
- P= PRAY & PRAISE, by making the verse your prayer. Praise the mighty name of Jesus your Savior, God your Heavenly Father, and the Holy Spirit, your Guide
- Enhance your joy by cultivating a deeper relationship with God.
Personal Application- Grab a pen and a small, inexpensive notebook and call it your WRAP Journal, plus your Bible.
- Select a Scripture passage.
- Go to a quiet place to be alone for 10 minutes.
- Pray, ask, and open your heart for God. Begin your prayer of thanksgiving. Acknowledge that the Lord is with you. Thank Jesus, that He wants to speak to your heart today through Scripture. Pray, Come, Holy Spirit, and enlighten my mind to Your truth.”
- Spread out the W R A P in your journal over at least one page.
- Download the template and 14 Days of WRAP bookmark from my website WRAPyourselfinJOY.com and start by practicing WRAP with Psalm 103: 1-13.
Links
- Download Bookmarks from the podcasts: WrapYourselfinJOY.com
- Check out more podcasts here!
- Find Karen’s books:
- Wrap Yourself in Scripture: A Guide to Lectio Divina, Fourth Edition
- Wrap Yourself in JOY: Find the Joy and Fight the Fear
- Esther for Such a Time as This: Prayer, Reversals & Joy
- Nehemiah: Rebuilding Hope & Joy in Your Life
Cup of Joy- Consider hosting a weekly one-hour Cup of Joy small group study with friends. It’s free, and I will send you a study guide for discussion and Scripture reflection that accompanies each podcast.
- CUP of JOY Women or Gathering small group and to sign up.
The post Wrap Yourself in Scripture #1 ~ Hearing God’s Voice appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.
18 min - A Joyful Advent Journey #7 ~ The Presentation: Anna & Simeon Show the Way to Consolation & Joy
The Presentation in the Temple Painting by Philippe de Champaigne, 1648
Are you seeking more joy at this time? Join our podcast at the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. Anna and Simeon will show you how to find joy and consolation today and everyday.
At the TempleWelcome to Advent JOY Podcast #7, based on my book The Joy Of Advent: Journey With The People, Events, and Prayers At The First Coming Of Jesus Christ. Today, we travel with Mary and Joseph to the Temple and the Presentation of the Lord. There we meet Anna and Simeon for this very special event. We will cover the following points:
Circumcised, Redeemed, and Purified (Luke 2: 21-23)- At the time of Jesus’ birth, the Old Testament Mosaic Law required every firstborn Jewish male to be circumcised at 8 days after birth
- The naming of the baby took place at the same time as the circumcision.
- Mary and Joseph by divine appointment knew what the Child was to be called. And so “He was named Jesus” which means the Lord saves- the name told to both Mary and Joseph via an angel (Luke 1: 30 and Matthew 1: 20).
Jesus Came to Fulfill All the Law (Luke 2: 23-24)- Now, forty days after Jesus’ birth, Joseph and Mary again follow the Mosaic Law for the Presentation of Jesus in the temple and Mary’s Purification. In Matthew 5:17, Jesus said He came to “fulfill the law,” which begins at His birth.
- For Mary’s Purification, the sweet Blessed Mother of humble means offers “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons,” which Leviticus 12: 8 prescribed for a new mother who could not afford a sheep to offer.
The Presentation or Redemption of Jesus (Luke 2: 25-38)- This “redemption of the firstborn” meant that the parents redeemed Jesus or bought Him back from God. Isn’t it amazing that almost 33 years later, it would be Jesus who would pay the price for our redemption by dying on the cross?
- The Church celebrates the Presentation of the Lord on February 2 every year. The readings also appear near December 29th during the Christmas season.
Simeon & AnnaAlthough their lives differed, Simeon and Anna had much in common.
- Both Simeon and Anna were described as deeply spiritual people. They loved the Lord, practiced their faith, and did not allow themselves to become bitter or decrepit with the times.
- Both were “senior citizens” active in serving God. Pope Francis says of the Presentation: It is a meeting between the young, who are full of joy in observing the Law of the Lord, and the elderly who are full of joy in the action of the Holy Spirit. It is a unique encounter between observance and prophecy, where young people are the observers and the elderly are prophets! (The Feast of the Presentation, Vatican, 2-2-2014).
- Both knew the Scriptures.
- Both believed in the Scriptures and were looking for the Messiah. Bible scholars and theologians say Jesus has fulfilled at least 300 Old Testament prophecies.
- Both were looking forward with HOPE. The words looking for indicate they were actively waiting for the Savior with hope.
- Both worshiped, prayed, and adored God. Their eyes went more to God than to the news of the day. That brought consolation.
- The Spirit of God guided both.
- Both Simeon and Anna recognized the Messiah.
- Both received Jesus and were changed.
- Both Simeon and Anna received a message about Jesus from the Holy Spirit, and they shared it.
Simeon’s Prayer – The Nunc Dimittis Reflects Isaiah’s Prophecies (Luke 2: 29-32)- Simeon’s prayer is one of the Church’s great prayers, or canticles (little songs). It is called the Nunc Dimittis because v. 29 in the Latin translation of the Bible begins with the words “Nunc Dimittis,” which means “now dismiss your servant.” In other words, Simeon was saying to the Lord, “Now I am ready to die; you can dismiss me, Lord; I have seen the Savior.”
- Every evening, all priests, religious, and laypeople who pray the Liturgy of the Hours pray the Nunc Dimittis prayer.
- Today and every day, you can pray the Nunc Dimittis from Luke 2: 29-30.
Personal Reflection & ApplicationWhy not spend some time with these verses of Luke 2?
- Reflect on the lives of Simeon & Anna who practiced their faith, were filled with joy in the Holy Spirit, knew the Scriptures, looked for the Savior in hope, praised and adored the Lord daily, were guided by the Holy Spirit, recognized the Messiah, received Jesus and were changed plus shared the message of Jesus with others. Ask the Lord how you can be filled with Holy Spirit as they were.
- Using your holy imagination, see yourself receiving Jesus from Mary’s arms as Simeon did.
- Look into the face of Jesus and give Him your shame and sadness.
- In exchange, receive His Love and JOY. Jesus has come for YOU. You will be consoled.
- Like Anna, praise God because you have seen the Savior of the World. He has come to give You JOY. In John 15: 11, Jesus says he gives you His joy that “your joy may be complete.”
- Receive peace & consolation. Luke 2: 14 says Jesus comes to give Peace on earth, good will toward to ALL. He has come to give you peace so pause and receive His peace and His comfort.
A Joyful Advent Journey~ The Seven-Part SeriesA Joyful Advent Journey #1 ~ The JOY of Zechariah: God Answers Prayer You will meet Zechariah, Elizabeth, the Blessed Virgin and…- A Joyful Advent Journey #2 ~ The Annunciation & Nothing is Impossible with God. Join Gabriel as He visits Mary and reminds us that nothing is impossible with God…
A Joyful Advent Journey #3 ~ The Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth & Sharing Joy We travel with Mary down the 90-mile road from Nazareth to the Hill Country…- A Joyful Advent Journey #4 ~ The Birth of John the Baptist & Joyous Benedictus Prayer Zechariah teaches us to seek God in stillness. His son John is born;his muteness leaves and he sings the joyous Benedictus prayer.
- A Joyful Advent Journey #5 ~ Joseph Takes Mary for His Wife & Joyously Accepts God’s Plans! Joseph shows us how God can help us most when we exchange our plans for His!
- A Joyful Advent Journey #6~ Jesus Christ is Born – Join the Chorus of Angels & Shepherds You will receive more joy and peace as you too worship the Savior.
- A Joyful Advent Journey #7 ~ The Presentation: Anna & Simeon Show the Way to Consolation & Joy Recognize the Savior, praise Him and receive His Joy and consolation.
Cup of JOY WomenConsider forming a weekly one-hour Cup of Joy Women’s small group-you will meet for seven weeks. Brief study guides accompany this podcast series, and you can begin anytime. It’s free!
- Pray about accepting this opportunity to engage others and gently evangelize by meeting with one or more friends over coffee or tea in your home or church.
- For information, email me or go to Cup of Joy Women.
MOREFor bookmarks or prayer points from A Joyful Advent Journey Podcast, go to: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com.
Check out more podcasts here!
Click here for the Advent book: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ.
Other Joy Books by Karen.
The post A Joyful Advent Journey #7 ~ The Presentation: Anna & Simeon Show the Way to Consolation & Joy appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.
17 min - A Joyful Advent Journey #6 ~ Jesus Christ is Born – Join the Chorus of Angels & Shepherds
Adoration of the Shepherds painting by Domenico Zampiere, 1610
Jesus Christ is BornJoin us today for the birth of Jesus and meet the Angels and the Shepherds who have a lot to share. Uniting your heart with the Angel’s Gloria and the Shepherd’s praises will help you receive more JOY and peace.
Looking for More JOY and Peace? Join our Trek to BethlehemWelcome to Advent JOY Podcast #6, based on my book The Joy Of Advent: Journey With The People, Events And Prayers At The First Coming Of Jesus Christ. Today, we return to the book of Luke. There we join Blessed Mary and Joseph on their 80-mile journey to Bethlehem. When they arrive, they find it crowded with people, who like Mary and Joseph, had come at the command of Caesar Augustus.
Join us today for these points:
No Home for the Creator of Creation (Luke 2: 1-7)- Jesus would be born in Bethlehem, in the City of David, as prophesied by the Old Testament prophet Micah over 700 years earlier and recorded in Micah 5: 1-3.
- Emperor Caesar Augustus, a master bookkeeper and statistician, likely wanted to keep track of his subjects and kingdom by public enrollment.
- Joseph had to go to Bethlehem, as he was a descendant of King David. Mary went along too – she may have been required to register, or Joseph wanted her with him.
- Bishop Fulton J. Sheen explains: Joseph “searched in vain for a place where He, to Whom heaven and earth belonged, might be born. Could the Creator not find a home in creation? … A stable would be the last place in the world where one would have looked for Him. Divinity is always where one least expects to find it. (Life of Christ, 1958, p. 13-24.
- Jesus, God Incarnate and the Savior of the World was born and then tightly wrapped in bands of cloth by his mother, Mary, and laid in a manger where animals ate.
The Good News (Luke 2: 8-11)- The angel’s message of “Good News” is summarized (v. 10-11): “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the
- We can say with assurance that Jesus is our Savior, who delivers us from sin and makes us right with God. He is our Messiah, the anointed one who will reign as KING forever.
The Fields Outside of Bethlehem (Luke 2: 12-20)- Amazingly, God chooses shepherds—the little, the lowly, the less important of the world (1 Corinthians 1: 28), but also calls himself a shepherd (e.g., “I am the Good Shepherd,” John 10:11). In Ezekiel 34:12-16, God describes himself as one who “shepherds right.” He tends sheep, rescues them, leads them, gives them rest, brings back the lost, binds up the injured, and heals the sick.
- Jesus is our Shepherd: If at times you feel “lowly,” please know that Christ is YOUR Savior and Shepherd. He came for you! You are His little lamb, and He loves you.
- Some shepherds around Jerusalem took care of the temple lambs used in the temple sacrifices. Shepherds would wrap lambs born without blemish in swaddling cloths and place them away from the others (e.g., Leviticus 4-5). Amazingly, the shepherds caring for the temple lambs used for sin offerings would be the first to recognize Jesus Christ, who came as our sin offering forever!
The Angel’s Gloria and the Shepherds Praises (Luke 2: 14-20)- We find two beautiful choruses in Luke 2:14-20. First, there’s the Angel’s “Gloria” (v. 14), which is so-called because the first word in St. Jerome’s Latin translation is “Gloria.”
- This song of the angels proclaims peace to a world that needs peace as we do now. Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; the peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid” (John 14:27, NABRE). The only place of true peace is in Jesus; today, we must remind ourselves of this. We can join the angels in praise: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, goodwill toward all.”
- The second chorus includes the shepherds’ praises (v. 20). They praised God for the good news from the angel and the song of the heavenly host of angels. From them, we learn that praising God for His goodness is a wonderful way to evangelize and get other’s attention on our Savior.
Mary Treasured and Pondered God’s Words (Luke 2: 19)- Mary “treasured and pondered” these things in her heart.
- She gives an example for us in treasuring, pondering, and delighting in the things God has revealed, especially because we have God’s Word in Scripture.
Personal Reflection & ApplicationTry to put yourself in the scenes with Mary, Jesus, the angels, and the shepherds. Then in prayer:
- Praise God for sending Jesus, like the angels and shepherds did.
- Make a “manger” for Jesus in your heart by inviting Him to be your Savior and Lord?
- Receive the true joy and peace that Jesus offers? Just ask and take time to receive.
- Treasure God’s Word in your heart like Mary did? Ask Jesus to help you do this. Start by reading Luke 2.
Related Posts – The Seven-Part Series ~ A Joyful Advent JourneyA Joyful Advent Journey #1 ~ The JOY of Zechariah: God Answers Prayer You will meet Zechariah, Elizabeth, the Blessed Virgin and…- A Joyful Advent Journey #2 ~ The Annunciation & Nothing is Impossible with God. Join Gabriel as He visits Mary and reminds us that nothing is impossible with God…
A Joyful Advent Journey #3 ~ The Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth & Sharing Joy We travel with Mary down the 90-mile road from Nazareth to the Hill Country…- A Joyful Advent Journey #4 ~ The Birth of John the Baptist & Joyous Benedictus Prayer Zechariah teaches us to seek God in stillness. His son John is born;his muteness leaves and he sings the joyous Benedictus prayer.
- A Joyful Advent Journey #5 ~ Joseph Takes Mary for His Wife & Joyously Accepts God’s Plans! Joseph shows us how God can help us most when we exchange our plans for His!
- A Joyful Advent Journey #6~ Jesus Christ is Born – Join the Chorus of Angels & Shepherds You will receive more joy and peace as you too worship the Savior.
- A Joyful Advent Journey #7 ~ The Presentation: Anna & Simeon Show the Way to Consolation & Joy Recognize the Savior, praise Him and receive His Joy and consolation.
LinksCup of JOY & Free Materials. A Cup of Joy small group study accompanies each podcast series. All materials are FREE. Read more on hosting a CUP of JOY Women or Cup of JOY Gathering small group.
For bookmarks or prayer points from A Joyful Advent Journey Podcast, go to: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com.
Check out more podcasts here!
Click here for the Advent book: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ.
Other Joy Books by Karen.
The post A Joyful Advent Journey #6 ~ Jesus Christ is Born – Join the Chorus of Angels & Shepherds appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.
17 min - A Joyful Advent Journey #5 ~ Joseph Takes Mary for His Wife & Joyously Accepts God’s Plans!
“The Dream of St. Joseph” Painting by Anton Raphael Mengs, 1773
A Joyful Advent JourneyToday, we travel with Matthew’s Gospel and hear of Joseph’s dream to take Mary as his wife and how he accepts God’s plan joyfully. Mary and Joseph changed their plans often as they listened to God. They show us an example of leaning into God’s plan not our own. Join the podcast today as we hear of an angel sent to Joseph in a dream and learn how God can help us most when we exchange our plans for His!
The Family Record (Mathew 1: 1-7, 16-17)- So, we start with Matthew 1. At the time of Jesus, families kept a genealogical record (or family tree) to distribute inherited property and other rights under Jewish laws.
- Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI points out that Matthew 1 is not a perfect historical account that includes every single member of the ancestry of Jesus Christ, saying: ”This was not Matthew’s goal.“ (Jesus of Nazareth: The Infancy Narratives, 2012, p. 8).
- Matthew wrote to appeal to the Jews by placing Jesus first and foremost as the Son of Abraham—the Patriarch and Father of Israel promised as part of an everlasting covenant with God (Genesis 17: 6-7), and as the Son of David—the priestly King of Israel, whose ancestors were prophesied to reign forever (2 Samuel: 7:13).
Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba in the Lineage of Jesus- Jewish lineages, at the time of Christ, usually did not contain names of women. Christ’s ancestry lists five women in Matthew 1. Of course, we would expect the Blessed Virgin Mary to be named. But there were four others listed—Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba who came from foreign ancestry or had a reputation for immorality that could have disqualified them from inclusion in the lineage of Jesus Christ. All were Gentile women who turned away from immoralities or idolatries to become faithful to God in their circumstances.
- Even if your past life or “family tree” seems dishonorable, Jesus offers you forgiveness, grace, mercy, and a new beginning when you turn to Him. You are part of the family of God, and every day you can have a new life in Christ. Hebrews 2: 11: G”od is not ashamed to call them [or you] brothers and sisters.”
- Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI wrote on the deeper meaning of the genealogies of Jesus and said:“[T]hose who believe in Jesus enter through faith into Jesus’ unique new origin, and they receive this origin as their own…Joseph did not beget Jesus but was truly born of the Holy Spirit from the Virgin Mary, so it can now be said of us that our true ‘genealogy’ is faith in Jesus who gives us a new origin and …to birth ‘from God” (Jesus of Nazareth, p. 12-13).
Found with Child (Matthew 1: 18-25)- Dreams were a common way God communicated with His people in the Old Testament. Joseph did not hesitate in his response to the angel in the dream. He trusted God to work everything out. He willingly exchanged his plans for God’s plans. We could say he leaned into God’s plans.
- Joseph, from the tribe of Judah and the house of David, a carpenter by trade, became the legal head of this precious family (Abbott Ricciotti, The Life of Christ, 1947). Joseph is a role model to families—looking for God’s plans and leaning into them. This was the beginning of Joseph’s mission for life. Some have said it this way, Joseph was born for this vocation — to be the father of Jesus and Mary’s most chaste spouse. Like Mary, Joseph said “yes” to his vocation. His entire happiness was in knowing what God wanted him to do and carrying it out to the end ( Fernandez, Conversation with God, Vol. 1, 1997). He was devoted to God and his family.
Personal Reflection & Application- Lean into God’s Plans. Can you picture Joseph’s perplexity when his plans suddenly changed? He was likely building the house, planning the wedding, or earning extra money for the marriage, but he was unprepared to hear Mary’s announcement. Then God gave him more direction through an angel in a dream. He leaned in the changes. You can ask yourself: Am I open to changing my plans to fit God’s plan? Talk to Jesus about how you can stay open to God’s plans. What changes will you lean into?
- Accept Your Place in God’s Family. If you feel unworthy or unqualified to be part of God’s family, remember Tamar, Rahab, and Ruth. These women changed direction to follow God, joined God’s family, and are part of the lineage of Jesus. It is not too late to come to God. Ask Jesus to forgive you and your family. Ask him to help you change directions. And your family too. Then do what he tells you.
Related Posts – The Seven-Part Series ~ A Joyful Advent JourneyA Joyful Advent Journey #1 ~ The JOY of Zechariah: God Answers Prayer You will meet Zechariah, Elizabeth, the Blessed Virgin and…- A Joyful Advent Journey #2 ~ The Annunciation & Nothing is Impossible with God. Join Gabriel as He visits Mary and reminds us that nothing is impossible with God…
A Joyful Advent Journey #3 ~ The Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth & Sharing Joy We travel with Mary down the 90-mile road from Nazareth to the Hill Country…- A Joyful Advent Journey #4 ~ The Birth of John the Baptist & Joyous Benedictus Prayer Zechariah teaches us to seek God in stillness. His son John is born;his muteness leaves and he sings the joyous Benedictus prayer.
- A Joyful Advent Journey #5 ~ Joseph Takes Mary for His Wife & Joyously Accepts God’s Plans! Joseph shows us how God can help us most when we exchange our plans for His!
LinksCup of JOY & Free Materials. A Cup of Joy small group study accompanies each podcast series. All materials are FREE. Read more on hosting a CUP of JOY Women or Cup of JOY Gathering small group.
For bookmarks or prayer points from A Joyful Advent Journey Podcast, go to: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com.
Check out more podcasts here!
Click here for the Advent book: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ.
Other Joy Books by Karen.
The post A Joyful Advent Journey #5 ~ Joseph Takes Mary for His Wife & Joyously Accepts God’s Plans! appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.
15 min - A Joyful Advent Journey #4 ~ The Birth of John the Baptist & Joyous Benedictus Prayer
The Birth of John the Baptist: “Zachariah wrote, His Name is John”
Join our Advent journey today as Zechariah teaches us to seek God in stillness. His son John is born and he sings a joyous prayer.
Celebration at Zechariah’s HomeThe Scriptures invite us to a celebration at Zechariah’s home. It’s the circumcision and naming of his newborn boy. You can picture yourself as one of the neighbors who has come to help name the baby boy born to the old priest Zechariah and his aged wife, Elizabeth. What would you say? Maybe this:
“The boy is a miracle baby! What a blessing from the Lord for Elizabeth! Shockingly, Zechariah has been mute since the last time he went up to serve in the temple. I wonder if you will ever recover his speech.”
Today, we will cover these points.
The Circumcision and the Sacrament of Baptism (Luke 1: 56-59)- The neighbors come to celebrate the birth and help with the circumcision.
- Circumcision is a rite by God under the Old Covenant, usually performed on the 8th day after birth. It was a mark on a male and a sign that he was in covenant with God, sanctified for divine service, and a member of the Jewish people.
- Under the New Covenant, circumcision is not a religious ritual for us (Galatians 5: 6).
- The circumcision ritual is similar to the Sacrament of Baptism, celebrated with family, friends, and godparents.
- For the Christian, baptism is a sign one belongs to Christ, is united with Him in His death, and is incorporated into the Church (Hahn, Catholic Bible Dictionary).
The Neighbors Want to Name the Baby Zechariah (Luke 1: 60-66)- Zechariah confirms that His name is JOHN.
- Immediately, Zechariah’s mouth was open, and his tongue was freed.
Zechariah’s Silent Retreat Results in Joyous Benedictus Blessings (Luke 1: 67-79)- Zechariah grew in faith, peace, and trust in stillness with God.
- Benedictus means Blessed be...the Lord.
- Zechariah’s prophecy is called a canticle, which means “little song”- a liturgical song from a Biblical text.
- Most importantly, he thanks God for the promises to be fulfilled in the Messiah and for His Son John, who would go before the Lord to prepare His way, to give knowledge of salvation to his people by forgiving their sins.
Personal Reflection & Application- Seek God in stillness. It was in Zechariah’s stillness with God for 9 months that helped him sort out who God really is, and how much God loved him and his people.
- Prayer. Choose a quiet morning or evening during Advent. Turn off all media and be present with the Lord in adoration, prayer, and Scripture. Sit with God and LISTEN. You may find a new vision, peace, and a deeper relationship with God – the one He wants with you.
- Let God redeem you. If you are living in any darkness or carrying baggage, Jesus wants to carry your baggage, forgive your sins, and give you peace. Trust him today.
- Prayer. You can pray the Benedictus every day this week. “By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace…”
Related Posts – The Seven-Part Series ~ A Joyful Advent JourneyA Joyful Advent Journey #1 ~ The JOY of Zechariah: God Answers Prayer You will meet Zechariah, Elizabeth, the Blessed Virgin and…- A Joyful Advent Journey #2 ~ The Annunciation & Nothing is Impossible with God. Join Gabriel as He visits Mary and reminds us that nothing is impossible with God…
A Joyful Advent Journey #3 ~ The Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth & Sharing Joy We travel with Mary down the 90-mile road from Nazareth to the Hill Country…- A Joyful Advent Journey #4 ~ The Birth of John the Baptist & Joyous Benedictus Prayer Zechariah teaches us to seek God in stillness. His son John is born;his muteness leaves and he sings the joyous Benedictus prayer.
- A Joyful Advent Journey #5 ~ Joseph Takes Mary for His Wife & Joyously Accepts God’s Plans! Joseph shows us how God can help us most when we exchange our plans for His!
- A Joyful Advent Journey #6~ Jesus Christ is Born – Join the Chorus of Angels & Shepherds You will receive more joy and peace as you too worship the Savior.
- A Joyful Advent Journey #7 ~ The Presentation: Anna & Simeon Show the Way to Consolation & Joy Recognize the Savior, praise Him and receive His Joy and consolation.
LinksCup of JOY & Free Materials. A Cup of Joy small group study accompanies each podcast series. All materials are FREE. Read more on hosting a CUP of JOY Women or Cup of JOY Gathering small group.
For bookmarks or prayer points from A Joyful Advent Journey Podcast, go to: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com.
Check out more podcasts here!
Click here for the Advent book: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ.
Other Joy Books by Karen.
The post A Joyful Advent Journey #4 ~ The Birth of John the Baptist & Joyous Benedictus Prayer appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.
14 min
About Wrap Yourself in Joy Podcast
From the publisher's feed
Join award-winning speaker, teacher, and author Karen Dwyer as we search for joy. We will explore how to find true JOY, awaken JOY, defeat JOY Busters, and create a JOY-filled prayer life – from a…
Christian perspective, a Biblical Perspective, and a Catholic perspective. We will especially focus on God‘s love and truth and what we can do to be filled with more JOY.