When I was in seminary in New Orleans in the 1970s, we had a unique arrangement with the Catholic seminary down the street. They sent their priests over to learn how we preached, and we sent our people over to learn how they counseled.
It was a fascinating experience, and it gave me a deep respect for the Catholic Church.
Lately, I’ve started using the lectionary in my own prayer time. It’s been a great way to feel like I’m praying with Christians all over the world.
I think you might find it helpful too. Please join me in approaching your prayer time in this manner.
(1) Read through the Bible passages in the lectionary. The lectionary can be found here:
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/022725.cfm
(2) Focus your attention on God. Wait until you have centered your thoughts on God before you pray.
(3) Use one or more of the verses in the lectionary to give content and meaning to your prayer.
Reading 1 – Sirarch 5:1-8
Rely not on your wealth;
say not: “I have the power.”
Rely not on your strength
in following the desires of your heart. (Sirarch 5:1)
Faced with a looming war against four neighboring kingdoms, King Ahaz of Judah, rather than trusting God, placed his confidence in the nation’s water supply to withstand a siege.
Isaiah’s message to him was clear: abandon reliance on personal strength as Sirarch counsels.
If you do not stand firm in faith,
you shall not stand at all. (Isaiah 7:9)
One time while preaching, I saw two little boys, hidden beneath a pew, playing with their army men. They were completely lost in their own world, oblivious to my sermon.
That image became a vivid reminder of how often we attend church with internal battles raging, making it difficult to hear God’s voice.
If prayer feels like a struggle today, perhaps there’s a conflict within you. Like Isaiah advised, and as the Sirarch text confirms, give your worries to God and trust in Him.
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 1:1-4, 6
After a time of prayer, it’s common for our awareness of God’s presence to fade as we engage with the day. Psalm 1 provides practical guidance, urging us to keep God’s teachings and the insights gained in prayer at the forefront of our thoughts.
Their delight is in the law of the Lord,
and on his law they meditate day and night. (Psalm 1:2)
Ask God to keep a sense of His presence and guidance in your mind throughout the day.
Alleluia – 1 Thessalonians 2:13
We also constantly give thanks to God for this, that when you received the word of God that you heard from us you accepted it not as a human word but as what it really is, God’s word, which is also at work in you believers (1 Thessalonians 2:13).
For centuries, people have used the Bible to pray because they recognize it as God’s Word and its powerful effect for those who believe.
Gospel – Mark 9:41-50
“If any of you cause one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for you if a great millstone were hung around your neck and you were thrown into the sea” (Mark 9:42).
The readings for today offer a dual message. First, we are reminded not to place our trust in material possessions, personal power, or physical strength.
Second, they urge us to show compassion for God’s ‘little ones’—the vulnerable, the outsiders, those on the margins, and all who depend on His love and care.
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Welcome to my blog! For those who are new, Rudy Ross, Bruce Kirby, and I produce daily video content. Today’s study is Genesis 21. In this chapter, we focus on God’s expression of love toward Ishmael when he is sent away by Abraham.
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