Guided Prayer Exercise: Calling
Breathe
Settle into your chair or a comfortable position and take a deep breath–in and out. Spend a few moments breathing. Notice your body’s rhythm; sense where you might be holding tension. Breathe in and breathe out, releasing those muscles. Release that tension, stress, or worry to Jesus. If to-do lists, concerns for the day, anxiety, or responsibilities ill your mind in the silence, offer them up as a prayer asking Jesus to hold all those things and that he will draw near to you.
Meditate
When you are ready, read today’s passage from the Gospel of Luke. What word or phrase stands out to you? What image comes to mind as you reflect on the scripture? Jot them down in your journal or pause and sit with them for a few moments. Ask the Lord what they might be communicating to you.
Are there any similarities or connection between the paralyzed man and Levi/ Matthew? Why does Levi/Matthew respond to Jesus’ call to follow him by throwing a great banquet? Where are the Pharisees and the disciples in the story’s action–looking through the window or seated at the banquet?
Pray
Reflect on The Calling on Matthew by Carpaccio. Listen.
We thank you, heavenly Father, for the witness of your apostle and evangelist Matthew to the Gospel of your Son our Savior; and we pray that, after his example, we may with ready wills and hearts obey the calling of our Lord to follow him; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
