The Living Podcast
A simple rhythm for everyday life, the living podcast.
Each episode guides you through an ancient practice of prayer called Lectio Divina — a way of listening to God through Scripture that has shaped the Church for centuries.
This isn’t about rushing to insight or information.
It’s about creating space to be with God… and to listen.
Each day includes:
- A brief invitation and practice of presence.
- Four movements through a short passage of Scripture.
- Quiet moments for reflection and prayer.
- A closing blessing to carry with you into your day.
You can listen in the morning, during a commute, or in the evening as you wind down. There’s no right way to do this — just come as you are.
The Living Podcast
Day 36 of Lent - Lectio Divina on Matthew 26:39
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Welcome back to The Living, a space created to help you encounter God in your everyday life, be with Him, and find life right where you are. Today is Wednesday, March 25th, and we are coming near the end of our Linton journey. This week we've stepped back into the Garden of Gethsemane with Jesus. We've seen that this was a place that he was accustomed to going. We've seen the people that he decided to bring with him, and today we come to the center of the moment, the pressure he's carrying, the agony he's going through, the weight of all that's to come, and the prayer that Jesus prays in response to it all. As we prepare for today's lectio practice, I simply want to invite you to take a deep breath. Maybe this is the first time you've taken a nice quality deep breath all day. Wherever you are, whether you're at home or in a car or on a walk, go ahead and take that deep breath. And gently exhale. Remind yourself today, I am here and so is God. Today's scripture comes from Matthew twenty-six, verse thirty-nine. Jesus steps a little further into the garden. Now he's alone in prayer. Today, as always, we'll work through four movements. We'll read, reflect, respond, and then simply rest. On this first reading of the text, I simply invite you to listen, no pressure to analyze or try to get something right. Just listen. Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me, yet not as I will, but as you will. Ask Holy Spirit to highlight for you what needs to be highlighted. Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed. My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me, yet not as I will, but as you will. But part of this prayer stands out to you. As I read this passage again, this is an opportunity to respond. Listen for the invitation. You might ask, what feels heavy in my life right now? What am I struggling to surrender? Where do I need to trust God more deeply? Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed. My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me, yet not as I will, but as you will. Bring your response honestly before God. Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me, yet not as I will, but as you will. Take a few moments to rest in the presence of a good father. What I love about this is in this moment, Jesus doesn't hide the struggle. He gets honest about it. If it's possible, let this cup pass from me. What Jesus is teaching me today is that this is not a weak faith, this is honest faith. He brings the full weight of what he is carrying into the presence of the Father. And he doesn't stop there. He prays, yet not as I will, but as you will. Surrender is not pretending that something is easy, but it is trusting God, even when it's not. Let's pray together. Father, you see the weight that all of us carry. Teach us to come to you honestly. Not when everything is solved, but in the middle of the questions, in the middle of the doubt. Help us trust you more deeply. Not our will but yours be done. We pray this in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen. Today, may you go in his presence, rest in his love. This is the living. We'll continue tomorrow.