Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: June 14, 2024

Date: Friday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture Text:  1 Kings 19:9a, 11-16

At the mountain of God, Horeb, Elijah came to a cave, where he took shelter. But the word of the LORD came to him, "Go outside and stand on the mountain before the LORD; the LORD will be passing by."

A strong and heavy wind was rending the mountains and crushing rocks before the LORD—but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake—but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake there was fire—but the LORD was not in the fire. After the fire there was a tiny whispering sound. When he heard this, Elijah hid his face in his cloak and went and stood at the entrance of the cave.

A voice said to him, "Elijah, why are you here?" He replied, "I have been most zealous for the LORD, the God of hosts. But the children of Israel have forsaken your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to the sword. I alone am left, and they seek to take my life." The LORD said to him, "Go, take the road back to the desert near Damascus. When you arrive, you shall anoint Hazael as king of Aram. Then you shall anoint Jehu, son of Nimshi, as king of Israel, and Elisha, son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah, as prophet to succeed you."

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The first reading today is drawn from 1 Kings and relates the prophet Elijah’s encounter with the LORD at a cave. The most notable part of the encounter is that the LORD comes not in the powerful wind or showy fire but in a whispering sound. We are reminded that we may be missing the LORD’s power and presence at work in our lives because we’re looking for the wrong things.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

How do I recognize the LORD’s presence in my life?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, Beloved Son, Most Holy Spirit, You are with me always, regardless of where I am or what I am doing. Every day and everywhere, You are there. Help me to not only remember this, LORD, but to rely upon it, to rely upon You. Grant that I may seek your guidance and your grace, follow where You lead me, go where You send me knowing that I do not go alone because You have promised to be with me. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.