Lectio Divina: Justice and Righteousness
Date: July 7, 2025
Scripture: Jeremiah 22:3

Karen Bott

Part 1: Inward Focus

It’s Monday, July 7, and our theme for this month is Justice and Righteousness.

Our weekly reflections consist of three sections.

The first section focuses inward as we engage with Scripture. The second section emphasizes an outward focus on a young person or group for whom we feel compelled to pray.

The third focus is a closing prayer as we continue our day.

Wherever you are at this moment, I encourage you to stop what you are doing, close your eyes, and turn your heart towards the Father. Take a minute to refocus and allow the cares and worries of the day to fall away. If it helps, picture yourself laying down your tasks momentarily and accepting Jesus’ invitation to be with him.

Today’s reading is from Jeremiah 22:3:

“This is what the Lord says: Do what is just and right. Rescue from the hand of the oppressor the one who has been robbed. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place.”

Think about the meaning. God calls His people to live justly, protect the vulnerable, and avoid violence. This isn’t just a rule—it’s an invitation to live out God’s heart.  Speak to God about what this verse stirred in you. Do you feel encouraged, challenged, or confused?

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Where are you being invited to “do what is just and right”?

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Have you overlooked anyone in need whom God might be calling you to notice?

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Part 2: Outward Focus

I’ll read the Scripture a second time:

Jeremiah 22:3:

“This is what the Lord says: Do what is just and right. Rescue from the hand of the oppressor the one who has been robbed. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place.”

Think of a young person you know. In what ways might they need God’s justice,

guidance and protection right now?

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How can you pray or act to encourage them towards compassion and courage?

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Part 3: Wesleyan Covenant Prayer

We will end this time together with the Wesleyan Covenant Prayer:

I am no longer my own, but yours.
Put me to what you will, place me with whom you will.
Put me to doing, put me to suffering.
Let me be put to work for you or set aside for you, praised for you or criticized for you.
Let me be full, let me be empty.
Let me have all things, let me have nothing.
I freely and fully surrender all things to your glory and service.
And now, O wonderful and holy God, Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer, You are mine, and I am yours.
So be it.
And the covenant which I have made on earth, let it also be made in heaven.
Amen.

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