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ePray | Lectio Divina: Ep. 73 Renewal
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ePray | Episode 73| September 28, 2026
Lectio Divina: Renewal
With Naomi Van De Visch – Youth for Christ Canada
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Lectio Divina: Renewal
Date: September 28, 2026
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:16
Naomi Van De Visch
Part 1: Inward Focus
Welcome everyone. For the month of September, we have been exploring the theme of “Renewal”. We reflected that when we hope in the Lord, He will renew our strength (Isaiah 40:29-30). We trusted that when we confess our sins, He will “renew a steadfast Spirit in [us]” (Psalms 51:10). We rejoiced because God’s compassion is new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-24). Today we will find hope in the fact that the Holy Spirit is working in us to renew us.
The scripture passage for today is 2 Corinthians 4:16:
“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.”
Holy Spirit, we come to you today in many different states. Some of us are refreshed and excited about the ministry year, but some of us feel weary and are losing heart. Holy Spirit, quiet our hearts so we can hear from you. Encourage us through your word.
Before we reflect on our passage, pray this breath prayer with me.
Breath in, “Holy Spirit.”
Breath out, “Renew me.”
Do this a few more times on your own.
[pause and breath]
Let’s read our passage again together slowly:
“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” 2 Corinthians 4:16
2 Corinthians chapter 4 is bookended with this powerful statement, “we do not lose heart.”
The word “therefore” points to the reasons we do not lose heart. The rest of this passage reminds us that we do not lose heart in ministry because God’s power is revealed through our weakness, through jars of clay. We don’t lose heart in ministry because in our weakness and dying, people are being given life in Christ.
What does that look like for you? Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the reason that you should not lose heart in your ministry. Thank Him for what He reveals to you.
pause
Let’s read our passage again:
“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” 2 Corinthians 4:16
“The Greek verb for renew means ‘to make new again’ (ana + kainoo).” The Holy Spirit is working in us to renew us day by day. Just like going to the gym each day builds muscles, “suffering in the Christian life produces muscles that become a permanent part of our spiritual physique.” (IVP New Testament Commentary Series)
How have you seen the Holy Spirit renew you day by day? How has suffering built your spiritual muscles and strengthened your faith? Praise God for His work in your life.
pause
Part 2: Outward Focus
As we reread this passage, can you think of a loved one or young person in your life who is losing heart and needs to hear this word of encouragement?
“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” 2 Corinthians 4:16
As you have that person in your mind’s eye, pray that they would not lose heart, but would experience God working through their weaknesses.
pause
Pray that they would be renewed day by day by the Holy Spirit, first through salvation and then renewal of their minds. (Romans 12:2)
pause
As you enter into your day, may the Holy Spirit renew you and encourage your heart. May you see His hand at work in your weakness.
Part 2: Closing Prayer
We will close with an ancient prayer for God’s peace and protection as we entrust ourselves into His care.
O God,
from whom all holy desires, all good counsels,
and all just works do proceed:
give to your servants that peace
which the world cannot give;
that our hearts may be set to obey your will;
and that we, being defended from the fear of our enemies,
may pass our time in rest and quietness;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.