Weekly Lectio Divina Meditation, January 19-25, 2026.
Lectio Divina Meditation: Facing Our Giants with Faith
From Heath Garcia, Spiritual Director of Archangel Ministries
Dear brothers and sisters in service—active duty military, combat veterans, wounded warriors, and your families—welcome to this week's Lectio Divina meditation for January 19-25, 2026. As we gather in this group setting, whether in person or virtually, let's remember that Archangel Ministries is here to support you through spiritual guidance, drawing on the protection of the archangels, such as St. Michael, patron of warriors.
This week, in the Second Week of Ordinary Time, our readings from 1 Samuel remind us of David's courage in battle, a story that echoes the trials many of you have faced on the front lines.
Lectio Divina is an ancient practice of divine reading: we read Scripture (Lectio), reflect on it (Meditatio), respond in prayer (Oratio), and rest in God's presence (Contemplatio).
Today, we'll focus on a passage from Wednesday's reading (January 21, Memorial of St. Agnes), 1 Samuel 17:32-33, 37, 40-51—the story of David facing Goliath. This narrative speaks directly to themes of courage, trust in God amid overwhelming odds, and the battles we fight, both external and internal. I'll guide us through each step, with time for sharing in the group.
Let's begin with a moment of silence to invite the Holy Spirit.
Opening Prayer: Heavenly Father, like David before Goliath, we come before You facing our own giants—wounds of war, memories of combat, family strains from service. Send Your archangels to guard us as we listen to Your Word. Amen.
The Scripture Passage: 1 Samuel 17:32-33, 37, 40-51 ~
David spoke to Saul: “Let your majesty not lose courage. I am at your service to go and fight this Philistine.” But Saul answered David, “You cannot go up against this Philistine and fight with him, for you are only a youth, while he has been a warrior from his youth.” David continued: “The LORD, who delivered me from the claws of the lion and the bear, will also keep me safe from the clutches of this Philistine.” Saul answered David, “Go! The LORD will be with you.”Then, staff in hand, David selected five smooth stones from the wadi and put them in the pocket of his shepherd’s bag. He took his sling in hand and went directly to the Philistine. The Philistine then moved to meet David at close quarters, while David ran quickly toward the battle line in the direction of the Philistine. David put his hand into the bag and took out a stone, hurled it with the sling, and struck the Philistine on the forehead. The stone embedded itself in his brow, and he fell prostrate on the ground. Thus, David overcame the Philistine with a sling and a stone; with no sword in his hand, he struck the Philistine down and killed him. David then ran and stood over him; with the Philistine’s own sword, which he drew from its sheath, he dispatched him and cut off his head. When they saw that their hero was dead, the Philistines took to flight.
Step 1: Lectio (Reading) – What Word or Phrase Stands Out? Read the passage aloud a second time. Listen for a word, phrase, or image that catches your attention—something that resonates with your experiences in service, combat, or healing. Share the word or phrase that stood out to you, without explanation yet. For example, "five smooth stones" or "the LORD will be with you." How does this echo your military journey—perhaps a moment of underestimation, like David being seen as "only a youth," or relying on simple tools in high-stakes situations?
Step 2: Meditatio (Meditation) – What Is God Saying to Me Through This? Read the passage aloud a third time. Reflect: How does this story connect to your life? David faced a giant with faith, not just skill—think of your own "Goliaths": deployment fears, PTSD, physical wounds, family reintegration, or moral injuries from combat. God delivered David from lions and bears before; what past deliverances in your service can you recall? How might God be calling you to trust Him in current battles, using what you have at hand? Veterans, how does David's courage mirror your combat experiences? Active duty, what "stones" (skills, faith, support) are you gathering now? Families, how have you supported your warrior like Saul eventually did? Wounded warriors, where do you see healing in this story?
Step 3: Oratio (Prayer) – What Do I Say Back to God? Read the passage aloud a fourth time. Now, turn your reflection into prayer. Speak to God about your giants, asking for strength, healing, or guidance. Draw on the psalm from the same day:
(Psalm 144:1-2): "Blessed be the LORD, my rock, who trains my hands for battle; my fingers for war."
Reflection Prompt (5-10 minutes): Develop a short prayer, write it down, or simply speak to the LORD. For example: "Lord, like David, help me face my invisible wounds with Your strength." Or invoke St. Michael: "St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle..." Families might pray for protection over their loved ones.
Step 4: Contemplatio (Contemplation) – Resting in God's Presence. Sit in silence for 5-10 minutes. No words—just be with God, letting the passage soak in. Imagine God as your rock in the midst of your service's storms.
(Exercise)
Briefly share any sense of peace or new insight. What action will you take this week—perhaps journaling a "past deliverance" or reaching out for support? Please post this in the reply section if comfortable
Closing Prayer:
Lord, thank You for this time in Your Word. Bless these warriors and their families with Your peace that surpasses understanding. Through the intercession of St. Michael and all archangels, guide us in our battles. Amen.
If you'd like to discuss further or need personal spiritual direction, reach out to Archangel Ministries via
@arch_ministries.
Go forth in faith—God is with you.
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Weekly Lectio Divina Meditation, January 19-25, 2026.
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