Wrap Yourself in Scripture #1 ~ Hearing God’s Voice

November 24, 2025 by Leave a Comment
WRAP Yourself Scripture #1 ~ Hearing God’s Voice

WRAP fosters a personal two-way conversation with your heavenly Father through prayer and Scripture.

Hearing God’s Voice

Have you heard from God today? He wants to speak to you. Are you listening? Join the podcast this week and learn how to hear from God and “WRAP yourself in Scripture.” (Scroll Down to play the Podcast.)

Two-Way Conversation

You can have a personal two-way conversation with your heavenly Father. He wants to speak to you. Begin today to practice the original WRAP method for reading, reflecting on, and hearing God’s voice in Scripture with author Karen Dwyer. Karen, with husband Larry, created the WRAP™ acronym and the book WRAP Yourself in Scripture in 2009, and now it’s in a NEW 4th edition. We will cover these points:

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Method Promoted by the Church Fathers

  • WRAP is based on the principles of Lectio Divina (pronounced Lect-see-oh Di-vee-na), an ancient, yet rediscovered, method of reading, reflecting on, and praying Scripture.
  • The Catechism of the Catholic Church describes Lectio Divina as a method “where the Word of God is so read and meditated on that it becomes prayer” (CCC 1177). This method has been practiced for centuries by the Desert Fathers, the Benedictines, the Carmelites, and various Doctors of the Church, including St. Gregory the Great, St. Jerome, St. John of the Cross, and St. Teresa of Avila, among others.

Defined by the Catechism

  • The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines Christian prayer as “a covenant relationship between God and Man in Christ” (CCC 2564). Inherent in this relationship is a two-way conversation.
  • The Second Vatican Council points out: “In the sacred books [of Scripture] the Father who is in heaven comes lovingly to meet his children and talks with them” (Dei Verbum 21).

WRAP – Simplified Guide to Lectio Divina

  • Lectio Divina is Latin for “divine reading” of Scripture. It is much more than simply perusing the chapters of Scripture as if reading a novel or a newspaper or reading a history book.
  • The Latin word lectio means deeply consuming a reading.
  •  The four steps of WRAP is a simplified version of Lectio Divina, which includes lectio, meditatio, oratio, and contemplatio in the original Latin.

WRAP,  the Acronym

  • WRAP is an Acronym that stands for:
  • W=WRITE the verse(s) down when the words jump out to you.
  • R = REFLECT or meditate on the words, reread them, mutter them, and imagine the meaning in dialogue with Jesus.
  • A=APPLY by continuing to ask the Lord if there is an application and response.
  • P= PRAY & PRAISE, by making the verse your prayer. Praise the mighty name of Jesus your Savior, God your Heavenly Father, and the Holy Spirit, your Guide
  • Enhance your joy by cultivating a deeper relationship with God.

Download the template and the 14 Days of WRAP bookmark from my website WRAPyourselfinJOY.com and start practicing WRAP with Psalm 103: 1-13.

Four Part Series ~ Related Links

Books

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Magnificat® Proclaims Ep. 8 | Testimony of Michelle Seghers

September 5, 2025 by Leave a Comment

In this episode of Magnificat® Proclaims, Michelle Seghers—International Event Coordinator for Magnificat, mother of nine, and grandmother of twenty—shares how her childhood faith, rooted in a loving home, shaped her lifelong walk with the Lord.

Michelle opens up about her daily prayer life, the decision to homeschool her children, and the joys and struggles she and her husband faced while choosing to live in obedience to God. She also shares the story of founding Totus Tuus Ministries, dedicated to evangelizing Catholics through multimedia, retreats, and Scripture study.

Magnificat® Proclaims, hosted by Monique Moussot and Maryann Ridini Spencer, brings powerful testimonies of God’s goodness and grace to inspire your faith journey.

👉 Watch on YouTube | Listen on UCPN

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Listen to Michelle Seghers share her journey of faith, prayer, homeschooling, and the founding of Totus Tuus Ministries on Magnificat® Proclaims.

Magnificat® Ministry Presents Magnificat® Proclaims

Episode 8: Michelle Seghers

Magnificat® Ministry Presents Magnificat® Proclaims. In this episode, Michelle Seghers, International Event Coordinator for Magnificat, and mother to nine children and grandmother to twenty grandchildren, discusses how she began a relationship with the Lord at an early age. Michelle grew up in a loving, faith-filled home where nuns and priests were always welcome. She credits those early, happy experiences with giving her a solid foundation in the faith.

In addition to sharing several “God experiences,” Michelle also discusses:

  • The importance of daily prayer and communication with God

  • The reasons behind her decision to homeschool her children

  • How she and her husband, Jimmy, met

  • The challenges they faced in choosing to live in obedience to God

  • The founding of Totus Tuus Ministries, which evangelizes Catholics through multimedia, retreats, conferences, Sacred Scripture study, and Apologetics

Magnificat® Proclaims is a platform for inspiring testimonies that showcase God’s goodness, greatness, and grace in our lives.

These testimonies not only inform and educate but also encourage and inspire us to develop, deepen, and cultivate our relationship with the Triune God. The show hosts are Monique Moussot and Maryann Ridini Spencer.

👉 Please SUBSCRIBE, LIKE & SHARE Magnificat® Ministry’s Podcasts!

📺 Watch the video podcast of this episode on Magnificat Ministry’s YouTube Channel
🌐 Visit: Magnificat® Ministry and explore the Magnificat Proclaims books in the store.
🎧 Listen to our podcasts on The Ultimate Christian Podcast Network, iTunes, iHeart Radio, Spotify, and other podcast platforms.

About Magnificat® Ministry

Founded in 1981, Magnificat®—A Ministry to Catholic Women, is an international nonprofit with over 70 Chapters across the globe. The ministry exists to evangelize and encourage Catholic women to grow in holiness by opening more fully to the power and gifts of the Holy Spirit.

“My Soul Magnifies the Lord,” recorded in Luke 1:46, is the beginning of Mary’s response to Elizabeth’s joyful greeting. The entire scene of the Visitation is the inspiration for this ministry.

Through quarterly gatherings that include a Chapter Meal, praise and worship, guest speakers proclaiming their testimonies of God’s transforming power, and other faith-sharing experiences in a relaxed social setting, women (and men) are inspired and encouraged to grow in faith through the power of the Holy Spirit.

👉 Visit: magnificat-ministry.org
👉 Browse all Magnificat® Ministry Podcasts: UCPN

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Where does our True Identity come from? (Replay)

May 27, 2025 by Leave a Comment

What is our true identity?

“We cannot be truly happy until we are truly free, and we to know who it is that we truly are if we are to be truly free.”
Habits of Freedom, pg 20

Eve

As in adam and Eve, she engages in a ‘what if ‘ conversation with the snake. She speculates. Wonders. Thinks about what if? Instead of focusing on now and engaging in conversation, aka, prayer, with God.

We do the same thing. Making time for God each day will give us an intimate relationship with him. It keeps us on an even keel and able to handle our lives better.

Jesus’ Baptism

In Luke 3:21-22,

After all the people had been baptized and Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, heaven was opened
 and the holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”
God the Father is well pleased with Jesus. He is well-pleased with you too!
This week, pray and meditate with Luke 3:21-22. Hear what the Father says to Jesus and listen to what He has to say to you.
If you’d like to read and discuss the Sunday Mass REadings, join us on Wednesday evenings at 7:30 pm (ET). You can sign up here to receive the link. 

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A Daily Examen

July 7, 2023 by Leave a Comment

End your day with prayer

Echo the psalmist as he says,

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts.
See if there is any wicked way in me,and lead me in the way everlasting.
                                                                                                   Psalm 139:23-24

With these verses in mind we settle ourselves in for prayer and begin the 5 steps or movements:

5 Steps to the Examen

  1. Thank God for all the graces and goodness you have received today, giving gratitude for his greatness.
  2. Ask God to reveal your sins to you, both those you did and things which you did not do that were possible.
  3. Look back on your day and notice where you saw God and consider where you may have missed noticing him.
  4. Ask for forgiveness, express your sorrow, and allow God’s mercy, love, forgiveness, and grace into your soul.
  5. Ask God for help and grace to improve. If you are facing a challenge, tell him.

End with a prayer of thanks or an Our Father.

Other Options

Here is a link to a variety of daily examen prayers from Ignatian Spirituality.

This week, spend 5-15 minutes praying a daily examen. Think about writing it at least once, taking a bit more time with the prayer.

 

 

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Where does our True Identity come from?

December 2, 2022 by Leave a Comment

What is our true identity?

“We cannot be truly happy until we are truly free, and we to know who it is that we truly are if we are to be truly free.”
Habits of Freedom, pg 20

Eve

As in adam and Eve, she engages in a ‘what if ‘ conversation with the snake. She speculates. Wonders. Thinks about what if? Instead of focusing on now and engaging in conversation, aka, prayer, with God.

We do the same thing. Making time for God each day will give us an intimate relationship with him. It keeps us on an even keel and able to handle our lives better.

Jesus’ Baptism

In Luke 3:21-22,

After all the people had been baptized and Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, heaven was opened
 and the holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”
God the Father is well pleased with Jesus. He is well-pleased with you too!
This week, pray and meditate with Luke 3:21-22. Hear what the Father says to Jesus and listen to what He has to say to you.
If you’d like to read and discuss the Sunday Mass REadings, join us on Wednesday evenings at 7:30 pm (ET). You can sign up here to receive the link. 

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Meet Rachel Balducci, Author of No Such Thing As Ordinary

July 8, 2022 by Leave a Comment

A New Book

It’s always a treat to interview authors whose books I’ve read. Rachel Balducci is a speaker, writer and co-host of The Gist on Catholic TV. She teaches journalism at Augusta University and is married to Paul. They have five sons and one daughter. Her latest book, No Such Thing as Ordinary: Unlocking Your Extraordinary Life Through Everyday Encounters With Jesus, is published by Ave Maria Press.

Rachel chooses the story of the Woman at the Well from the Gospel of John, chapter 4 as the guiding scripture to discuss what means to have an extraordinary life through your encounters with Jesus.

Rachel reminds us that we don’t need to wait to do the great, important life-changing work for God. Simple living each day with the knowledge that we are doing what God asks of us at this moment is a response to Jesus’ invitation and is extraordinary.

Some Important Mentions

Rachel talks about Catherine Doherty and the Duty of the Moment.

The Cloud of Unknowing is the book Rachel read that helped her learn about contemplative prayer. That link takes you to a site where you can download a free copy. Please keep in mind that I cannot vouch for the translation.

Notes from the Conversation

We all want a deep union with God and a longing to do something great for HIm. We cannot wait for the opportunity to do the one, big thing, but do what is in front of you. That’s what God asks of us.

“Holiness is the best gift you can give your family,” a priest told Rachel this many years ago, and it took her some time, but she fully believes this to be true.

Outside the will of God, you will never be happy.

Your identity comes from God.

Spend 10 minutes a day in quiet with God. Simply open your soul to hear what He has for you.

Here is her website and be sure to follow Rachel on Instagram, @rachelbalducci 

 

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4 ways to pray with your spouse

September 3, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Why pray with your spouse?

Jesus tells us in Matthew 18:19-20, “Again, [amen,] I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything for which they are to pray, it shall be granted to them by my heavenly Father. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” Praying with your spouse leads to greater unity, that is communion, which is what Jesus calls us to, with each and him.

4 ways to pray with your spouse

  1. You can pray rote prayers of the Church; the Rosary, Novenas for a special intention, go to Mass together
  2. Short prayers of gratitude and intercessions
  3. pray with the scriptures
  4. pray specifically for each other’s needs before you leave for the day

Some links for more information

This week I encourage you to pray with your spouse or a close friend in one of the ways suggested!

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Special Replay: Prayer Time – Overcoming Distractions

August 30, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Overcoming Distractions

Prayer Time – Overcoming Distractions

Spend Time with God

Prayer time and overcoming distractions isn’t easy. Do you want to spend time with God and find yourself overcome by distractions? We all have and we can end our time frustrated and angry or take charge. In this podcast Felice suggests ways to turn that distraction into a praise report.

Sponsor: Media Angels, Inc. Novels – Truth Seekers Mystery Series available on Amazon. Three novels for tweens!

Thanks to our sponsor, Media Angels, Inc. A Few Minutes with God, The Journey Begins

a few minutes with God

Show Notes: Overcoming Prayer Time Overcoming Distractions

  1. Feel left behind
  2. Not enough time
  3. Speed of life is sometimes unmanageable
  4. How do you slow down enough so that you can focus on God?
  5. How do you combat distractions?

Categorize Distractions:

  1. Personal
    1. Something that has been bothering you
    2. Something you struggle with
    3. Something you feel guilt over
  2. Duty
    1. Kids or spouse
    2. Household
    3. Work
    4. Meeting or appt.

 

Set up your prayer time with a methodology – like any of these ways where you feel the most comfortable…

  1. Praise and worship
  2. Proclaiming and glorifying God in words
  3. Singing
  4. Prayer

 

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Prayer Time – Overcoming Distractions

August 7, 2017 by Leave a Comment

overcoming distractions

Prayer Time – Overcoming Distractions

Spend Time with God

Podcast #5

Prayer time and overcoming distractions isn’t easy. Do you want to spend time with God and find yourself overcome by distractions? We all have and we can end our time frustrated and angry or take charge. In this podcast Felice suggests ways to turn that distraction into a praise report.

Sponsor: Media Angels, Inc. Novels – Truth Seekers Mystery Series available on Amazon. Three novels for tweens!

Thanks to our sponsor, Media Angels, Inc. A Few Minutes with God, The Journey Begins

a few minutes with God

Show Notes: Overcoming Prayer Time Overcoming Distractions

  1. Feel left behind
  2. Not enough time
  3. Speed of life is sometimes unmanageable
  4. How do you slow down enough so that you can focus on God?
  5. How do you combat distractions?

Categorize Distractions:

  1. Personal
    1. Something that has been bothering you
    2. Something you struggle with
    3. Something you feel guilt over
  2. Duty
    1. Kids or spouse
    2. Household
    3. Work
    4. Meeting or appt.

 

Set up your prayer time with a methodology – like any of these ways where you feel the most comfortable…

  1. Praise and worship
  2. Proclaiming and glorifying God in words
  3. Singing
  4. Prayer

 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

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