A Personal Relationship with Jesus

Step #1: Lectio / Read

Click the link below or open your Bible to the passage and read through the reading at least once, paying attention to what is happening in the text. 

John 21:20-25

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Step #2: Meditatio / Meditate

Use the following meditation to help you reflect more deeply on the Scripture (you may want to read the passage again).

How many times in your life have you compared your own situation to someone else’s?  Probably more than you can count. This is what Peter did in today’s gospel.

Remember that immediately prior to today’s passage, Jesus was speaking with Peter and asked him three times if he loved him. Three times Peter responded that he did love Jesus, and three times Jesus implored Peter to feed and tend his sheep. Then, Jesus also revealed to Peter how he would die. Peter saw the Apostle John following behind and asked Jesus “What about him?”

Jesus answered Peter by mildly admonishing him. He finished his response with the phrase “… what is that to you?  Follow me!”. In my opinion, the message of these words is vitally important to our own spiritual journey. What Jesus wants the most is to have an intimate, personal relationship with each of us. Each of our relationships with him is utterly unique. Jesus knows each of us as if we were the only creation God had ever breathed into being, and Jesus will give each of us everything we specifically need.

There is no comparison between my relationship with Jesus, and your own relationship with him which means anything. We all are called to follow Jesus down the path he intends to walk with us.  He knows what we need, and what he wants of us.

Do not let yourself get preoccupied with how well you think someone else prays, or whether they are sinful or not, or how much more or less they seem to be “dialed in” to their faith.  Simply follow Jesus. That is your mission. Get to know him. Listen to how he talks to you in your life.  Be open to him. He has a plan for you, and it is YOUR plan, nobody else’s. He cherishes every moment of the journey you and him are taking together.

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Step #3: Oratio / Pray

​These questions are to be used to talk to God; have a conversation with the Lord about these questions and what is going on in your heart as you pray today.

In what ways is God working uniquely in your life?

Each of us called to encounter God in and through the Church, Scriptures, and our own personal devotion. How does God most often reveal himself to you? What is he saying now?

What are some comparisons in your life that you get stuck in and how can you avoid that trap of comparison more effectively?

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Step #4: Contemplatio / Contemplate

In this step, you listen. Stop talking, let God speak to your heart. You may repeat one of these short phrases to focus your mind on the Lord.

"Jesus you are my Lord."

"I want a relationship with you."

"Come, Holy Spirit."

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Step #5: Actio / Act

In light of today's reading and your time spent in prayer with the Lord, what concrete action or actions will you take to let this encounter with the Lord bear fruit in you today?

Reflect on who Jesus is in your life today. Maybe spend some time journaling, drawing, writing a song or poem, talking to a friend, or doing whatever is natural to you to reflect on your own personal journey with Jesus and how he has become and is a personal friend in your life now.

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Smartphone Lock Screen

The following image is here for you to save and use as a background or lock screen on your smartphone or device to help you carry today's Lectio Divina with you the rest of the day.

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Today's prayer was prepared by Jim Lundgren, a parishioner at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Crystal Lake, IL. 

If you have anything you'd like our team to pray for, please go to the page of our website called "Prayers" and let us know how we can pray for you today.