All In

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.

James 5:9-12

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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)

​The moment I got ordained a priest I knew that my life was no longer my own, yet it was God’s and the peoples’. I knew that for the rest of my life I had to live by the promises that I made at my ordination to be a man of prayer, a man obedient to my bishop, and a celibate chaste man who offers his entire self to the mission of Jesus Christ.

This ‘Yes’ to God was one that I had been preparing for during my 6 years of seminary and a ‘Yes’ that I was so excited to vocalize as I lay down with my nose touching the marble floor hearing the choir sing invoking the prayers of the saints in heaven.

Each day I wake up and I must remind myself that my life is not about me and that each of my ‘yeses’ at ordination were meant for the salvation of souls and that I must live those ‘yeses’ each day.

The question for each one of us is, “What things is God calling us to say ‘yes’ to?” What are the ways in which He wants us to recognize that each day we are on mission to say yes to living and dying for others? For we must live like Christ and this is what God is asking of us. So today say ‘yes’ to this beautiful task and let you ‘yes’ mean ‘yes!’

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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

Do I trust the Lord enough to let my 'yes' mean 'yes'? Or do I say 'yes' for a moment and then take it back when it gets a little hard?

Am I willing to go "all in" to my faith? 

​What things is God calling me to say 'yes' to today?

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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

"I trust you with my life."

"I trust you with my 'yes' Lord."

"I trust you."

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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

Take a moment to reflect today on a time when you said "Yes, but..." to the Lord, when your yes was conditional. Give that to Him again, trust Him with your whole self.

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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 Fr. Kyle Manno, priest of the Diocese of Rockford. 

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. "