Step #1: Lectio / ReadClick 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. Step #2: Meditatio / MeditateUse the following meditation to help you reflect more deeply on the Scripture (you may want to read the passage again). Today’s Gospel reading resonates with me in a very powerful way today. We see Jesus, walking around in the Temple, in plain view of everyone. A few people gather around him and ask the question I find myself asking the Lord all the time, “Are you for real?” Jesus responds in a somewhat sassy way- he tells the people that he’s already revealed that he is the Christ but they just don’t see it. Wow. Talk about a plain answer! I find myself asking the Lord all the time, in moments of stress, unbelief, struggle, and persecution, “are you really who you say you are?” I find that in those moments, I’m often met with the same response that Jesus gives in today’s Gospel. He’s already told me from the first day I can remember that he really is the Christ- my Savior and Lord. So why do I doubt? How often do you find yourself asking this question? How often can you be so quick to disregard the countless miracles that the Lord has worked in your life and find yourself doubting his love for you? It’s so easy in our world to question the love that Jesus has for us when we’re faced with hardships and struggles. The good news is that Jesus also reveals something very important to us today. Jesus tells the people in the Temple that those who are his sheep, those who hear his voice, know him for who he really is. It seems that the answer to the question we’re faced with so often is just that- hearing the voice of our shepherd helps us to truly know him and follow him. How attentive to the voice of the Lord are you in your daily life? How often do you stop to listen and try to hear the voice of the shepherd? The next time you’re faced with the question, “are you for real?” take a moment to pause and listen to the shepherds voice. When you begin to listen for Jesus’ voice and follow him, you’ll begin to find the doubts stripped away and replaced with trust and confidence in your Savior. Step #3: Oratio / PrayThese 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. Who is Jesus to you? What are the circumstances that lead you to ask God if he's for real? How do you seek to hear God's voice in your life? Step #4: Contemplatio / ContemplateIn 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. "You are my Savior." "Thank you for loving me." "Speak Lord, your servant is listening." Step #5: Actio / ActIn 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 intentional time today to listen to God's voice by reading his Word. Spend at least 15 minutes reading through part of the Gospels today to listen to the Lord's voice. Smartphone Lock ScreenThe 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.  "Today's prayer was prepared by Adam Smyth, a high school youth minister at Our Lady of Perpetual Help parish in Ellicott City, MD.
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. " Comments are closed.
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