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). “How long are you going to keep us in suspense?” Every good story involves some element of suspense. It’s why we keep on reading a good book or watching a good movie. It’s why we have a love/hate relationship with cliffhangers. We have questions that we want answered, and when those questions aren’t resolved by the end, we are left wondering what was going to happen next or what could have been. Just as a good author of a novel or director of a movie winds a beautifully intricate story that draws us out of ourselves into another world and into the lives of the characters, so the Lord is winding a beautifully intricate story with your life. There will be moments of suspense and moments of peace and resolution, but through it all, the Lord will continue to draw you out of yourself and out of this earthly world into His divine life. How many times in your life have you felt like God is keeping you hanging in suspense? How often do you feel like you are still waiting for an answer to the same prayer you have been praying for days, weeks, or months now? Most of the time, we want all the answers right away. However, the suspense and the waiting is all a part of your story. If you allow God to be the author of your story, He promises a wonderful ending - eternal life. 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. Are you willing to bear the suspense of letting God author your life? Why or why not? Think about your favorite author or director... do you trust them to write a good book or make a good movie? God has designed and authored literally everything, but do you trust Him? How can you trust God to write a better plan for your life - one even better you could imagine? Do you believe in what Jesus says, or are you still in suspense because you are afraid to trust? How can you find peace in letting go and trusting God? 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 good." "You are the Author of Life." "I trust your plans for me, Lord." 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? Stop losing your life to stress and worry. Trust God's plan in your life and answer the calls He puts before you - even if it is something you would never have imagined for yourself. Trust Him. 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 Maggie Overbeck, Assistant Director of Youth Ministry at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Huntley, IL.
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