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). As a pretty new father, there is something a little bit scary about this Gospel reading. I mean, considering I would never go near a scorpion, I don't think I'm a candidate for giving my son a scorpion instead of an egg, but what if, as a father, I do make a mistake about what my son really wants or needs and give him the wrong thing? I'll feel terrible! How bad would I feel if my son was crying one day all because I gave him something other than what he wanted just because I didn't understand what he needed. As a pretty mediocre disciple of Jesus, though, I'm thrilled about this reading and the Father who I have a chance to meet in it. In God our Father, we have a Dad who not only will give us what we ask for, but He is a God who knows what we need, waits for us to ask, and then delivers on His promises in ways better than we ever could have imagined; what an amazing God! We must always ask ourselves the question: do I truly believe that the Lord desires what is best for me? And, if I do, do I have the boldness to ask for things directly and allow the Lord to respond to that boldness? The key to truly understanding Jesus' words in this passage, though, are the ones that come right at the end. Yes, the Father will give us what we ask for, we have gotten that; far beyond that, though, is the gift of the Spirit. Each of us could make a laundry list of things we "need;" at our core, though, what we NEED is the Holy Spirit, the One by whom we participate in the life of God. It is through a relationship with Him, and a constant outpouring of the Holy Spirit in our lives, that we are able to respond to the love of the Father, to be in a relationship with Him, and to lead others to that place of encounter. May we each today ask particularly of the Lord the things we desire, and most of all may we invite the Holy Spirit to be present in our lives and to lead us to the good and gracious Father who gives His children all of these good gifts. 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. Do I truly believe that the Lord desires what is best for me? Do I have the boldness to ask for things directly and allow the Lord to respond to that boldness? What is my relationship with God the Father right now? What is the relationship with Him that God desires me to have? How can I invite the Holy Spirit into my 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. "Come Holy Spirit." "Help me to be bold." "Lord I need you." 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? Today, be bold with God in your prayer and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you. 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 Jason Theobald, Director of Youth Ministry at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Huntley, IL.
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