Being a Prophet

​​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.

MATTHEW 13:54-58

---

​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).

A prophet is not welcome in his own town.

For many people the biggest stumbling block to faith is their family and close friends. In my own faith journey I was very into "things at Church" when I was in high school and in college I studied Theology so I could be a youth minister. Then I went on to work in Church life for my adult life. All of these sound normal to a lot of people, but not to my family.

Even now, they don't seem to believe that I know what I'm talking about regarding inconsequential things like cooking corn on the grill or if that bug spray I use actually works. That's before we talk about Jesus and His love for us. And I'm not even trying to do miracles!

Jesus has been a way for a little while teaching and performing miracles before He comes back to His home town. He tries to teach and do miracles there and all they can say is "Where'd he learn this? What's He think He's doing?"

Basically, didn't we know this guy when He was just a little kid and isn't Joseph His dad and Mary His mom? What could He possibly know?

Then they missed out on the greatest opportunity of their lives - to be with Christ while He was here on earth!! 

I wonder if I'm missing something great because I'm dismissing something because of the source. 

Am I missing something important from the Lord because I've dismissed the source? I hope not, but if the people of the 1st Century dismissed it and it was ACTUALLY Jesus telling them - then I've probably missed the Lord in other people as well. 

---

​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 dismiss wisdom or teachings based on the source?

Do I hesitate sharing about my faith with family and close friends because I'm afraid of what they'll say or think of me?

​Am I open to learning about my faith from unexpected sources?

---

​Step #4: Contemplatio / Contemplation

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 am open to the Lord."

"I am willing to share your message."

"I love you Lord."

---

​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?

Be aware of the people in your life today around you. Notice where the Lord is speaking to you and where you can learn about your faith. Be courageous in the ways you speak about your faith to your family and close friends.

---

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.

---

Today's prayer was prepared by ​Katie Herzing, a former youth minister turned parish evanglization consultant living in North Carolina. 

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.