Step #2: Meditatio / MeditateUse the following meditation to help you reflect more deeply on the Scripture (you may want to read the passage again).
Several years ago, I hit a rough patch with a close friend. We couldn’t get on the same page. I upset her. She upset me.
Rinse. Repeat. Time.... after time....after time, we exchanged apologies. Then, it hit me! Saying sorry is one thing. Proving it is another. In that moment, I thought back to all the times I apologized for something and kinda, sorta, didn’t really learn my lesson. From then on, I vowed to apologize, and also, let my actions back show I’m trying to do better. It’s a striking similarity to today’s first reading. Faith without works is dead. It’s one thing to have faith but without actions rooted in that faith, it’s meaningless. It is easy to say you believe and have faith, but life isn’t meant to be easy. God challenges us to show our love to Him and our neighbors. At times, it’s easier said than done, but the feeling of becoming a better Christian is rewarding. 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 you connect what you do with what you say you believe?
Are you afraid of being so forward with what you believe? Do you have some people you need to ask forgiveness from and change how you treat the relationship? 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.
"I want to serve you."
"I want to share you with others." "I want to love you through my actions." 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?
Consider what you can do today that expresses your faith in your actions.
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 Brandon Hudson, a news reporter in Philadelphia, PA. 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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