Beloved Child

​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.

LUKE 3:15-16, 21-22

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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).

How different would we all be if we knew, really knew our own worth. 

We are worth so much as human beings. We are worth more than many sparrows (to quote Jesus) or maybe today we would say more than gold and jewels. We are all worthy of dignity, compassion, love and so much more. And we get this worth not from what we have done, but from God our Father. 

For it does not matter what grades you get, how good at basketball you are, if you ever win an Oscar, cure cancer or get that scholarship. Nothing you do can ever, change the love that God has for you. His love for you will always remain. At your baptism He chose you as His adopted child.

Several months ago, I was blessed to be able to go on pilgrimage to the Holy Land. My ten days walking in Jesus's footsteps were life changing, but not in the way that I expected. I went in with a list of prayer intentions, things I wanted answers on. But what God did instead is that He spent those ten days telling me how much He loved me, how much I am worth to Him and that answered my heart more than my prayer requests ever could. 

One of the many things I did on that trip was the opportunity to go into the river Jordan where Jesus was baptized. I carefully walked down the steps...until I slipped off the last step and fell in. I have already been baptized, and you can't get baptized again but that day I had something else wash away from me, much of my self doubt and confusion. And though I didn't know it at the time I left the river soaking wet, but with a heart filled with love from the Lord. I began a process, which I am still living today, of knowing how much I am loved, that I am good and that I am worthy. 

Today as we celebrate Jesus's baptism, we also celebrate our own, our adoption into God's family. For as God said to Jesus, “this is my beloved son, with whom I am well pleased.”, God also looks to you and says that. You are His beloved. You were chosen on the day of your baptism. And your very existence pleases Him, and your worth comes from Him. 

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​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 you believe that God loves you, just as you are, why or why not?

Do you know how much you are worth? Pray about why you are so special to our Lord.

​What gifts did you receive at your baptism? 

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Step #4: Contemplatio / Contemplate

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 worth more than I know."

"You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased."

"Lord, I need you."

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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?

Celebrate your baptism, so find your baptismal date and put it on the calendar. This year, find a way to celebrate with you and Jesus. 

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​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.

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Today's prayer was prepared by Lisa Kendzior, Junior High Youth Minister at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Crystal Lake, IL. 

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.