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). Have you ever been resistant to change? It sure sounds like the people from this passage were annoyed because they did not want to change their comfortable way of life. A man comes along and calls them out on their sin and tells them about what they must do to spend eternity with God, and that’s just too much work for them. “Merely to see him is a hardship for us because his life is not like that of others, and different are his ways.” They say they just can’t be sure that what he says is true, so they justify testing him that they “may have proof”. They decide on killing him to get him out of their way so they can go on living the life they prefer without someone making them feel guilty. Little did they realize the story unfolding before them; that is, the story of salvation. What better time to place ourselves in this story and think about what area in our life we have been resistant to change in than the season of Lent? Maybe you’re not calling Jesus “obnoxious”, but do you ever find living a life of holiness hard? It’s okay that it is. The deeper in your faith you become, the greater trials and temptations you will experience. There are so many quotes from people throughout history acknowledging that change only happens when you get out of your comfort zone, and I believe that to be true in terms of growing spiritually too. God is calling each of us out of the comfort zone we have created for ourselves here on earth and into the comfort of His loving embrace in Heaven. Jesus was proclaiming of the Kingdom of Heaven and call to repentance out of love for us. This isn’t a story about a god who wants everyone to be in torment and do whatever he says as just a display of power. This is a story about OUR God who desires SO MUCH to share eternity in communion with us out of LOVE! 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 Am I always looking for proof that God exists? Or do I trust Him when He's revealed to me, even in small ways? Do you ever find living a life of holiness hard, and then I just give up? Am I intimidated by the saints and the heroic acts they did for 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. "I trust you Lord." "I believe you are all good." "I give you my life." 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? Fast today from complaining about the struggles and sacrifices of your day. Instead, throughout the day write down where you see God in the joys, the struggles, the sacrifices, and the mundane. Acknowledge where He is just 'might' be present even if you aren't able to see Him outright. 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 Katie LoBosco, a student at the University of Dayton studying Music Therapy.
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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