Child of God

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. 

John 16:23-28

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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).

So I have been really into the Marvel movies lately, I am actually writing this literally after seeing Infinity Wars (don't worry, no spoilers). One thing that oddly stuck out to me in a lot of these movies is the way some of the characters are introduced. They say their name, but instead of a last name, they say they are son of... or daughter of... whoever it may be. This is especially common among the "god-like" characters.

I feel like this happens because who our parents are has a lot to do with who we are. That is not to say we are just like them, but we are forged in rebellion, imitation or some combination of the two, of our parents, or those who raised us. Jesus clearly finds His identity as the Son of the Father. But He also does something new; the Father is revealed through Him.

This may seem small and insignificant at first, but a son was supposed to be revealed through his father. A son was supposed to be known because of his father, not the other way around. Yet the only way we can truly come to know God the Father is through His Son. All of our human pride is flipped on its head and we can see that God doesn't care how we get to know Him, just that we do and that we can love and be loved by Him.

We are all His sons and daughters. That is where our true identity can be found. And for someone in your life, they may only be able to get to know the Father through you. God is humble enough to let us be the pathway for someone knowing Him. Are we bold enough to claim that identity and humble enough to let them see Him more than us?

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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.

How have the people in your life helped shape you into the person you are today?

Do people see God when they see you? Why or why not?

How can you be more bold in claiming your identity as a child of God?

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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.

"Abba, Father."

"Come Holy Spirit."

"I love you, Lord."

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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?

Act in a way that people know you are a son or daughter of God. You may have to use words, you may not, but live a life that makes it obvious that God the Father is your Father too.

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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 Sean Norris, Youth Minister at Our Lady of the Wayside Parish in Arlington Heights, 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.