Chosen

​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.

EPHESIANS 1:11-14

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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).

​You have been CHOSEN. From all eternity, our Lord knew you would be praying with this Scripture passage today, and He knows how the rest of your day is going to go. The Lord continues to choose you on both the good days and the bad days, regardless of our fleeting emotions or hot mess moments. God not only has a plan for your life but also you are a part of God’s plan for this world! 

At your Baptism, you were sealed the Holy Spirit and received an indelible mark on your soul, which nothing and no one can ever wash away. As St. Paul says in today’s first reading, that seal is the “first installment of our inheritance.” I think many of us often walk around thinking that our Baptism was just one more nice moment among many in our lives and forgetting that our Baptism is the reality in which we are supposed to walk each and every day. When we are born into the Catholic Church, we are given a portion of our inheritance right away and are called to live as children worthy of such an incredible, eternal inheritance. Every step we take in this life should be a step in the direction of the fullness of life and inheritance that awaits us in heaven. Even when we stumble and fall, we can get back up knowing that we “exist for the praise of his glory.” May our lives be a testament to the beauty of being chosen by God day after day and living in his light.

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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 has a plan for your life? That you are part of His plan for the world?

Do you ever consider the promises made at your Baptism? The gifts given by the Spirit?

Do you know that the world is different because of you, because of your voice, because of your gifts? You make a difference.

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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 chosen."

"I matter to God's plan."

"God has a plan for me."

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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?

Take some time today to reflect on the gift of your Baptism. You were anointed "priest, prophet, and king." You were given a unique place in this world to make a difference for God. Write down one thing you can do this weekend to participate in His plan.

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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 Maggie Overbeck, Director of Youth Ministry at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Huntley, 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.