Come Back to the Father

11/5/2020

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 15:1-10

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).

We don't know what this season will bring us, but today Jesus reminds us that no matter what He will come and find us where we are. It can be so easy in this day and age to cancel someone for having different beliefs or not agreeing with us, but the only thing Jesus cancels is our debt of sin. God wants every person to be brought back to the flock because He created them as His children and in His own Image and Likeness. No matter how far someone has strayed from the flock they still have such an amazing beauty and dignity as God's children, and Jesus will go to any length to bring them back. This world can be scary sometimes. I don't always know what our future will hold, but I do know that no matter what happens, Jesus Christ will still be King of the Universe. No matter the struggles you face in your own life, Jesus will still come after you and lead you to Heaven. No matter the number of times you turn away from Him, He's still waiting right behind you with open arms and a heart of mercy. Life will always have its challenges; 2020 has proved that. But when we let our challenges get the best of us and turn away from Jesus, we are forgetting that Jesus can make the most of our challenges. Life may always give us challenges, but Jesus will always give us grace to overcome them. It can be easy to say that things aren't looking bright right now in our world, but the Good Shepherd will lead us to Heaven. Don't let yourself become discouraged or become bitter towards those in your life that you may not agree with. Instead, pray for Jesus to lead all people to truth and wonder. This is His world, and we're merely guests on the way to our eternal home in Heaven.

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.

What challenges am I currently facing?

Where have I strayed and need to return to the Father?

Where is Jesus leading me?

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.

"Rejoice with me."

"Return to the Father."

"Jesus reigns."

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?

Get back on track today, and follow the path that leads to God.

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.

Today's prayer was prepared by Brendan Slovacek, a student at Franciscan University of Steubenville.

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.

CARPE VERBUM