Comfort

​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.

ACTS 4:23-31

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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).

​As a journalist, one of the toughest things I’ve had to do is visit the house of a person who’s lost a loved one or go to a neighborhood, where a violent crime occurred.

Most times, I am the last person people want to see during their personal tragedy. Some recognize it’s part of the job. Others understandably lash out. It’s difficult finding the courage to approach someone grieving and find the right words, which offer comfort.

That’s when I have to give those missions up to God and say a prayer. I ask God for strength, and that the Holy Spirit to speaks through me and gives them the same comfort as the apostles who delivered the good word after Jesus’ resurrection. Like Peter and John, who faced adversity, reliance on the Lord provides a sense of courage. In our most anxious times, God will deliver what we need if we remember to ask.

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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.

When has someone comforted you when you were grieving? How did God work through that person?

How has the Holy Spirit helped you provide comfort to someone?

Do you seek comfort in the Lord?

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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.

"Seek comfort in the Lord."

"Come Holy Spirit."

​"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?

In this difficult time, we will use our Action step each day to join with people around the world in praying for an end to the pandemic of the Coronavirus, for the healing of all those affected, and for the comfort of all those who have lost a loved one. The prayer below is from Archbishop José H. Gomez, President of the USCCB in his reflection and prayer during coronavirus:

Holy Virgin of Guadalupe,
Queen of the Angels and Mother of the Americas.
We fly to you today as your beloved children.
We ask you to intercede for us with your Son,
as you did at the wedding in Cana.
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Pray for us, loving Mother,
and gain for our nation and world,
and for all our families and loved ones,
the protection of your holy angels,
that we may be spared the worst of this illness.

For those already afflicted,
we ask you to obtain the grace of healing and deliverance.
Hear the cries of those who are vulnerable and fearful,
wipe away their tears and help them to trust.

In this time of trial and testing,
teach all of us in the Church to love one another and to be patient and kind.
Help us to bring the peace of Jesus to our land and to our hearts.

We come to you with confidence,
knowing that you truly are our compassionate mother,
health of the sick and cause of our joy.

Shelter us under the mantle of your protection,
keep us in the embrace of your arms,
help us always to know the love of your Son, Jesus. Amen.

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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 Brandon Hudson, a news reporter in Philadelphia, PA.  

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.