Consuming Love

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.

Hosea 11:1-4, 8E-9

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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).

My life has seemed particularly crazy lately. In the last month, I visited my family in Texas, was in a wedding that same week, led a summer camp for middle schoolers the next week, and then got tonsillitis the following week. After those three weeks, it seemed like I had been through it all! I felt like I barely had any time to rest let alone pray and spend time with the Lord. Yet even in those moments, the Lord continued to be present to me and feed my soul even if I did not realize it.

I am particularly struck by the last line in today’s first reading: I will not let the flames consume you.

Even in the craziest and hardest moments of our lives, when we might feel furthest from the Lord, He remains with us and protects us from whatever may harm us. When the flames of life surround us and threaten to consume us, the Lord is our protection. The Lord continues to call out to us each day in the midst of the busyness of our lives. Even if we do not respond to His call, there is never a day that God does not care for you.

God’s heart is stirred with pity and moved with compassion when He sees His children struggling or stressed, whether because of school or work, family or friends, or the random circumstance of life. Know that wherever you are today and whatever is going on in your life, the Lord sees you, knows you, and cares for you.

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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.

Is there anything going on in your life that feels like it's consuming you? Is there anything that is pulling you from your relationship with the Lord?

How do you react to these times of stress and trouble? Do you turn to God, trusting in His compassion and love for you?

How can you use these times of trouble to turn more toward God and trust in His care for you?

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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 trust You."

"I need You."

"I love 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?

Go find a Crucifix and really look at Christ on the Cross. Take time in prayer and see the greatest act of love in history. Looking at the image of Christ, pray with the last three lines of today's reading, "For I am God and not man, the Holy One present among you;
I will not let the flames consume you.

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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, Assistant 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.