Step #1: Lectio / ReadClick 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. Step #2: Meditatio / MeditateUse the following meditation to help you reflect more deeply on the Scripture (you may want to read the passage again). 2019, day two. We hear a lot about day one of the new year, the day on which we begin our new diet or exercise routine, take our first steps towards our goals for this year, and/or renew our vigor in pursuit of the Lord and His plan for our life. We talk about fresh starts and day ones in life because they bring us hope and the opportunity for small, redemptive moments, but I think we often lose sight of the fact that we have to continue to choose to pursue our goals and to love the Lord each and every day. Today, I am heading to Disneyworld for the very first time. I recently and jokingly shared with a friend over lunch that I felt like I might be starting off my 2019 so strong, that it might only be downhill from here. While I meant this only jokingly, he responded by telling me that if this is how I am starting off my 2019, in such a wonderful and exciting way, imagine all the things the Lord has in store for this year. The same is true for you: the Lord has incredible things in store for you this year. Yes, there will be a few bumps along the way, but if you continue to choose Him each day, He will make this year, and each year, your best year yet. "Let what you heard from the beginning remain in you. If what you heard from the beginning remains in you, then you will remain in the Son and in the Father. And this is the promise that he made us: eternal life." Each year, each day, choose to allow God and His Word to remain in you. Remain in God, and He will fulfill his promises. Each year, each day, is one step closer to the promise of eternal life that awaits us in heaven, the eternal goal. Step #3: Oratio / PrayThese 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 is so difficult about continuing to pursue your goals? Where do you find yourself maybe discouraged or struggling to persevere in pursuit of your goals? What bumps or trials do you foresee potentially coming this year? What can you do to prepare yourself to conquer those bumps and trials before they might come? How will you daily remain in the Lord and choose Him? Step #4: Contemplatio / ContemplateIn 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. "Lord, I choose you today and every day." "Lord, grant me perseverance in pursuit of my goals." "Lord, you promise eternal life." Step #5: Actio / ActIn 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? Actively choose to continue to pursue your goals on day two of this new year with God by your side. Smartphone Lock ScreenThe 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 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. Comments are closed.
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