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). Dear Friend of Christ, I hope this reflection of the Father finds you in the peace of Jesus. I’m incredibly thankful for you—incredibly thankful to God for creating you. Even though I don’t know you, I still remember you in my prayers often because I care about you. By you reading this I know that you’re listening to the desires God put on your heart. You are seeking His love and goodness, no matter if He feels close or far from your life today. You are uniquely loved, and uniquely loving; because in you others can know Him who first loved you. I know that it’s not easy…Living a holy life can be stretching, but trust me the extra effort you are putting in radiates that authentic love is worth laboring for. I know that there are days where the work it takes seems not to be worth the result but remember: you have been chosen. You have been created by Love to be with Love forever and that is more than worth every good work that you do. Open wide your eyes dear friend; the good news of Christ that we have read about is more than just a written word—it’s the living God, the Holy Spirit, alive today in your life. St. Paul in his letter to his friends in Thessalonica teaches us about what it means to be in Christian relationships. He greets them in a letter with generous love with no fear or reservation because they belong to a community of faith that opens up all paths to communication. I write you as a man studying for the priesthood; knowing not who you are and yet because you love the Jesus I love I wanted to greet you in real friendship despite our not being in the same place physically. Paul knows how to be a Christian and a friend. Let’s be like Paul. I ask you dear friend, take risks today in greeting others with the peace of Christ. You don’t have to say or do anything in particular…share who you are with others and I know they will know Jesus more deeply because of you. The Spirit is present in you. I’m praying for your intentions today; and I hope to hear more of your work of faith and labor of love in the weeks to come. In Christ, Bobby Blood 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 are you struggling with today? Where do you need encouragement? How can you be a friend to someone in need today? You have been chosen by Christ. What does that mean, how does it impact your life? 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. "Be like Paul." "Friend in Christ." "The Spirit is present in me." 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? Today, as St. Paul wrote to the Thessalonians and Bobby wrote to you, write a letter today to a friend sharing the love of God and encouraging them to grow in faith. 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 Robert Blood, seminarian of the Diocese of Rockford.
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