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). As I was reading the Gospel for today, I was really struck by Jesus’ words to Philip: “Have I been with you for so long a time and you still do not know me, Philip?” As followers and children of God, I think it’s something we all need to hear sometimes: “Have you been my follower for so long a time and you still do not know me, my child?” Sometimes it can be so easy to lose sight of who Jesus is, of what role He has to play in our lives. I don’t know about you, but I can get so caught up in the day-to-day pattern of life that I forget who it is that I’m living for. I can spend time with the Lord in prayer every day, yet in times of hardship, when my faith is tested, I respond like Philip. I forget that Jesus is Lord of my life and that He is present and moving in every part of my day. I forget that my strength to make it through every moment comes from Him. And it can be even easier to get frustrated with myself for how quickly I forget this lesson that Jesus is constantly teaching me. But when I read the rest of the passage and reflect on this time of Easter season, I’m struck by the unending mercy and generous promises of our God. After chastising Philip, Jesus promises “if you ask anything of me in my name, I will do it.” Jesus came that we might know Him, and through knowing Him, we might come to know the Father. And He continues to come into our lives every day for that same purpose. Even when we forget Him or run from Him, He continues to seek out after us, to reveal who He is and the love He has for us. Even when we become frustrated with ourselves, He never loses His patience with us. Instead, He promises that He will grant whatever we ask in His name. What is it that you need from Him today? What graces or promises do you need to remember who He is? How can He help you to know Him more deeply this day? Take that to Him and ask boldly. He’s waiting to shower you with love and grace. 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. Do you know Jesus? How will you come to know Jesus more? What do you want to ask Jesus for today? Where do you see God present in the day-to-day? 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. "I want to know you." "Shower me with your love and grace." "Draw me closer." 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? Allow Jesus to be the Lord of your life, and take the time to notice how God is present and moving in every part of your life today. 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 Catie Destatte, a St. Paul's Outreach Missionary at University of St. Thomas in Saint Paul, MN.
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