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 we get closer to summer, many events, activities, and trips begin to take on a greater focus in our minds and hearts. We anticipate the summer fun! Personally I'm thinking of the upcoming rounds of golf on my day off; or those days when I will spend time at the pool with my family; and of course, the big event for the summer - our family vacation. These are just a few of the good times I'm looking forward to this summer! What about you? What event, activity, or trip is drawing near for you? In the first reading today St. James gives us a rather gentle phrase of Scripture to reflect on as we approach summer... "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you." We all have our lists of the things coming up this summer, and this is great, but the most important appointment on our summer schedule is not a thing, event, or activity, but a person, Jesus Christ! As we enter into the summer months let's make sure to put aside time where we can "draw near to God." There is nothing in the world that could be more beneficial for our souls than to draw near to God. We do this in many ways, perhaps a few suggestions: let's put aside time for silence and prayer in our homes; also by stopping by the Church or Adoration chapel for some face-time with Jesus; and of course, staying committed to the Sunday Eucharist no matter what's on the calendar. Tip for the summer - Enjoy it and let's keep Jesus part of our plans! 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 I feel close or distant from the Lord? Why? What things am I more committed to than my relationship with God? How can I draw nearer to the Lord today? 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 love you, Lord." "Help me know how near you are." "Show me how to be nearer to you, Lord." 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? Take time to be silent today and try to draw near to God. Then ask God to reveal to you how near he actually is to you! 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 Fr. John McNamara, priest of the Diocese of Rockford.
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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