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 reflecting on the Apostles and what the work they did, it seems absolutely insane. Picture yourself as Simon (Peter) and really starting the first church, with the help of the Holy Spirit, after Jesus ascends into heaven. While starting up the Church is fantastic, there was a lot of hard work that went into getting it started. Now look at where we are. Started from the bottom now we here! All jokes aside, like Peter, we ourselves had to start at the bottom with our own faith lives. Think back to the first time you showed up to a retreat, youth ministry event, or other random event at your parish. There was probably something, or someone, to continuously draw you back. The priests, youth ministers, other staff, and volunteers put in many hours and plenty of effort into programs, retreats, and events to help all of us encounter, grow, and have a deeper relationship with the Lord. These people us want us to grow closer to Jesus. They want us to be like the apostles and go out to share the good news and evangelize. However, their ultimate goal is for us to realize that they are only a stepping-stone in our faith lives. They are great friends and will guide us as needed, but in the end we are the ones making the decisions. At some point, we need to step up, be courageous, and go out as the disciples did. This is not an easy task to do, but imagine if the apostles said no to their tasks, and imagine what can happen by saying yes to yours. 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 was my first real experience of church and of my parish community? What has kept me rooted in my faith and coming back to church time and time again? Where can I step out in faith and say yes to God 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. "Here I am, Lord." "Yes, Lord." "Be courageous." 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 a moment today to thank someone who has helped guide you in your 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 Mary Andren, a student at Franciscan University of Steubenville.
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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