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) “For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power, love, and self-control.” (2 Timothy 1:7) In this passage, Paul is writing to one of his disciples, Timothy, “trying to stir into flame” the Holy Spirit. Paul is trying to fire up Timothy (both in our sense of the term and theologically through the fire of the Holy Spirit)! As a bit of context, Timothy is a young evangelist, mentored by Paul and a co-worker in spreading the Gospel to the Gentiles. At the time of this letter, he is now acting as the head of the Church of Ephesus. What I find interesting is that at this time, Timothy has been living the radical life of an early Christian missionary for many years (scholars believe he was approximately 34 when the letter was written and that he had been working with Paul since he was a teenager). In the last 15 years or so, Timothy has, without a doubt, seen God’s power in incredible ways, and has been bold and effective in his mission. Even so, he needed a pep talk. I imagine this could be the case for many of us. We have experienced God’s power in different ways and have been used as an instrument to spread his love. But we forget. We don’t always show courage, we don’t always have faith. That’s why, like Timothy, we need to have someone come and fire us up every now and again. We need to be reminded of God’s power. I keep a list of what I call Power Verses in the notes app on my phone. Anytime I come across a powerful verse speaking God’s promises, I write it down. Countless times when I have been faced with fear, dread, or a difficult situation, I’ll pull up the list and let God speak power into my life. As you begin your time of prayer, I encourage you to spend some time praying with this verse. Internalize it, speak it over a difficult situation you are facing. If we have been baptized, and even more so if we have been confirmed, we have the gift of the Holy Spirit. God’s power is within us, his promises hold true. 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 gets your most "fired up" about your faith? Who helps you keep the fire going in your faith? What difficult situation are you facing right now that you need to allow the Spirit to speak into? 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. "Power, love, self-control." "Stir into flame." "Grant me strength." 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. Write down 2 Timothy 1:7 on a sticky note or piece of paper, and place it somewhere, such as your mirror or locker, where you will constantly be reminded of it. 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 Liam Brady.
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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