Get on the Donkey

Step #1: Lectio / Read

Click 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.

Luke 1:26-38

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Step #2: Meditatio / Meditate

Use the following meditation to help you reflect more deeply on the Scripture (you may want to read the passage again).

“Do not be afraid, Mary.”

Whenever I hear this gospel, it reminds me of a Catholic weekend retreat I went on in college. The guys and ladies had separate sessions. The guys finished first. As we were outside tossing a football, the ladies walked out of their session smiling and yelled...

“Get on the donkey!”

At that point, all us men, stopped throwing the ball and looked at each other confused. 

“Get on the donkey!”

Then, we laughed. 

“Get on the donkeeeey!”

Later, the women said the phrase was a metaphor for saying yes to God just like Mary did in today’s gospel. When the angel came to her, Mary said yes; she gave her fiat without delay. On this feast day, we learned how Mary saying one word changed her life, and essentially, all our lives. It’s amazing how saying yes to God can make a difference. If she said no, who knows what would’ve happened. But she wasn’t afraid. She was not going to say no. Neither should we be when God challenges us. When He calls, don’t think, say yes...

...and get on the donkey!

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Step #3: Oratio / Pray

These 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 is God calling you to in your life? 

Where do you need to say yes to God?

Do you listen to God? Is it easy or hard to do?

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Step #4: Contemplatio / Contemplate

In 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.

"Get on the donkey." 

"Fiat." 

​"Yes Lord." 

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​Step #5: Actio / Act

In 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?

Ask God what He wants from you today. Then say yes! Give Him control of your life. 

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Smartphone Lock Screen

The 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.

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Today's prayer was prepared by Brandon Hudson, a news reporter in Philadelphia, PA.  

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.