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). “God is able to”. Those words really stuck out of today’s first reading. “God is able to make every grace abundant for you.” It made me stop to ponder the number of times I have tried to put a limit on God. I would think to myself that God couldn’t possibly do this or that. Or I’d hang on really tightly to something because I was afraid of what it would mean to let it go. But when I hang on to things or don’t give fully, I limit the ways that I can see God moving in my life. But our good Lord wants to give in abundance. When I was pregnant with my twins, that was a word that I clung to: abundance. After losing three babies previously, every pregnancy was a giant blessing and yet also a giant leap of trust. Being open to life meant the possibility that I could lose another baby. I was placing my trust in the Lord, that even if this pregnancy ended at a grave, He would still be with me. He would be there to supply all the graces that I needed. The day I saw the flicker of two heartbeats was a day that God revealed His abundance. Two babies. God was surely not to be outdone in generosity and love. And because of my yes and my faith in Him through my sorrows, I was able to see so clearly how God was moving in my life. He was “able to make every grace abundant.” When we approach decisions in life, we can come to this passage. When we are asked to give of ourselves or give up something, we can do so joyfully knowing that the Lord doesn’t just supply- He supplies abundantly. If we hang on to the things of this world and close ourselves off to giving to others, we might be putting a limit on God. And God is able to, and willing, to give so much to us. Let us open that door to Him by saying yes when we are asked to sow bountifully-because God will be right there to shower us with His 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. When is a time God showed you His abundance? Did you thank Him for it? Where has the Lord been calling you to trust Him? What is your deepest desire? Ask the Lord. 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. "God is able to." "Abundance." “God is able to make every grace abundant for you.” 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? What is your deepest desire? Write it down and share it with the Lord. Put it in your bible, and offer it to the Lord. At the same time, reflect on your past desires? How did God answer those? Even if in ways you did not expect? 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 Megan Kramer, a parishioner at St. Mary's Parish in Huntley, IL.
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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