Good Questions

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. 

Genesis 1:1-19

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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).

​Every year back in seminary we would host a family day. During this family day parents, siblings, and friends would come to tour the Seminary, watch a talent show, observe a mock class and also go to the greatest part of the weekend... the rocket show!

Seminarians would build rockets and all the families and small children gather around as the rockets are shot off. As soon as the rocket soared into the air breaking into the wind all the kids and people erupted in applause. Eventually the rocket can't go any higher and the parachute opens and begins descending back to the ground at which point every small child runs to the rocket because they want to be the first one to get it. 

3 years ago a young boy who was maybe five years old picked up the rocket and ran over to the seminarian who had just shot it off. The boy looked at the seminarian and said, 'I love your rocket can I have it?' The seminarian didn't know what to say and again the boy said, 'Gosh I love your rocket. Can I have it?' At that point the dad came over and said, 'Sorry about my son.' The dad then explain to his son that you simply can't ask for whatever you want because that rocket isn't yours. 

You know when I think back on that story I'm amazed by the honesty of that child and I'm saddened that as we get older we become afraid to ask what we truly desire. You see, in the beginning of creation, everything that God made was good and it wasn't until the fall that everything became confused. That's why I think today is a call for each one of us to look back to the beginning of creation and to think of this small boy who asks, 'Can I have it?' Because that small boy recognizes that what he desires is good. May you recognize what your true desires are, that they are good and holy, and do not be afraid today to ask, 'Father, can I have it?'

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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 do you need to ask for in your life, but are too afraid to ask for? That you feel like might be too small or too big, or even that you don't deserve it.

If God created us (and all creation) good, why aren't our desires always good? What can you do to get closer to God and purify your desires again?

There seems to be a simplicity in faith that so many of us are missing. How can simple faith, like that young boy, help you grow closer to God?

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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.

"You are good God."

"Father, please give me Joy and Love!"

"Thank you for all you have given me 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?

Don't be afraid to ask for what you need. Be bold with the Lord and trust Him to fulfill your needs. And never forget to always love the Giver more than the gifts!

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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 Fr. Kyle Manno, priest of the Diocese of Rockford.