He Knows

1/19/2019

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.

Hebrews 4:12-16

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).

God gets your problems. Jesus faced the same temptations we have to deal with every day, and He overcame them. He doesn’t boast about the fact that He is greater than any sin or temptation; instead, Jesus gives us the grace to overcome our own temptations and sins.

Do you ever feel like you’re having a rough time with something and you just want someone to understand what you’re going through? Have you ever opened up to a friend and they just can’t fully sympathize with your struggles? Do you ever need help getting through a rough patch, whatever it may be?

Well even if a friend or loved one is there for you, even if you feel like you have a handle on what is going on in your life, God fully and completely understands what is going on. He does not judge or condemn your struggles, even if it is with sin and falling into temptation. He knows that you are not perfect, and He loves you. He gives you the helps you need to make it through the hard times and find peace in your heart.

Jesus knows what it feels with to face sin. He knows what it feels like to lose a loved one, to be rejected by His peers, to feel forgotten or unwanted, to be hungry and thirsty. He knows pain. Still, Jesus never sinned, never turned away from the Father, and has given us the tools to do the same. Through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, we have the Scriptures where God speaks to us now, even though we can’t necessarily hear His voice with our ears. He still speaks to your heart. His eternal words can break through and give aid to whatever situation you are dealing with, they cut straight to the heart and bear fruit in your life wherever you allow them.

Jesus knows what it’s like to be you. He knows what you are feeling and thinking and all He wants is to love you, even if you can’t feel it. Hear what He wants to tell you as your friend, brother, Savior, and God, in whatever is you have to deal with, through reading His word and letting them guide your life. Confidently approach God in prayer with where you are and be let His word go to your heart. Listen to Him who loves you and wants to help you and follow His words to find true peace.

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.

In what ways are you struggling right now? Invite Jesus into that difficulty and see what it is he has to say about what you're facing.

What are the particular challenges against sin you are facing at the moment? How can God's grace help you fight that battle today?

Who are the people in your life who can be there for you? If you are looking for new or better community, take some time to invite God into that challenge and ask him to reveal to you the community you are looking for.

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.

"Jesus, I trust in you."

"Fill me with your grace."

"Your word is alive."

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?

Reach out today to a friend / mentor / family member who leads you closer to Jesus and set up a time to get together with them and seek the true friendship they offer.

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.

Today's prayer was prepared by Mary Griffin, a graduate student of theology 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.

CARPE VERBUM