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). The themes in today’s first reading have always confused me a bit. Confused might not be the right word actually ... annoyed might be better. It starts out on the theme of “Ask and you shall receive.” There have been a lot of things that I’ve asked for that I have not received. Good things like the conversion of my family and someone to start a family with. Things that lead me closer to the Lord and bring others closer to Him as well. Those prayers are still unanswered. It always makes me think “are those not according to His Will”? Is the conversion of my family back to the Church, away from sin and self-absorption NOT according to God’s Will? How is that possible? So is my prayer unworthy of His attention? I don’t think that’s true ... it’s more that I want my own timing, things done in my own way, and when they aren’t done that way I can’t even see the way the Lord is working. When I’m so focused on asking for things according to MY will, MY way, MY plan, I miss what the Lord has to offer me. The blessings in the midst of the waiting. The lesson in perseverance. The gentle prodding of the Lord in between where I am now and where He wants me to be. Being focused on my wants over where the Lord needs me to be is my greatest area of weakness and sin. He wants me to be happy in this life and the next ... with the next being the most important. However, He defines happiness different than I do, different than the rest of the world does, different than a Hallmark Movie “happily ever after.” God’s version of happiness is whatever it takes to purify my soul to prepare me for eternal life. Why? Because as a famous Theresa once said, “The world is thy ship, not thy home.” His Will gets me to heaven. 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 are some prayers you've made that you're asking God to answer today? How in your life are you seeing God's plan and will? Where do you want to ask him today to show you his plan in a new way? In 2020, what are the ways God is calling you deeper into relationship with him as he prepares you in a unique way for heaven? 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. "I want your will." "Help me follow you." "I long for heaven." 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? Make a list of all the blessings God has given you and thank Him for them today, taking time to note in those things how his will always works out for your good. 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 Katie Herzing, a former youth minister turned parish evangelization consultant living in North Carolina.
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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