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). A few weeks ago I sat in my living room and prayed — asking God for humility. I didn’t expect those prayers to be answered a few hours later at work! I didn’t handle my one of my assignments well, and my boss noticed. Moments later, he sent me an email with a harsh critique of my work and cc’d my other supervisors. Even though I wasn’t at the office....I. WAS. EMBARRASSED! Then, during my lunch break, I thought about how I asked God for humility that morning. It also hit me that my boss wouldn’t send that email if he didn’t care. Sometimes, it takes a bit of perspective to motivate us. In today’s Gospel reading, we learn about a steward who disappointed his boss and must find a way to make things right. That rock-bottom feeling pushes the steward to be better, and it pays off. Over the years I’ve learned instead of being angry or ashamed about those times of humility, it’s better to reflect on those moments; a chance to see where God wants us to improve. 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. Have you ever had a situation that humbled you or even embarrassed you? How did you react? Why did you react this way? Often we pray for humility, but hate it when we get it. Why do you think that is? How can you have a more humble perspective today? 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. "Jesus, I trust in You." "Help me to see like You, Lord." "Come Holy Spirit." 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? The next time something happens that "humbles you", don't overreact or get angry. Try to use it as a new perspective to see what God is really trying to say to you. 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 Brandon Hudson, a news reporter in Philadelphia, PA.
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