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). During my freshman year of high school, Hurricane Ike rattled the Gulf Coast, which was still recovering from Hurricane Katrina just a couple years earlier. In my little hometown of Sugar Land, Texas, Hurricane Katrina had narrowly missed us, but Hurricane Ike was coming straight for us. My parents made the tough decision to hunker down and ride out the storm instead of evacuating, and I still remember when the power first went off as the storm began to make landfall late Friday night. When I read today’s Gospel, my mind immediately flashes back to the hours spent in the dark riding out Hurricane Ike. I imagine the disciples felt like they were in the midst of a hurricane as well. In the middle of a hurricane, all you can see and hear is the wind and rain swirling around you, and you really have no idea when it is going to stop or how bad the damage is going to be when all is said and done. The disciples were on a boat with seemingly little to no protection from the elements, and yet they don’t realize they have the best protection of all: Jesus Christ. When we hit storms in our lives, they can become less scary when we have faith and trust that God will carry us through. Jesus is right there in the same boat as us, but often we don’t notice Him there with us in the midst of the storm. Like the disciples in the boat, we can lose hope and don’t see any end in sight, but the Lord can bring peace to our lives - even as storms swirl around us. He alone can calm our fears and save us from the storms of sin and death. Realize that the Lord is there with you in the storm. Call upon His name, and let Him bring you peace and comfort. 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 times in your life that have felt like a hurricane? What are some times that have been pure joy? In the storms of your life, did you fear like the disciples, or did you see Jesus and trust in Him? How can you trust in Him better in those times? Why do you think we still fear, even when we know we should completely trust the Lord? How can we wipe out the distractions so that there is less fear and anxiety everyday? 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." "Please calm this storm, Lord." "Be still and know that I am God." 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 "hurricane survival kit" for your spiritual life. Start memorizing scripture and surrounding yourself with things that bring your mind back to Christ, so that when the storms do come, you can keep your eyes fixed on Him. 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 Maggie Overbeck, Assistant Director of Youth Ministry at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Huntley, IL.
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