Increase My Faith

4/1/2019

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.

JOHN 4:43-54

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).

This is such a great Gospel. It really makes me wonder. This Gospel really makes me ask two questions. Do I have the faith that royal official had? I live my prayer life. I talk to God on a regular basis. I go to Mass. I participate in the Sacraments. I understand that God ALWAYS answers our prayers. He tells us yes, no, and wait. I deeply, deeply believe that God will give me an answer, it might not be the answer I’m looking for, but He will answer my prayers. No question. But I wonder if I have the royal official’s faith to run to God as Father any time with any need and rest in a deep existential trust that my Father who really is my Father will take care of me. I’d like to think I do. But I’m certain this is an area for growth. An area in which I can ask my Father to strengthen me and help my unbelief. Second, I’ve gotta ask myself. What is it I’d ask for? If I could run to Jesus and ask for His divine help. What’s most deeply on my mind, in my heart? At first thought I’d want things to line up for me. For things to work out. For my workings and dealings to go easily, smoothly, without trouble. I’d like health and security and friendship. I’d like those around me to experience the same. But as I read through the Gospels, that’s not really what I’m supposed to want. More deeply at the heart of the Gospel lies a desire for desire. Instead of asking for what’s the smoothest or most comfortable, I could as for a heart that beats in union with Christ’s own Heart. Today, Lord, I ask you, to strengthen my faith. Please, Jesus, inflame my heart. Give me the strength to trust in you and desire what you desire.

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.

How is my faith? Do I trust the Lord?

What’s most deeply on my mind, in my heart? What do I want from God?

What do you need from God to increase your faith?

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.

"Increase my faith."

"Help my unbelief."

"Jesus, I trust in you."

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?

Today, take a good look at your life. Which areas do you trust God with? Where do you need to trust Him more?

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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 Fr. Jon Bakkelund, priest of the Diocese of Rockford.

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