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). "Not as man sees does God see, because he sees the appearance but the LORD looks into the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7) We, as humans, have such a limited scope on life. This is true not only of people today but also of people thousands of years ago. Everyone expected the long-awaited Messiah to come as a kingly warrior adorned with robes and jewels, not as a small child born in a stable. In today’s first reading, the Lord chose David, the youngest and least likely of his brothers to be chosen as king. God continues to surprise us by choosing the seemingly unlikely because he sees deeper into our hearts and our future than any human can. The Lord sees your heart in a way no other human can. He knows what you need and desire even better than you do. God has chosen you and sees something in you that maybe no one else can. God sees deeper than your Instagram filters and Snapchat stories. He delights in knowing your heart and invites you to share it with Him. God invites you to be real and honest with Him. When it comes to God, you don’t have to worry about keeping up appearances. He wants the good, the bad, and the ugly of your life. It’s incredibly easy to find hundreds of things to worry about in a day - what to say, what to wear, what to post on social media, etc. My prayer for you today is that you can set aside all those worries about your appearance, even if it’s only for a little while, and allow God the opportunity to see not just your outward appearance but to look into your heart. 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. When was the last time you were real and vulnerable with God in prayer? Do you often find yourself preoccupied with your appearance or the way others perceive you? Do these worries distract you in prayer? If someone truly saw your heart as the Lord does, what would they see? 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. "Here's my heart, Lord." "I am chosen." "You see me, and you know me." 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? Take some time in prayer today to be honest and vulnerable with the Lord. Allow Him to truly see your heart. 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. 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.
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