Joyful Fruits

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.

Galatians 5:18-25

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​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).

I think it’s easy to look at the Church and simply see a lot of rules and regulations. What can be harder to see at times is the true joy that comes from Christian living. I’ve seen a lot of people live out their faith very grumpily, and I’ve seen a lot of people live out their faith very joyfully. One makes the faith seem very appealing, and the other not so much… 

In today’s first reading, St. Paul is encouraging the Galatians to live the fullness of Christian life. These people were starting at square one learning what it looks like to turn away from sin and live in the Spirit. The way St. Paul was calling the Galatians to live was not easy then, and it’s not easy now.

We can look at today’s first reading and feel frustrated over the long list of things we should not do, or we can step into the life of joy that comes from following the Spirit. When we are living out our faith, the fruits of Spirit become evident in us - in the way we conduct ourselves and in the way we love others. I think we can agree that the fruits of the Spirit are all things that people deeply desire. And when people see those things in us as we live out our faith, our faith becomes attractive and contagious. 

May we allow the fruits of the Spirit to be evident in our lives today. May we not grow weary of living out our faith but allow ourselves to be guided by the Spirit in all things.

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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.

​Where do I struggle to live out my faith?

Where do I find joy in living out my faith?

​​Which fruit of the Spirit do I desire more of in my life?

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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.

​"Come, Holy Spirit."

"Lead me, Lord."

"Follow the Spirit."

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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?

​Pray and choose one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit that you really want to strive to live out today.

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Smartphone Lock Screen

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.

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Today's prayer was prepared by Maggie Super, 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.