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). “I tell you, if he does not get up to give him the loaves because of their friendship, he will get up to give him whatever he needs because of his persistence.” Keep knocking. Looking back on all the things I’ve ever asked the Lord for, did I keep knocking? God’s timing is different than man’s timing and, in that I can think of countless times where I desperately wanted a certain response and I felt like I was left out in the cold. If the Lord didn’t answer me right away, in the way I expected, frustration would rise up. Was I doing something wrong? Did I make Him mad? Am I alone in this? The difficult questions often led me to giving up, trying to move on by thinking of other things and running from silence. Ultimately, we are children who just want to know that our Father hears us. Our Father always hears us. But what’s our hesitation in continuing to knock; I think it’s a hesitation in being a child. A child relies on their parent, but who wants to be needy? Who wants to recognize that they can’t do it alone? We are raised to be strong, to have the answers, and to push until we succeed. Does knocking mean those things can’t be true? It’s not weak to be provided for by the One who loves us most. It’s sweet and gentle and honestly what our hearts are longing for. What do you want from the Lord? Is there something you’ve asked for and have become discouraged waiting? Today is the day to knock again, and again. If He doesn’t respond because of friendship, He will get up to give you whatever you need because of your persistence. In a specific way, let’s pray today that we would be healed of any wounds we’ve received in waiting, that our courage to knock would be made new. If your desires seem too small and insignificant, knock anyway. If your desires seem too big and daunting, knock anyway. Your Father hears you and will come to your aid. 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 God doesn't respond to your requests right away, how do you respond? What do you want from the Lord? Is there something you’ve asked for and have become discouraged waiting? How has Jesus' words in today's Gospel strengthened your resolve to persistently ask God for your desires that are both big and small? 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. "Open my heart, Lord." "Hear me, Father." "I need you." 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? Today, offer to God your desires. Take time in your prayer to think about your needs and wants, even write them out in a journal if that helps you. Open your heart to Him and trust that He will answer in the way at the time that He was perfectly willed. Offer them to God and trust in 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 Fr. Robert Blood, 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. Comments are closed.
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