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 remember going on my first high school retreat. It was a short weekend that flew by and totally changed my life. I encountered Jesus there and I decided I wanted to live for Him. I came home in fire and ready to live differently for Him. I said my first yes to Christ and I was ready to do whatever He asked of me. But, not even an hour after I got home, my former best friend called and yelled at me for an hour. She kept saying it was my fault and I knew what I did to upset her. When I told her I was sorry and I didn't know what she meant, she just kept repeating, "you know what you did!" To this day, I still have no idea what she was talking about. I felt crushed, perplexed/confused, persecuted and alone. So I called a friend I made on the retreat and she talked to me about finding Jesus in that moment. We talked about how the devil does want to come and get you after you've experienced Christ. And we talked about how Christ is with us even in the hard times. For I was not alone, I was not abandoned and I was not destroyed. Instead Christ was with me every step of the way. He was there through my new friend speaking encouragement. He was there when my friend stopped talking to me. He was there as I found the courage to talk about Him and the weekend to my new friends. I found new life and I found it in Christ. That is what St. Paul is telling us today. Our life is with Christ. And when we get persecuted, crushed and so much more we are not alone. For our hope is in Jesus and no one can't take that from us. Death and darkness might surround us, but we must cling to the light. As we cling to Jesus, we speak of Him and we live with Him He will be with us and His graves will flow forth. Maybe you had your life changed at a conference, retreat or camp this summer. Maybe for the first time or for the millionth time you have decided to live for Christ. Find strength in this reading today because even though the hard times will come, remember that you have life in Christ. A life with Christ is the most wonderful adventure. 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 have you experienced a God high? How did you react when it ended? How do you see God working in the hard times? Where is Christ in your life? How can you embrace Him working? 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. "Life in Christ." "Christ is with me." "Life in 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? Sit in prayer with your life and Christ. Ask Jesus what he wants from you, ask Him to be with you in the hard times and ask Him to take you on an adventure. 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 Lisa Kendzior, Junior High Youth Minister at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Crystal Lake, IL.
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