Love God First

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. 

Malachi 3: 1-4, 23-24

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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).

​Sometimes I watch Netflix. Sometimes I pray. Sometimes I yell at the TV when my football team is down. Sometimes I say Mass.

Jesus promises He's going to come again and judge the living and the dead. Sometimes I wonder...since I don't know the day nor the hour of His return...sometimes I wonder...I wonder if I'll be watching Netflix or saying Mass when He returns. And, just between you and me, I hope I'm doing something super holy. Not that there's anything wrong with Netflix or yelling at the TV...I just hope when He comes again...He finds me doing holy stuff and not Netflix stuff.

Isaiah asks a pretty harsh question. Who shall endure the day of His coming? I suppose we could fear His coming, I suppose we could fear God so much that we never ever ever watch Netflix or football or relax in any way whatsoever so that when He does come again He will definitely 100% find us doing holy, sacred things.

But I don't think that's what St. Augustine would want us to do. He said one time, "Love God, then do as you please."

In other words, don't ever be afraid. God has created us to be happy, to be healthy, to flourish, to be at peace, to have confidence in a Father who loves us and wants what's best for us. He's not a great big boogie man in the sky. He's a Father who loves us into being and sustains us on the journey. As long as we stay away from sin, we're doing just fine.

Who shall endure the day of His coming? I'll tell ya who...those who love God, and then do as they please.

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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.

What stuff do I let come before God? Netflix? Friends? Practice? Schoolwork? 

Why do I try my best for God? Is it because I love Him? Or it is because I fear Him? How can I grow in deeper love of God? 

What can I do to make an effort to put God first? 

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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.

"Love God, then do as you please."

"I want to endure your coming."

​"Do not be afraid."

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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 Lord bear fruit in you today?

Today, resolve to put God first. Pray first thing in the morning. Pray before you eat meals. Pray before you turn on the radio on your drive. What can you do today, to put God first? 

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