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). Sometimes, we get really focused on results. From the time we're young, we are rewarded based on how good we are at things: trophies get bigger when you do better, you get praised when you get A's in school, and people take note when you improve how well you score goals or play your instrument. In a certain sense, there is a positive thing to this: hard work pays off, and it is good when people notice our hard work. In another sense, though, this can become very damaging for us. We begin to think that our worth is completely dependent upon how successful we can be and how much people take notice of our ability. As we begin to think like that, we become simply functional animals; we're all about getting tasks accomplished and finding our way to the finish. Until we've met each and every one of our goals, and we have the praise of those around us and the rewards for what we've done, there can never be time to rest. The prophetic words from Isaiah that we read today speak directly into that problem and remind us that, in the eyes of the Father, we are not asked to successfully complete tasks before we can receive our rest. Isaiah reminds us that the Lord specifically comes to people in their desolation, when they are prisoners, and when they are in darkness to help them find the place of rest and the water to drink. How have you let your worth be defined not by the eyes of the Father but instead by the value that the world gives you? Along the ways they shall find pasture, on every bare height shall their pastures be. The Lord offers pasture not simply at your destination, but along the way. Stop trying to prove anything, stop trying to earn His grace, and simply find your rest, your pasture, in the arms of the Father that hold you and remind you everything is okay. Maybe during this Lent you've found yourself bogged down and stressed; in the midst of this time, let the Lord give you the rest, the pasture, that He desires for your heart. You don't have to earn it, He simply wants to give it. Rest in Him. 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. How have you let your worth be defined not by the eyes of the Father but instead by the value that the world gives you? What ways does the Lord want to give you rest right now? Speak to Him about the suffering and stress you feel and let Him speak into that place in your heart. When you think of God the Father, what picture do you have of Him in your mind? Is He a good, loving Father? If that's not what you say, why are you struggling to see Him for the good and loving Father He is? Take time to pray with that idea, and look at the Father so that He can look at you. 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. "You give me rest." "You lead me to green pastures." "You are my Father." 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? Find time to rest today. In the midst of your busyness, stop. Turn off your devices, and let yourself be quiet and just be with the Lord. Speak to Him, and then be quiet and let Him speak to you. 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 Jason Theobald, Director of Youth Ministry at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Huntley, IL.
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