Pay It Forward

​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.

EPHesians 2:19-22

---

​Step #2: Meditatio / Meditate

WUse the following meditation to help you reflect more deeply on the Scripture (you may want to read the passage again).

We come to the Church to be fed. In time, faith builds our foundation. After we get our fill, it’s time to pay it forward.

Several years ago, my good friend, Ryan, had a random encounter with a homeless man outside his parish. The homeless guy asked about the church’s ministries. Almost immediately, Ryan ran inside and asked a parish employee what he should do. The employee kindly suggested Ryan go talk to him. That was not the answer Ryan expected, but the employee explained it like this: Ryan has been feed the Word of God. Now, it’s his time to feed others. In today’s first reading, we learned it’s the end of the line of sorts for Christ’s followers. They’ve spent time building a foundation of faith, and it’s their time to pay it forward into the community.

---

​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.

Who has fed me with the Word of God?

Who have I encountered that is longing for the Word of God, whether they realize it or not?​

How will I pay it forward today?

---

​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.

"Pay it forward."

"Faith is the foundation."

"God's dwelling place."

---

​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?

Seek out an opportunity to pay your faith forward today!

---

​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.

---

Today's prayer was prepared by Brandon Hudson, a news reporter in Philadelphia, PA.  

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.