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). If I’m being honest, life has me feeling really tired right now. I feel like I haven’t stopped moving in over three months, and most days it feels more like running in circles. These past couple months have definitely made me realize how easy it can be to feel burned out in the midst of the busyness of life. So what can we do to combat this? St. Paul has some really good one-liners in today’s first reading that I find incredibly encouraging “Do not grow slack in zeal, [. . .] persevere in prayer.” All too often, when I grow tired and weary, the first thing usually to fall by the wayside is my prayer. However, the less time I spend in prayer, the weaker I become. We are not meant to pray only when we feel like it or when it is convenient. We are called to persevere in prayer even when it is the last thing we want to do or even when we don’t think we have a single minute to spare for it. “Let love be sincere; [. . .] hold on to what is good.” When life is dragging you down, be authentic in love and hold on to the good. Be real with yourself and with others and don’t hide behind a mask or put up walls. It’s all too easy to hide away or forget about all the ways we are abundantly blessed in this life, even when they are right under our nose. The ultimate good we can hold on to is the Eucharist, the only thing that can truly nourish us and give us life. My prayer for you today is that you will find hope and consolation from the words of St. Paul in the midst of the busyness of life. 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. What is leaving you feeling tired and weary in life right now? Where do you find nourishment in the midst of the busyness of life? What are the blessings in your life that continue to give you hope and encourage you to persevere? 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. "Persevere in prayer." "Let love be sincere." "Hold on to what is good." 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? In whatever way life may seem to be dragging you down today, take a moment to just breathe and remind yourself of the many blessings in life to help you continue to persevere through your day and in your relationship with God. 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 Maggie Overbeck, Assistant Director of Youth Ministry at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Huntley, IL.
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