Pray for the Dead

​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.

1 THES 4:13-18

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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).

During the month of November we traditionally remember the souls who have gone before us. I'm pretty good about remembering the saints, especially when my favorite social media accounts post things on their feast days. But remembering all those in my life who have gone before me? Not so much.

St. Paul echos what the Lord has taught us - that those who pass aren't really gone. Life doesn't end when we die, only this time we're spending on earth. After our time here ends, we live on in eternity.

When we pray to the Saints - asking for their intercession, we're asking them to speak to God on our behalf. This is efficacious because they are with God. They don't have the burden of sin standing between them and the Lord.

Remembering those who have gone before us during November reminds me that any or all of my loved ones might be with God in Heaven right now. They're asking us to pray for them and they're waiting for us to ask their intercession.

Today remember those who have gone before you, ask them to bring you closer to the Lord!

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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

How do you pray for the dead? Do you pray for them regularly? 

Which saint are you close to? How do you honor them? 

How do you ask the dead to draw you closer to the Lord?

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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.

"Pray for the dead."

​"Holy saints, pray for us."

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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 the Lord bear fruit in you today.

Pray for the dead today. If you don't know a prayer use this one.

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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 Katie Herzing, a former youth minister turned parish evangelization consultant living in North Carolina. 

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.