Step #2: Meditatio / MeditateUse the following meditation to help you reflect more deeply on the Scripture (you may want to read the passage again).
The Lord goes before you. Moses and the chosen people had been traveling for an embarrassingly long time. Many died, many doubted, and yet they continued to walk. They encountered countless obstacles, and yet each time the Israelites overcame the odds. Now they stand right outside the land promised to them by the God of their fathers. I can only imagine the doubt that had raged in the hearts of the people each ‘wrong turn’ that was made. Temptations continued to press in and yet they walked forward. What could attest for this faithfulness, albeit imperfect, on the part of the people? The fact that they weren’t blazing their own path; the Lord went before them. Battles were won because of the Lord. Directions were understood because they were established by the Lord. He goes before you always. The same is true today in our own lives. The Lord marches before us. It’s hard to trust that we aren’t on our own sometimes though, especially in transition. Heading into a new school year, navigating new friendships, developing skills for work, or even just learning how to begin living a life of faith can all be times where we might feel lost in the desert, trying to create a new path. He sees you in your journey and is preparing the way. Long before the ‘newness’ and the obstacles, He knew. He knew, and He is working to keep you safe and inspire you to keep walking. There are a lot of ‘practical’ things that needed to happen to make it to the promised land, and there are practical things that we can do to continue to move forward but with the Lord. Sometimes the walk looks different than our plans, and that’s okay. It’s even okay to admit that taking a new step is a little scary. He’s made the path just for you. The Lord has got you. He always has and He always will. Take the next little step, and trust soon we, too, will taste the sweetness of the Promised Land. 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.
Where am I experiencing doubt in my journey of life? How has God prepared the way for me in the past? Where can I look back and see how God was preparing my path? What practical next step can I take, however small, to keep entrusting my life to the Lord? 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 go before me." "Jesus, I trust in you." "Lead me to the Promised Land." 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?
Take time to invite the Holy Spirit to help you see how God has been preparing the way for you to continue following him and living in his peace. See how God has always been at work in your life and give thanks for his providence. 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 Fr. Robert Blood, priest of the Diocese of Rockford.
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. Comments are closed.
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