Remember Me

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. 

Luke 23:35-43

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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).

On the Cross, the criminal asks Jesus, “Remember me when you come into your Kingdom.” He rightly recognized Jesus as a king, as The King. His question, however, isn’t as superficial as it sounds upon first hearing. The criminal is not saying, Dear Almighty One, Dear Omniscient One, Dear God of all the Universe, please don’t forget me.

Of course Jesus won’t forget. God doesn’t forget stuff. Rather, travel with me to the ancient Jerusalem Temple. The priests would enter the Holy of Holies, the most sacred part of the building, to offer the Bread of Remembrance. It was an offering to God that He might never forget His people. That He might always hold them in remembrance. It doesn’t mean, though, remembering as we remember. Where did I put my keys? What time am I supposed to be there? What’s her name again? How can I not remember my own cell phone number right now? No, no. For God, remembering means holding us in existence. As soon as God stops thinking of us, as soon as God places us out of His Almighty Mind - poof - we are gone.

Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom. Jesus, hold me in existence. Jesus, protect me, watch over me, sustain me, guide me, fill me, feed me, redeem me, cherish me. Jesus, I want to be with you forever.

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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.

Do you keep Jesus in your mind throughout the day? How can you keep Him on your mind everyday?

What does it mean to be held in existence simply because God is thinking of you? Does it change the way you think about Him, knowing that He loves you so much to think of you every moment of everyday, just to keep you in existence?

How can you be more grateful for this great love, this great remembrance today?

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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.

"Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom."

"Jesus, protect me."

​"Jesus, I love you."

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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?

Spend some time reflecting on the mercy of God. A mercy that always remembers you no matter how much you forget about Him.

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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 Fr. Jon Bakkelund, 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.