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). Today’s first reading is actually a pretty good snapshot of the entire Old Testament. Throughout the Old Testament, God asks His people to follow His laws or commandments. He does this not out of anger but because He knows truly what is best for humanity. The people of the Old Testament regularly agree to follow His laws, but then they fail and break them. They ask for forgiveness, and they try to do better next time. God gives them another chance, only for the most to fail again and again. Why does this keep happening? Because we are weak and broken. We can’t save ourselves. We can try to follow God’s laws but sooner or later we fall to what the devil hasn’t tempted us with. We are no different than our Israelites ancestors who were born more than 2000 years ago. We can’t win the battle with sin, so Jesus came to win it for us. By His suffering, He endured the price of every sin ever committed by humanity. Every whip He felt, He took the punishment of my sin. Every drop of blood He lost, that was supposed to be my punishment, but He bore it all. And they were for you too. Now that we know this, we are called to repent like the Israelites in the first reading. We must stand before the Lord and declare that life will be different because Jesus died for us. If we truly believe that Jesus died to free us from our sins, than life should look different. How does your life need to change? Has it been a while since your last confession? Run to Him. Start to frequent the Sacraments more. Increase your daily prayer time. Volunteer more of your time and charity. And most of all, share the Gospel. Share what Jesus has done for you so that others might know Him too. 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 do you seem to be failing over and over? How can you rely on God more in that? How does your life need to change? Where would you like a second chance in your life? How will you give more of your life and time to God? 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. "I give you my heart, Lord." "I want to change, Lord." "Give me strength, Lord." 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? Make a resolution today that will change your life for the better. Pray and ask God to help you grow and commit to this resolution. 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 Lisa Kendzior, Junior High Youth Minister at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Crystal Lake, IL.
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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