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 Gospel passage is a very vivid one. As you approach your prayer, try placing yourself in the scene. Imagine you are sitting on the dusty roadside in Jericho. You see the swarm of people coming in the distance and the buzz from the people nearby: “Jesus, the miracle worker—could He be the Messiah?” You look to see the horde approaching closer. Suddenly, a loud voice shouts, “Jesus, son of David, have pity on me!” You spot a blind man sitting on the roadside near the passing crowd. He says again, “Jesus, son of David, have pity on me!” A person in the front of the group responds, “Quiet down, good man”, and the other beggars nearby proceed to shush him. The blind man appears to take no notice, but cries out all the louder, “Son of David, have pity on me!” You look over to see the swarm of people part. There is Jesus, standing in the middle of the crowd with a warm countenance and an air of respect. Jesus calls out to the blind man. Some of Jesus’ disciples go over to help the blind man up and walk him over to Jesus. The two begin to converse. You strain your ears but can’t quite make out what they are saying. Suddenly, the crowd gasps. It appears as if the blind man can now see. He cries out in celebration, and thanks Jesus. Jesus and then man share a few words, and the man heads back towards Jericho full of jubilation. Jesus and the crowd begin to move again, now heading closer your way. Suddenly, inspired by what you just saw, you cry out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me”. Almost immediately you regret it, feeling embarrassed. A few in the crowd glare at you. You ask yourself, why would Jesus listen to me? He’s got more important stuff to do. I’m not worthy. Then a stronger feeling of courage comes over you. The doubts are blocked out, you cry again, “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me.” Jesus turns, spots you through the crowd, smiles, and beckons you over. As you get up and walk towards Jesus, the scene suddenly shifts. It’s just you and Jesus alone, on a hill overlooking a beautiful sea. Jesus, turns to you and lovingly asks, “What do you want from me?” You begin to share with Him. 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 do you want to tell Jesus? Where in your life do you need to see more? Are you afraid to call out to Jesus? Why? 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. “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me.” "Jesus I want you to know _____." "Lord I need you." 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? Call out to Jesus today. Where do you need Him in your life? Be honest with Him and with yourself. Share with Him today. 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 Liam Brady, an accountant in Chicago.
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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