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). Sometimes, a Scripture passage is so direct it barely requires an interpretation for us to meditate on it, and today's Gospel is a perfect example. It's really pretty simple: even dishonest people of power in this world, when asked enough times, are likely to give in and help those they're able to help. It's a simple rule of human behavior: most of the time, even if we set our mind against a thing, we can be talked into doing that thing with enough commitment and effort from the person who asks. It's like my toddlers when they want something: us telling them no doesn't really slow them down. Our God, of course, is not a dishonest person. He is not selfish, he is not harsh, he is just, and he is kind. When we ask him for things, he hears us, he knows what is best for us, and he chooses to respond. Sometimes, though, when we go to God with something, we hear nothing in response. Oftentimes, I'd venture to say, we feel and hear nothing in prayer. What is today's Gospel calling us to in light of those moments? Keep showing up. Show up no matter how dry it feels, how tired you are, how much you'd rather be sleeping or on Youtube or scrolling through social media. Show up to prayer, to the good judge, the one who can give you what you need, and the one who always hears his people. Our God is a God of patient kindness. When we come to him, again and again, bringing our problems and our intentions, he meets us in that moment and he response with his heart. Our God is trustworthy, and he is worth going to; seek after him, and he'll hear you and give you all that you need. 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. In what ways have you lost your consistency in showing up and asking for what I need? What are the things on your heart that you want to ask from the Lord right now? What does it mean for you to knwo that your God is good, and that he hears you? 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 love you Lord." "Come, Holy Spirit." "Lord, hear my prayer." 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 commitment of when and how you'll pray each day for the next week and then show up. If you already have been consistent in showing up, add something; maybe it's time, a rosary, or something – just add something new that you can do, and then show up. 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 Jason Theobald, Executive Director of Carpe Verbum.
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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