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). For me, the Book of Revelation, or the Apocalypse of Saint John, has always been a bit of a mystery when it comes to Scripture reading. Just like the book of Genesis and the account of Creation, this other bookend of Scripture is just as alluring. First, we see the river of life-giving water and the trees of life flanking it, which hearkens back to Eden. This is the New Creation that is ushered in by the Resurrection of Christ. Bearing fruit twelve times, the Twelve Tribes of Israel and the Twelve Apostles called by the Lord, are symbolized by the life and nourishment given through them to the people of God. This is the place of serenity and perfection that was meant for mankind. When our first parents fell, we all incurred their debt to be repaid for that sin, but God in His infinite mercy paid back that debt on the Cross in our place. This is why it is so good and just for us to worship Him in thanksgiving for such an act. We do this every time we pray. John writes of how His Name will be on the foreheads of the servants of God, and this is how we begin prayer. We were anointed and cleansed at Baptism with oil and water on our foreheads and we begin prayer with touching our hands to our foreheads in His Name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This reading is the culmination of not only the liturgical year, but God willing, also the culmination of our own lives. Our Almighty God always had us in mind when making His covenants with His people. He thought of US in His public ministry, in His Passion, in His Death, in His Resurrection, and now through His Church. As we pray, let us recall this fact: God is always thinking of us. As we sign ourselves from our foreheads, let us focus our thoughts on Him who is always thinking of us, and let Him guide us to that perfect end to be with Him forever! 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. How can you remember to keep God at the forefront of your mind today? How have you been thankful for the gift of life God has given you and the hope of heaven? How can you be more aware of that today and more thankful? We can never fully thank God for what He has done for us, but how can we show that more today? How can your prayer and worship better express your thanks today? 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. "Thank you Jesus!" "In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." "I am yours, 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 Lord bear fruit in you today? In this time of Thanksgiving, take some time to remember all the God has done for you and has in store for you. Find a new way to be mindful of these things and thank Him. This can be through journaling, 5 minute prayers of thanksgiving, or any way that you find fitting to thank God. Try and make this a new daily habit. 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 Kevin Poynton, graduate of the University of Dayton with a Degree in Religious Studies.
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