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). Northern Illinois had a somewhat slow start to the winter regarding snow. But as we began February, things certainly picked up with several decent snow storms. Despite what many people might say, snow is great and has some incredibly positive aspects! It provides a lot more cheer for the children at recess, on the sled hill, and even the long-shot snow day; it also gives us skiers a well-groomed mountain to slalom down; and cosmetically speaking it hides the unattractive brown grass during these dreary winter months. Furthermore, our scripture passage from the Prophet Isaiah today tells us that rain and snow waters the earth, making it fertile and fruitful, to give bread to the one who eats. So, snow and rain come down with the intention of bearing some very positive results! But this passage today isn’t simply about the positive aspects of snow or rain, it goes way deeper than this. What we are invited to see from this reading is the positive aspects of God’s Word for our lives. Today and every day we are invited to “Seize the Word!” Carpe Verbum! We recall what the first reading tells us, the Word of God will not return back to Him void, rather, as the Lord says, it “shall do my will, achieving the end for which I sent it.” So many things grab our undivided attention, but why does His Word often times get only a little of our attention? As our Lenten journey’s continue let’s allow the Word of God to penetrate the heart. I’ll be the first to admit, sometimes I read or hear the Word of God and don’t give it much time to soak in, convict me, and change me. Brothers and sisters, God’s Words have the power to produce incredible benefits for our lives, simply take the time and allow them to soak in and nourish the soil, just like the rain and snow. 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 most often grabs your undivided attention? How will you seize the Word of God this Lent? How does the Word of God convict you and change 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. "You are good." "Your Word is Truth." "You give life." 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? Open your Bible, and explore the Word of God. Allow it to convict you and change your heart for the better. 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 Fr. John McNamara, 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. Comments are closed.
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