Step #2: Meditatio / MeditateUse the following meditation to help you reflect more deeply on the Scripture (you may want to read the passage again).
The God-man. As Jesus calmed the storm, his disciples asked one another, “What sort of man is this?" Many see Jesus as a super-man, a miracle-man, a good teacher-man, a powerful-man, a wise-man, a mysterious-man, and they all have truth to them. But it ultimately comes down to His self-revelation – what Jesus said of Himself. Jesus made the bold claim that He was God. And He proved it – especially in His rising from the dead. Jesus is true-God and true-man! He is the God-man! There is nothing more amazing and loving than the fact that God became man and dwells among us! He became man to save us from our sins, yet also, to give us the necessary help needed to navigate from this life to eternity. We all have challenges on this journey – some with bigger and rougher waters than others, but always keep in mind that nothing is too difficult when Jesus is with us. What is the storm or the challenge you have present in your life at this time? Remember the God-man is with us and He is here to give us grace to calm those stormy seas. Trust in 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.
Who is Jesus to you, really? Is he the God-man or is he something else like in the meditation above? What storm is raging in your life right now that has you feeling scared, anxious, depressed, or doubtful about the future or your wellbeing? How can you begin to let God be the one to handle the storms you are facing? How can you surrender the storms to Him in an act of faith? 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.
"Increase my faith." "Lord, save me from these storms." "Jesus, I trust in 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?
Take time today to do a brief Ignatian meditation with the Gospel: picture yourself in the scene in your imagination, hear the thunder, smell the sea, see the waves crashing. Place yourself into the boat and imagine being there with the disciples and Jesus as he calms the storm. Let God minister to you in a time of prayer and see how he responds to the storms you are facing. 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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