CARPE VERBUM
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Step #2: Meditatio / MeditateUse the following meditation to help you reflect more deeply on the Scripture (you may want to read the passage again).
Faith in Jesus leads us out of fear and into wonder. Today’s Gospel teaches us about how great the power of God can be in the stormy seas of our lives. Just as the storm was raging and Jesus called Peter to believe in Him and walk across the stormy seas, we are all called to trust in Jesus and let our faith help us through the struggles of our lives. This passage was actually the inspiration for one of my favorite praise and worship songs, ‘Oceans’ by Hillsong United. In the song it says, “you call me out upon the waters, the great unknown where feet may fail and there I find you in the mystery, in oceans deep my faith will stand”. So many days in our lives are uncertain now with all the world events, family problems, or friendships and relationships coming and going. I have seen the unknown in my own life this summer as my job as a youth minister has wildly shifted to online until the fall and my responsibilities for the U.S Army have increased to more than expected. However, this is the stormy sea God has asked me to cross right now and its faith in Him that keeps us all afloat. It is easy to doubt that Jesus can allow you to cross whatever stormy sea you’re facing in your life, just like Peter doubted and began to sink, but Jesus will always be there to pull you back up. When you doubt, remember all the miracles you’ve read about in the Bible, or the ones you’ve seen around you and in you, and know that all those are proof that Jesus wants to perform a miracle in your life. No stormy sea or doubt you face is greater than the power of God. Just like ‘Oceans’ says, we’re called into the great unknown. It also reminds us that we are not alone- Jesus walks on the waters with us, giving us the grace we need to continue on. Let your faith in Jesus lead you across the stormy seas and see the miracles He can do. 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 stormy sea am I facing in my life right now? How do I feel when I'm faced with the storm? If Jesus is in the midst of the storm and calling me onto the water- what is he actually asking of me? Is it to have faith or courage, to act in hope, to keep my eyes fixed on him? What causes me to sink when I try to follow Jesus? Do I doubt myself, Jesus, or others? Do I lack consistency in following him? How is Jesus strengthening me to not sink again? 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, I trust in you." "Increase my faith." "I will follow you in the storm." 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?
Think about the storm(s) that you are facing in your life today. Jesus is calling you out in trust, but that beings with one step. Think of a concrete action you can take today: maybe a simple act of faith in prayer, finding accountability with a trusted friend, or beginning the process of forgiveness in a relationship where you need to forgive. Find a way to take that first step out of the boat. 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 Brendan Slovacek, a student at Franciscan University of Steubenville. 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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