Sweetness

​​Step #1: Lectio / Read

Click 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.

John 3:13-17

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​Step #2: Meditatio / Meditate

Use the following meditation to help you reflect more deeply on the Scripture (you may want to read the passage again).

I have to admit, sometimes I forget about eternal life. It’s easy to do! We are so bogged down by our never-ending “to-do” list and we are always “connected” with our technology – never sitting still - but not always “connected” to God through prayer.

Even though we believe in Jesus, have we built a deep relationship with him through prayer? Prayer is communication with him and the only way we will hear his will and to live the life he made for us. 

My goal for today is to remind everyone that believing in Jesus is great, let’s call it the cake. We know the fundamental point is Jesus is our Savior – only by believing in him we will have eternal life.

But it’s the relationship we develop with him through prayer, silence, and the sacraments that help us to hear and receive the graces from God and truly become who he made us to be, Iet’s call that the icing.

I don’t know about you, but I looooooove icing! I am pretty sure I’m not alone when I say that I have taken my finger and swiped some off a cake in some inconspicuous spot before it was “cake time”…

To me, the icing is the best part and that is the part I think a lot of us don’t eat, enjoy and savor. We have the ability to live the sweetest life imaginable through a relationship with God – listening, loving and acting on the Holy Spirit – IF we pay attention and rest with God in silence.

If we don’t, we cannot hear him. We are muffling all the ways God is present to us throughout the day - leading, guiding and helping us.

I know what it is like when I am not living the sweet life I am made to live by centering my life on a relationship with God. I am sure I am not alone when I tell you my days are better when I start it in prayer with God, Scripture, Mass and some reflection. Even though I am super busy and don’t think I have time to spend with God, when I do, I have some of the most productive and connected days to the Lord ever.
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Let’s have our cake AND icing, too! Icing is perfect with cake – which is why we celebrate life with a big old slice of both - pure sweetness!

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​Step #3: Oratio / Pray

These 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.

Do I look for the "sweetness" of the Lord in prayer?

Am I too focused on my phone, texts, social media, or what's coming next to give the Lord time in prayer as I start my day?

Do I try to see the Holy Spirit's goodness in the small and big things of my life?

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​Step #4: Contemplatio / Contemplate

In 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 your sweetness."

"Jesus I trust in your life."

"Jesus I trust in your promise of eternal life."

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Step #5: Actio / Act

In 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?

During the month of September, we ask that each day, for the Action step of our lectio divina, everyone prays a Divine Mercy Chaplet together for the healing of all victims of clerical abuse of any kind as well as for the healing and guidance of our Church.

For more information on why we are doing this or how to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet, click here.

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​Smartphone Lock Screen

The 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.

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"Today’s Prayer was prepared by Kendra Von Esh, a Speaker and Author, inspiring others to lead with compassion and enrich their lives through faith and prayer.

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. "