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). “So then the Lord Jesus, after he spoke to them, was taken up into Heaven.” And just like that, He was gone! Jesus returned home. The apostles knew the day was coming, and so did we. But it doesn’t mean we were all ready for it. Goodbyes are never easy. They are down right tough; especially, when it’s the final time. I’ve said bye to my mom many times after visiting her (or when she’s visited me). They kind of run together at this point; but I’ll never forget the first time after she and my grandmother dropped me off at my college dorm for the first time. She walked down the dimly-lit hallway and turned the corner to the elevator. That was it. After raising me for 18 years, I was on my own. I froze, and the moment sunk in. Over time, I would remember all my mom taught me. Similar to how Jesus taught the apostles before he left. As much as He taught His followers the beginning wasn’t a smooth transition, but by the end, each one of the apostles knew their purpose. Sometimes it just takes letting the moment sink in and trusting what God’s taught us to know everything will be fine. 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's one time where you said a final goodbye? How did it feel? How is it like Christ's final goodbye to the Apostles? What change is coming in your life? How has and/or is Christ preparing you for it? Is there anything that gets in your way of trusting in God's care for you or trusting in the purpose He gave you? What do you need to say to Him to help you understand and be at peace? 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. "I trust You." "I need You." "I love 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? A lot of change usually happens around this time of year. The school year is wrapping up and summer is just around the corner, or even here! Many things will be different, but one thing remains; the love of God. Take a moment in prayer to trust in God through whatever may come. Ask for His help and guidance, for the grace to trust in His plan and your own purpose. 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 Brandon Hudson, a news reporter in Philadelphia, PA.
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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