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). Praying, contemplating and reflecting on the psalms is an unfailing way to grow in your relationship with God. Today’s responsorial psalm is taken from Psalm 31 and, while the entire psalm is categorized as a “lamentation” (which basically means it contains a degree of sorrowfulness within it), I personally find the 5 verses used today to be more uplifting than distressful. The response between verses is “Let your hearts take comfort, all who hope in the Lord”. These are words we can all use as encouragement in those times when the stresses and worries of our lives creep in and start to take hold. Memorize these words and repeat them to yourself whenever you need a little reassurance. At one point in the psalm, the author, King David confesses that once in a moment of weakness and fear, he felt cut off from God’s sight. Of course, nothing could have been further from the truth. David immediately admits his mistake and gratefully acknowledges that God did indeed hear his cries and listen to his pleas for help. We can be confident He will not fail to do the same for us. So, always do as the last verse implores and “Love the Lord, all you his faithful ones!”. Do not let yourself doubt in His loving support for you. Always remember that where you walk, He walks beside you! “The Lord keeps those who are constant”. 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. When you are stressed how do you turn to the Lord? How do you live out finding hope in the Lord? How can you remember that God is always with 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. “The Lord keeps those who are constant”. “Let your hearts take comfort, all who hope in the Lord”. “Love the Lord, all you his faithful ones!” 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 comfort in the Lord. Today spend your prayer time in comfort with Jesus. Have a cup of coffee, tea, hot chocolate and have your prayer time with Jesus. 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 Jim Lundgren, a parishioner at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Crystal Lake, IL.
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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