The Lord is Close

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. 

Luke 18:1-8

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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).

Today’s Gospel reading should give you comfort.

You are taking time to read this on a Saturday – taking time to pray, reflect and be with the Lord. This makes Him so happy, and draws you close to His heart. What father is not so pleased that his child wants to spend time with him? 

Jesus tells a parable about a dishonest judge. This judge neither ‘feared God’ nor respected people, yet in the end, he was scared of the wrath of the woman he was dealing with, so he chose an honest and just decision for her case. 

“Will not God then secure the rights of his chosen ones
who call out to him day and night?” 

It seems that this judge had no goodness in him, yet he still gave the woman her due. How much more will God bless us with what we deserve – whether on earth or on heaven. 

Sometimes November is a hard time of year. The holidays are coming, but it’s getting colder, and darker, and many people struggle with fatigue and loneliness. 

Don’t lose hope. Today’s parable reminds us of this. 

“Will he be slow to answer them? I tell you, he will see to it that justice is done for them speedily.” 

The Lord is close. The Lord hears every beat of your heart. The Lord will not be slow to answer – even if the answer is not what you are expecting. He will give you what you deserve – and as His child seeking him, you deserve everything. So ask Him for it, and trust that what He brings you will be good and for your good. 

Continue to love him! Continue to seek him. You are on the right path. Today take comfort in the fact you are seeking Him and He is seeking you, and strive to be closer to Him today. 

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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.

What are the intentions and worries on your heart that you need to hand over to the Lord?

In what ways or moments in your life do you generally feel the presence of the Lord most strongly? When does it become difficult? 

​How can you intentionally strive today to be closer to Him?

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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.

"I will choose You."

"I want to be close to You."

"I give it all to You."

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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?

Take some time today to bring to the Lord all of the intentions on your heart, and work to trust that He is close to you, He hears you, and He knows what you need. Make specific time to hand over all of your worries to Him.

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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 Andrea Scott, a writer and editor based in Washington, D.C.