The Meaning of Life

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 17:1-11A

---

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).

The meaning of life is something endless amounts of people have contemplated since the beginning of time. What does it mean to be human and what does it mean to live life well? When we die, is life over or has it just begun? What does that eternal life look like? A little overwhelming right? Jesus answers this for us saying... "Now this is eternal life, that they should know you, the only true God, and the one whom you sent, Jesus Christ." (John 17:3) 

So what does that even mean? Jesus tell us that eternal life is to know God. Jesus is literally telling us that heaven is a relationship, an intimate bond with Him. We spend our whole lives here on earth trying to learn who God is and start that relationship with Him here on earth so that we can have the most intimate relationship possible. Think about some of your closest relationships with people in your life. I guarantee that the ones you are closest to, if you really are honest with yourself, are the ones you know the best and the people who know you the best. Knowledge leads to intimacy/love, which leads to more knowledge etc.

So what is the meaning of life? In short, it is love. Not a feel good, do whatever you want kind of love; but a union with Christ, even on the Cross, kind of love. Ultimately we are made to be in heaven which the most perfect union we can have with God. It is what we are designed for and anything less will always leave us empty. So, our time here on earth is to prepare us for that love. To teach our hearts what real love looks like and to let ourselves begin to know God so that we can love Him even more perfectly in heaven. 

---

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 some ways you can learn more about God today?

What are some ways you can love God more today?

​How can you better prepare for heaven right now?

---

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.

"Come Holy Spirit."

"I love you God."

​"Thank you Jesus."

---

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?

Start doing some spiritual reading to learn more about who God is, so you can love Him more deeply.

---

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.

---

Today's prayer was prepared by Sean Norris, a theology teacher at JSerra Catholic High School in Orange County, CA.

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.