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). Jesus prays for you and I directly today. And as He does, He prays to the Father, “I gave them your word, and the world hated them, because they do not belong to the world any more than I belong to the world.” Lately I’ve been struggling with sharing my faith with my extended family. On one hand, I’ve recently felt very convicted about how high the stakes are: souls. We’re talking about friends and family members who I love that may or may not end up in heaven. And my evangelization efforts may influence their eternal life -- for good or for bad. On the other hand, I’m afraid. I hate to admit it, but it’s true. I know them really well, and I realize that many aspects of my faith offend them. Jesus’ words today ring true for me and even cause me a little more fear. If I share my faith, they’ll hate me? Like really hate me? Jesus makes it very clear that yes, sometimes people will hate us because we don’t belong to this world. Even my own family may hate me because I belong to Christ. But you know what? So do they. He died for them too. He spilled His blood for them too. He open the doors of Heaven for them too. Sometimes I wonder why the Lord gave me the gift of faith and not others. I often think that many other people would do much better with this gift than me. But here I am. He pursues the heart of each of my family members, and He calls me to join in the pursuit. Even though they may run away. Even though they might retaliate in anger or hatred. This is why He gave me the gift of a relationship with Him. I wasn’t meant to stay behind closed doors with my faith. He has given me a mission. You too. The mission is love. Real love. And today’s gospel has reminded me how hard real love can be sometimes. But also how terribly necessary it is. Today let’s pray for conviction that God calls every person into a relationship with Him, and the stakes are eternal life. And at the same time, let’s pray for the courage to share the gospel with those we love, even if it means we come face to face with the hatred of the world. Lucky for us, we don’t belong to this world. 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. Who do I really struggle to share my faith with? What fears do I have when it comes to sharing my faith? How am I following the Lord's invitation to pursue hearts and souls? 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 gave them your word." "I pray for them." "They do not belong to the world." 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? Leave behind the fears and pray for the conviction to share your faith with confidence. 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 Dan Wolff, husband, father and spreadsheet extraordinaire 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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