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). “This is my commandment: love one another as I love you.” That is quite the ask, isn’t it? Let’s face it, I am sure you know people who you have a very difficult time liking, let alone loving. Why did Jesus tell us to do something that is near impossible? Well, we all know that everything is possible with God, right? All virtues are given to us by the grace of God and this is no different. We need to ask God to soften our hearts and to help us love and forgive others as He does. Before my faith journey started in 2013, I thought I was compassionate and loved people. I truly did! It wasn’t until God graced me with HIS supernatural love and compassion did I realize how hilarious that is. I really only cared about people who were like me and reflected who I was, to be honest. I did not wish the best for everyone or accept all the different types of people in this world back then. But now, only because of His grace, I see people as children of God and I have the utmost respect and compassion for everyone’s unique situation in life. Yes, everyone, whether I know them, like them or agree with them. We just need to “love our way through it”... Of course, there are moments when I don’t love like Jesus. When this happens I stop myself in my tracks and tap into the Holy Spirit to grace me with the attitude, words and love to correct my actions. If you struggle with seeing Jesus in everyone then pray to God to give you this grace. Keep asking until you slowly see a difference in how you view and treat people. You may also begin to notice the way other people treat one another. If we all loved just 10% more than we do today - this world would be remarkably different. Can you imagine if we all loved like Jesus? It would be heaven on earth! So, stay close to God through prayer and continue to ask for the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit. 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. How can you love more today? Who can you love more today? How can the Holy Spirit help you to love more like Jesus? 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. "Come Holy Spirit." "Thank you Jesus." "Teach me how to love." 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? Build a relationship with the Holy Spirit. Jesus gave us the Holy Spirit to have the strength and courage to live the commandment to love like Him. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you in those areas today. 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 Kendra Von Esh, a Speaker and Author, inspiring others to lead with compassion and enrich their lives through faith and prayer.
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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