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). In good times and in bad, in sickness and in health: do you seek to follow Jesus at all times and in all circumstances? In today’s Gospel reading, we catch the Apostles in an all too familiar scenario, taking a step out to follow Christ, but then immediately freaking out when all seems out of control. When I think about the Apostles today, I place myself squarely in their shoes, knowing full well that I have lived out this Gospel reading many times in my own life. At its heart, Jesus is calling us to answer a deep question: do you trust me in spite of the difficulties that may surround you? The Christian faith was never meant to be an easy thing. Following our Lord requires a dramatic outpouring of ourselves to go to the places we do not want to go and surrender control in the situations we do not wish to. And yet, that is what Christ calls us to. He calls us to faith. And He calls us to faith even when it may seem most difficult. Not because He wants to mess with us or torment our lives, but because He knows how much we continually need to grow in trust for Him and His plans. Our need to trust in the Lord cannot be confined to just the good times. We must be able to gaze upon Him, even in the most difficult of circumstances, and trust in the fact that He is with us, has never left us, will never leave us, and is drawing us closer to Himself at all times and in all circumstances. AMDG. 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 do I define faith in my life? In what ways do I flourish in faith when circumstances are bad? What about when they're good? How do hard times and difficult situations affect my trust in the Lord? 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. "Jesus, I trust in you." "Increase my faith." "I will follow wherever you lead." 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? Jesus rebukes the storm in the Gospel today. Invite Jesus into whatever storm you're facing in your life right now and ask him to rebuke it. Have trust and faith that the Lord will always be your help. 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 Matthew Maxwell, a graduate of Franciscan University currently working as a Youth Minister in St. Louis.
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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