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 previous reflections I have mentioned a Christian mom and blogger I went to high school with. Kristin Stockfisch has some beautiful reflections that have really touched my heart over the years – and one I read the other day on Instagram (@kristinstockfisch) was no exception. She was talking about the creativity of God by asking the questions of, “Was that God or just coincidence?” in the little parts of her day. “So is that really God showing his creativity or would that have happened anyway?” she writes. “I’m not shy to over-expect God to be in all things. If his heart is for his glory – you better believe I’m going to give him glory for the budding idea, new recipe, different way home, butterfly landing right in front of me or open parking space.” Maybe we often see God in the very big things – the way he led us to the right college or came through in a moment of emergency. Maybe we see God in the very little things – the sunshine on your face in a warm afternoon nap. But do we see God in all things? The medium, the normal surprises? Do we ask him to shape and bring His Life into our day – in a way that He wants and we might not expect? What an amazing way to look at today. The prayer she offered has really changed my prayer this week: “God, I am open to your creativity today.” When we give a morning offering to the Lord – giving Him permission to act in us and for us – we are giving Him permission to lead us in all things that day. But what if we ask for more? What if we ask for him to be creative with our day – to show us something new? To love us in a new way and teach us to love Him and others in a new way? Maybe our hearts and minds will be transformed by the day which He actually wants to give us. And, in that, we can give Him all glory and thanks. As today’s Gospel says, “Now they know that everything you gave me is from you.” That is, of course, in the big things God gives us that we could not give ourselves. But it's also in the little surprises and creativity that God will bring us each day if we are open to it. Let’s not forget to give him glory in those things too. 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 am I open to seeing God working in my life? How do I take time to reflect and ask him where or how he is working? In what ways do I limit what God is revealing to me in my daily life by not expecting him to be at work in the small things? How can I be more open to see him there? How thankful am I for the little gifts (and big gifts) that God gives to me each day? 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.
"Thank you for today." "Help me appreciate you in the small things." “God, I am open to your creativity today.” 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?
In this difficult time, we will use our Action step each day to join with people around the world in praying for an end to the pandemic of the Coronavirus, for the healing of all those affected, and for the comfort of all those who have lost a loved one. The prayer below is from Archbishop José H. Gomez, President of the USCCB in his reflection and prayer: Holy Virgin of Guadalupe, Queen of the Angels and Mother of the Americas. We fly to you today as your beloved children. We ask you to intercede for us with your Son, as you did at the wedding in Cana. Pray for us, loving Mother, and gain for our nation and world, and for all our families and loved ones, the protection of your holy angels, that we may be spared the worst of this illness. For those already afflicted, we ask you to obtain the grace of healing and deliverance. Hear the cries of those who are vulnerable and fearful, wipe away their tears and help them to trust. In this time of trial and testing, teach all of us in the Church to love one another and to be patient and kind. Help us to bring the peace of Jesus to our land and to our hearts. We come to you with confidence, knowing that you truly are our compassionate mother, health of the sick and cause of our joy. Shelter us under the mantle of your protection, keep us in the embrace of your arms, help us always to know the love of your Son, Jesus. Amen. 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 Andrea Scott, a writer and editor based in Washington, D.C. 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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