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). Isn't it interesting that when the flood came and when the fire and brimstone rained from the sky, "they were eating, drinking, buying, selling, planting, building"... and then they were all destroyed? That doesn't sound too far fetched from what we do on a regular basis, maybe adding in studying, updating social media, and listening to music. Is there something inherently wrong with that? Well, no. I think that is more so to point out that it was just your typical Friday evening when the destruction came. No one knew when it was coming, but some were more prepared for it than others. Even if you've read this reading or a similar one (such as 1 Thessalonians 5) before, today is a new day and could very well be the last day, for all we know. Within this reading, one line of it really struck me: "Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses it will save it." If you want to save your life you have to lose ownership of it and surrender it to God. This is kind of a funny concept because it makes it sound like we have total control over life… but we just read that the day of destruction will come unexpectedly… Catch my drift? So what does it mean to surrender your life to God? What does it mean to give your life to the God who holds your life in His hands? When there are an unknown amount of days left, what are you supposed to do with those days? Why not live for something bigger than yourself? Live for something eternal because that is where your life will be for the rest of forever. 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 you spend your time? Do you use it effectively? Or do you waste it? If the world ended today, are you prepared? What would want to change? Have you surrendered to God? What can you give to Him today? 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 surrender." "I give my life to you." "Whoever loses their life will save it." 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 Lord bear fruit in you today? Today, whenever you catch yourself procrastinating or being lazy, over that moment to God in prayer and then go do something. Finish that homework assignment early, read a book, call a friend. Take action today and avoid laziness. 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 Katie LoBosco, a student at the University of Dayton studying Music Therapy.
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