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ePray | Lectio Divina: Ep. 53 Growth
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ePray | Episode 53| May 11, 2026
Lectio Divina: Growth
With Grant Dodson – Southwestern Ontario Youth Unlimited
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Lectio Divina: Growth
Date: May 11, 2026
Scripture: 2 Peter 3:18
Grant Dodson
Part 1: Inward Focus
Welcome, everyone, I’m really glad that we can take a few minutes from our day and our ministries to pause together to connect with the Lord.
Our theme for today is growth. The kind of growth that doesn’t happen quickly, all at once, But slowly, over time, as we walk and we journey with Jesus.
Our scripture passage for today is found in 2 Peter 3:18, which says this:
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. To him be the glory, both now and forever. Amen.
Before we begin, let’s take a moment to become still. I’d invite you to settle into your seat. Get nice and comfortable. Relax your shoulders and take a deep breath.
Let’s just take a moment together to release whatever it is that we’re carrying. In particular, bring to mind anything that feels heavy. Our responsibilities, our stresses, our worries, our anxieties.
And now collectively, Let’s gently place all of those things. into God’s loving, caring, and faithful hands.
Let’s pray.
Father God, I give to you today these things that I’m carrying. And Father God, I receive from you today what you want to give. Help me to be open to you and to hear your voice.
Rest there for a moment. Trusting and knowing that God is at work in your life, even right now.
As we consider our theme of growth, I’d like us to consider a few reflection questions for us to give some thought to. Take some time to think about and pray about these questions and what our loving father might be wanting to teach us and lead us in.
Where do you sense God inviting you to grow and in your life and your ministry right now?
Pause
What might be slowing you or causing you to be resistant to that growth in your life?
Pause
And where have you already seen signs of growth? However big or small, that you can thank God for today?
Pause
Part 2: Outward Focus
As we reread this passage of scripture, can you think of one young person in your life and ministry who needs to hear this word? Someone who especially needs God’s love, patience, and encouragement, in their growth right now.
Again, our passage for today is 2 Peter. Chapter 3, verse 18:
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. To him be the glory, both now and forever. Amen.
Who’s one young person? who might feel stuck, discouraged, or unsure of who they’re becoming today?
Pause
And what would it look like for this young person to experience this growth and grace in Jesus this week? To know that they’re loved, that they’re accepted, and that they’re not defined by their past failures, struggles, and setbacks.
Pause
And how might God want to use you to create space for this young person to grow in your ministry? Through your presence, through your words, and through your consistency of showing up for them.
Pause
In closing, I want you to consider how this word “grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus” might shape the way that you see yourself, and the youth that you serve today.
Growth takes time, and thankfully, our loving God is so, so patient and faithful with us in this process.
Part 3: Closing Prayer
We’re going to close our time with an ancient prayer for God’s peace and protection as we entrust ourselves into his loving care.
O God,
from whom all holy desires, all good counsels,
and all just works do proceed:
give to your servants that peace
which the world cannot give;
that our hearts may be set to obey your will;
and that we, being defended from the fear of our enemies,
may pass our time in rest and quietness;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.