Seeking God's Face is a daily, contemplative devotional — rooted in the ancient traditions of the Divine Office and "lectio divina" — guiding you to renewed communion with God through sacred Scripture and universal prayer.

December 5, 2023

— Advent • Week 1 • Day 3

Invitation Psalm 130:5

"I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope."

Quiet

Bible Song Psalm 80:1-3, 17-19

Hear us, Shepherd of Israel,
you who lead Joseph like a flock.

You who sit enthroned between the cherubim,
shine forth before Ephraim, Benjamin and Manasseh.

Awaken your might;
come and save us.

Restore us, O God;
make your face shine on us,
that we may be saved...

Let your hand rest on the man at your right hand,
the son of man you have raised up for yourself.

Then we will not turn away from you;
revive us, and we will call on your name.

Restore us, Lord God Almighty;
make your face shine on us,
that we may be saved.

Bible Reading 1 Corinthians 1:3-9

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. For in him you have been enriched in every way — with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge — God thus confirming our testimony about Christ among you. Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Quiet

Dwelling

Read again, perhaps out loud ... how has God's Word moved you? Ponder and meditate what has connected with your heart or mind ... pray to God what it is that has moved you today ... turn your thoughts to God and quietly enjoy being with him.

Free Prayer

  • for the call to follow Christ as disciples in this world
  • for a love of and commitment to the communities in which God has placed us
  • for those who work in business and industry

Prayer BC 37

Everlasting God, it's Advent once again. We've eagerly waited for change, but it appears little has happened. Expand in me the great hope that one day I will be raised from this broken earth — changed in the blink of an eye — and that everything bent and bruised, curdled and corrupted, in me and this world, will be transformed into lasting goodness, righteousness, and truth. In Jesus' name, amen.

Blessing Revelation 22:20-21

"Come, Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God's people."