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 6, 2023

— Advent • Week 1 • Day 4

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 85:1-2, 8-13

You, Lord, showed favor to your land;
you restored the fortunes of Jacob.

You forgave the iniquity of your people
and covered all their sins...

I will listen to what God the Lord says;
he promises peace to his people, his faithful servants —
but let them not turn to folly.

Surely his salvation is near those who fear him,
that his glory may dwell in our land.

Love and faithfulness meet together;
righteousness and peace kiss each other.

Faithfulness springs forth from the earth,
and righteousness looks down from heaven.

The Lord will indeed give what is good,
and our land will yield its harvest.

Righteousness goes before him
and prepares the way for his steps.

Bible Reading Mark 13:32-37

"But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. It's like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with their assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch.

"Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back — whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: 'Watch!'"

Quiet

Dwelling

Remind yourself you are in God's presence and read again ... notice how God might be speaking to you through his Word — dwell on a word or phrase that jumps out at you ... let your heart respond to God in prayer ... take refreshment in God's presence.

Free Prayer

  • for our national and local communities
  • for the continent of Africa
  • for areas of war and strife

Prayer BC 37

Unexpected Savior, you are coming again, but this date, already marked down by the Father, isn't for me to know. But I'm curious, Lord, desiring a timeline or diagram, wanting to nail down a future that's out of my hands. In place of my faithless need to control, give me a watchful heart full of expectation and wonder. Amen.

Blessing Revelation 22:20-21

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