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.

April 14, 2024

— Easter • Day 15

Invitation John 11:25-26

"I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?"

Quiet

Bible Song Psalm 79:1-5, 9

O God, the nations have invaded your inheritance;
they have defiled your holy temple,
they have reduced Jerusalem to rubble.

They have left the dead bodies of your servants
as food for the birds of the sky,
the flesh of your own people for the animals of the wild.

They have poured out blood like water
all around Jerusalem,
and there is no one to bury the dead.

We are objects of contempt to our neighbors,
of scorn and derision to those around us.

How long, Lord? Will you be angry forever?
How long will your jealousy burn like fire? ...

Help us, God our Savior,
for the glory of your name;

deliver us and forgive our sins
for your name's sake.

Bible Reading 1 Corinthians 15:50-57

I declare to you, brothers and sisters, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed — in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: "Death has been swallowed up in victory."

"Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?"

The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

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 fellowship with the risen Jesus
  • for spiritual renewal and refreshment

The Lord's Prayer

Prayer HC 57

Incarnate God, this body you've given me — good and beautiful as it is — bleeds, breaks down, and eventually will betray me. Thank you, God, for the deep hope that one day, by the power of Christ, I will walk on strong limbs, listen to the sound of glory, see true blue skies, think clearly, dance unfettered and free, and kneel before you lost in wonder and worship. Thank you that my future is not some ethereal existence but a truly human resurrected life. Amen.

Blessing Ephesians 6:24

"Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love."