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 19, 2024

— Easter • Day 20

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 84:1-3, 10, 12

How lovely is your dwelling place,
Lord Almighty!

My soul yearns, even faints,
for the courts of the Lord;

my heart and my flesh cry out
for the living God.

Even the sparrow has found a home,
and the swallow a nest for herself,
where she may have her young —

a place near your altar,
Lord Almighty, my King and my God...

Better is one day in your courts
than a thousand elsewhere;

I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
than dwell in the tents of the wicked...

Lord Almighty,
blessed is the one who trusts in you.

Bible Reading John 21:15-19

When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?"

"Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you."

Jesus said, "Feed my lambs."

Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you love me?"

He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you."

Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep."

The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?"

Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you."

Jesus said, "Feed my sheep. Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go." Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, "Follow me!"

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 the Christlike ability to deny ourselves and serve others
  • for the commitment to do justice and show mercy
  • for those who are unemployed or underemployed

Prayer CD 3/4.15

Accepting Savior, thank you for planting in my heart a love for you that is real despite my own betrayal and brokenness. Forgive me when I judge others who fail or fall in faith — replace my easy superiority with a mind and mouth that demonstrate gospel acceptance; switch my judgment to prayers of love. Amen.

Blessing Ephesians 6:24

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