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.

January 17, 2024

— Epiphany • Day 12

Invitation Psalm 118:24

"The Lord has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad."

Quiet

Bible Song Psalm 15

Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent?
Who may live on your holy mountain?

The one whose walk is blameless,
who does what is righteous,
who speaks the truth from their heart;

whose tongue utters no slander,
who does no wrong to a neighbor,
and casts no slur on others;

who despises a vile person
but honors those who fear the Lord;

who keeps an oath even when it hurts,
and does not change their mind;

who lends money to the poor without interest
who does not accept a bribe against the innocent.

Whoever does these things
will never be shaken.

Bible Reading Acts 19:1-7

While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples and asked them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?"

They answered, "No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit."

So Paul asked, "Then what baptism did you receive?"

"John's baptism," they replied.

Paul said, "John's baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus." On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. There were about twelve men in all.

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 God to uncover the idols of our hearts
  • to know and extend forgiveness
  • for the gifts and fruit of the Spirit in us

Prayer WC 12

Abba Father, I praise you that I enjoy all the freedom and privilege of being your child — your name, the spirit of adoption, unhindered access to you. I'm pitied, protected, and provided for, disciplined but never cast off, kept for eternity where I will inherit the promise of your everlasting salvation. Amen.

Blessing Romans 8:15-16

"The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, 'Abba, Father.' The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children."