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 19, 2024

— Epiphany • Day 14

Invitation Psalm 118:24

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

Quiet

Bible Song Psalm 17:1-7

Hear me, Lord, my plea is just;
listen to my cry.

Hear my prayer —
it does not rise from deceitful lips.

Let my vindication come from you;
may your eyes see what is right.

Though you probe my heart,
though you examine me at night and test me,

you will find that I have planned no evil;
my mouth has not transgressed.

Though people tried to bribe me,
I have kept myself from the ways of the violent
through what your lips have commanded.

My steps have held to your paths;
my feet have not stumbled.

I call on you, my God, for you will answer me;
turn your ear to me and hear my prayer.

Show me the wonders of your great love,
you who save by your right hand
those who take refuge in you from their foes.

Bible Reading John 1:43-51

The next day Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. Finding Philip, he said to him, "Follow me."

Philip, like Andrew and Peter, was from the town of Bethsaida. Philip found Nathanael and told him, "We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote — Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph."

"Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?" Nathanael asked.

"Come and see," said Philip.

When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said of him, "Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit."

"How do you know me?" Nathanael asked.

Jesus answered, "I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you."

Then Nathanael declared, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the king of Israel."

Jesus said, "You believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You will see greater things than that." He then added, "Very truly I tell you, you will see 'heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on' the Son of Man."

Quiet

Dwelling

Leisurely read again ... is there a word or idea that stirred within you? Linger over it and give it your attention ... is there something about the reading you'd like to ask God about? Pray your life to God ... take a moment to rest in God's presence.

Free Prayer

  • for the flourishing of Christ's church everywhere
  • for musicians and artists
  • for those who are retired or anticipating retirement

Prayer BC 13

Living God, your knowledge of me is infinite while mine of you is tiny. The mysteries of your being and your ways are always beyond me. So in humility and reverence, help me to rest content as a follower of Jesus. Give me the loving trust to learn what you show me in your Word without going beyond those limits. 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."