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.

March 7, 2024

— Lent • Day 20

Invitation Isaiah 6:3

"Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory."

Quiet

Bible Song Psalm 27:1-5

The Lord is my light and my salvation —
whom shall I fear?

The Lord is the stronghold of my life —
of whom shall I be afraid?

When the wicked advance against me
to devour me,

it is my enemies and my foes
who will stumble and fall.

Though an army besiege me,
my heart will not fear;

though war break out against me,
even then I will be confident.

One thing I ask from the Lord,
this only do I seek:

that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life,

to gaze on the beauty of the Lord
and to seek him in his temple.

For in the day of trouble
he will keep me safe in his dwelling;

he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent
and set me high upon a rock.

Bible Reading Luke 13:1-9

Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. Jesus answered, "Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them — do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish."

Then he told this parable: "A man had a fig tree growing in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it but did not find any. So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, 'For three years now I've been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and haven't found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?'

"'Sir,' the man replied, 'leave it alone for one more year, and I'll dig around it and fertilize it. If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.'"

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 growth in holiness
  • for God to uncover the idols of our hearts
  • for God's forgiveness, and for the readiness to extend it to others

Prayer BC 13

Sovereign God, the pathways of your purpose are beyond human understanding. As we experience the groaning of creation in human evil and natural disaster, help us discern both your justice and your mercy, always ready to repent of our sins and always eager to walk again in your ways. Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner. Amen.

Blessing Psalm 32:1-2

"Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them."