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 13, 2024

— Lent • Day 25

Invitation 2 Peter 3:9

"The Lord is ... patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."

Quiet

Bible Song Psalm 26:1-3, 6-10

Vindicate me, Lord,
for I have led a blameless life;

I have trusted in the Lord
and have not faltered.

Test me, Lord, and try me,
examine my heart and my mind;

for I have always been mindful of your unfailing love
and have lived in reliance on your faithfulness...

I wash my hands in innocence,
and go about your altar, Lord,

proclaiming aloud your praise
and telling of all your wonderful deeds.

Lord, I love the house where you live,
the place where your glory dwells.

Do not take away my soul along with sinners,
my life with those who are bloodthirsty,

in whose hands are wicked schemes,
whose right hands are full of bribes.

Bible Reading Ephesians 2:1-10

As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions — it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Quiet

Dwelling

Read again slowly ... find a word or phrase that catches your eye or moves your heart ... slowly repeat it ... pray your thoughts, desires, needs, and feelings from your meditation ... enjoy the presence of your Lord and Savior.

Free Prayer

  • for governments, leaders, and the needs of our world
  • for the continent of Europe
  • for affordable local housing and the homeless

Prayer HC 64

Saving Lord, you save me from sin by Christ's death, but you also raise me with him to a new life. Because I am grafted into Christ, strengthen me this day to walk in that new life, producing good fruits of gratitude. Amen.

Blessing Numbers 6:24-26

"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace."