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.

August 6, 2024

— Ordinary Time • Week 12 • Day 3

Invitation Psalm 103:6

"The Lord works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed."

Quiet

Bible Song Psalm 40:1-4

I waited patiently for the Lord;
he turned to me and heard my cry.

He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
out of the mud and mire;

he set my feet on a rock
and gave me a firm place to stand.

He put a new song in my mouth,
a hymn of praise to our God.

Many will see and fear the Lord
and put their trust in him.

Blessed is the one
who trusts in the Lord,

who does not look to the proud,
to those who turn aside to false gods.

Bible Reading Exodus 3:1-7, 10

Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian, and he led the flock to the far side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up. So Moses thought, "I will go over and see this strange sight — why the bush does not burn up."

When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, "Moses! Moses!"

And Moses said, "Here I am."

"Do not come any closer," God said. "Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground." Then he said, "I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob." At this, Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God.

The Lord said, "I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering... So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt."

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 a love of and commitment to the communities in which God has placed us
  • for God to equip us to serve in uniquely Christian ways in the public arena
  • for those who care for children and work in homemaking

Prayer BC 2

Holy God, how long did Moses have to watch to notice this fire was different, flaming with your presence? Give me those lovingly attentive eyes to recognize you, knowing that virtually anything can blaze with your holiness and majesty. In Christ's name, amen.

Blessing Exodus 15:2

"The Lord is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him."