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 14, 2024

— Ordinary Time • Week 13 • Day 4

Invitation Psalm 106:1

"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever."

Quiet

Bible Song Psalm 48:1-3, 12-14

Great is the Lord, and most worthy of praise,
in the city of our God, his holy mountain.

Beautiful in its loftiness,
the joy of the whole earth,

like the heights of Zaphon is Mount Zion,
the city of the Great King.

God is in her citadels;
he has shown himself to be her fortress...

Walk about Zion, go around her,
count her towers,

consider well her ramparts,
view her citadels,

that you may tell of them
to the next generation.

For this God is our God for ever and ever;
he will be our guide even to the end.

Bible Reading Exodus 14:5-6, 10-14

When the king of Egypt was told that the people had fled, Pharaoh and his officials changed their minds about them and said, "What have we done? We have let the Israelites go and have lost their services!" So he had his chariot made ready and took his army with him.

As Pharaoh approached, the Israelites looked up, and there were the Egyptians, marching after them. They were terrified and cried out to the Lord. They said to Moses, "Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt? Didn't we say to you in Egypt, 'Leave us alone; let us serve the Egyptians'? It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!"

Moses answered the people, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still."

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 governments, world leaders, and the needs of our world
  • for the continent of Australia
  • for areas of war and strife

Prayer HC 52

Faithful God, this life is filled with more than enough trouble and tears to dominate my vision and distract me from seeing you. When captured by anxiety, I turn defensive and hostile, of no use to you or others. Take the blinders of fear away and turn my eyes to heaven, to see you and be confident of your goodness, so that I can once again serve you here on earth. Amen.

Blessing Psalm 16:11

"You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand."