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.

September 5, 2024

— Ordinary Time • Week 16 • Day 5

Invitation Nahum 1:7

"The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him."

Quiet

Bible Song Psalm 70

Hasten, O God, to save me;
come quickly, Lord, to help me.

May those who want to take my life
be put to shame and confusion;

may all who desire my ruin
be turned back in disgrace.

May those who say to me, "Aha! Aha!"
turn back because of their shame.

But may all who seek you
rejoice and be glad in you;

may those who long for your saving help always say,
"The Lord is great!"

But as for me, I am poor and needy;
come quickly to me, O God.

You are my help and my deliverer;
Lord, do not delay.

Bible Reading Deuteronomy 28:1-6, 9-10

If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. All these blessings will come on you and accompany you if you obey the Lord your God:

You will be blessed in the city and blessed in the country.

The fruit of your womb will be blessed, and the crops of your land and the young of your livestock — the calves of your herds and the lambs of your flocks.

Your basket and your kneading trough will be blessed.

You will be blessed when you come in and blessed when you go out...

The Lord will establish you as his holy people, as he promised you on oath, if you keep the commands of the Lord your God and walk in obedience to him. Then all the peoples on earth will see that you are called by the name of the Lord, and they will fear you.

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 HC 125

Good God, I know you're the source of everything good — your generous care and daily blessing are steadily on display. Help me also know the call of your blessing — that I will never fully enjoy your blessing until it's enjoyed by all. Make me a blessing to all in my life so they too know your goodness. Amen.

Blessing Matthew 11:29-30

"Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."