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 10, 2024

— Ordinary Time • Week 17 • Day 3

Invitation Psalm 148:13

"Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted; his splendor is above the earth and the heavens."

Quiet

Bible Song Psalm 75:1-7, 9-10

We praise you, God,
we praise you, for your Name is near;
people tell of your wonderful deeds.

You say, "I choose the appointed time;
it is I who judge with equity.

When the earth and all its people quake,
it is I who hold its pillars firm.

To the arrogant I say, 'Boast no more,'
and to the wicked, 'Do not lift up your horns.

Do not lift your horns against heaven;
do not speak so defiantly.'"

No one from the east or the west
or from the desert can exalt themselves.

It is God who judges:
He brings one down, he exalts another.

As for me, I will declare this forever;
I will sing praise to the God of Jacob,

who says, "I will cut off the horns of all the wicked,
but the horns of the righteous will be lifted up."

Bible Reading Joshua 5:13-15

Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, "Are you for us or for our enemies?"

"Neither," he replied, "but as commander of the army of the Lord I have now come." Then Joshua fell facedown to the ground in reverence, and asked him, "What message does my Lord have for his servant?"

The commander of the Lord's army replied, "Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy." And Joshua did so.

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 the call to follow Christ into our neighborhoods and workplaces
  • for the shalom and well-being of our communities
  • for police, firefighters, and other emergency workers

Prayer HC 123

Sovereign God, I want to claim you for my cause, but you will not be made a mascot for my squad; you call me to your kingdom. Rule me by your Word and Spirit so that more and more I may stand on the holy ground of obedience to you. In the name of Christ, amen.

Blessing Matthew 5:3

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."