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.

October 1, 2024

Ordinary Time • Week 20 • Day 3

Invitation Psalm 33:5

"The Lord loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love."

Quiet

Bible Song Psalm 94:16-23

Who will rise up for me against the wicked?
Who will take a stand for me against evildoers?

Unless the Lord had given me help,
I would soon have dwelt in the silence of death.

When I said, "My foot is slipping,"
your unfailing love, Lord, supported me.

When anxiety was great within me,
your consolation brought me joy.

Can a corrupt throne be allied with you —
a throne that brings on misery by its decrees?

The wicked band together against the righteous
and condemn the innocent to death.

But the Lord has become my fortress,
and my God the rock in whom I take refuge.

He will repay them for their sins
and destroy them for their wickedness;
the Lord our God will destroy them.

Bible Reading 2 Samuel 6:12-16, 21-22

Now King David was told, "The Lord has blessed the household of Obed-Edom and everything he has, because of the ark of God." So David went to bring up the ark of God from the house of Obed-Edom to the City of David with rejoicing. When those who were carrying the ark of the Lord had taken six steps, he sacrificed a bull and a fattened calf. Wearing a linen ephod, David was dancing before the Lord with all his might, while he and all Israel were bringing up the ark of the Lord with shouts and the sound of trumpets.

As the ark of the Lord was entering the City of David, Michal daughter of Saul watched from a window. And when she saw King David leaping and dancing before the Lord, she despised him in her heart...

David said to Michal, "It was before the Lord, who chose me rather than your father or anyone from his house when he appointed me ruler over the Lord's people Israel — I will celebrate before the Lord. I will become even more undignified than this, and I will be humiliated in my own eyes. But by these slave girls you spoke of, I will be held in honor."

Quiet

Dwelling

Remind yourself you are in God's presence and read again ... notice how God might be speaking to you through his Word — dwell on a word or phrase that jumps out at you ... let your heart respond to God in prayer ... take refreshment in God's presence.

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 work in the news media

Prayer WLC 1

Joyful Jesus, forgive me for the ways I can reduce life with you to fine worship or stately buildings, dignified gatherings or efficient organizations, influence or importance. I pray that your church and my life would be reckless with love for you, captive to the rhythm of your kingdom joy, glorying and enjoying you. Amen.

Blessing Matthew 5:6

"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled."