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 6, 2024

Ordinary Time • Week 21 • Day 1

Invitation Psalm 40:1-2

"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."

Quiet

Bible Song Psalm 99:1-5

The Lord reigns,
let the nations tremble;

he sits enthroned between the cherubim,
let the earth shake.

Great is the Lord in Zion;
he is exalted over all the nations.

Let them praise your great and awesome name —
he is holy.

The King is mighty, he loves justice —
you have established equity;

in Jacob you have done
what is just and right.

Exalt the Lord our God
and worship at his footstool;
he is holy.

Bible Reading 2 Chronicles 1:7-12

That night God appeared to Solomon and said to him, "Ask for whatever you want me to give you."

Solomon answered God, "You have shown great kindness to David my father and have made me king in his place. Now, Lord God, let your promise to my father David be confirmed, for you have made me king over a people who are as numerous as the dust of the earth. Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours?"

God said to Solomon, "Since this is your heart's desire and you have not asked for wealth, possessions or honor, nor for the death of your enemies, and since you have not asked for a long life but for wisdom and knowledge to govern my people over whom I have made you king, therefore wisdom and knowledge will be given you. And I will also give you wealth, possessions and honor, such as no king who was before you ever had and none after you will have."

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 the risen Jesus to dwell in your heart
  • for spiritual renewal and refreshment

The Lord's Prayer

Prayer HC 118

Inviting Father, you have laid down the invitation of a lifetime: to ask you for anything. A long list of things I think I want easily comes to mind, but let my prayers wisely be for what you want — for all that I might never dare ask and couldn't even dream of wanting but trust is good because it is from you. Amen.

Blessing Matthew 5:7

"Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy."