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.

November 9, 2023

— Ordinary Time • Week 24 • Day 5

Invitation Psalm 48:14

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

Quiet

Bible Song Psalm 120

I call on the Lord in my distress,
and he answers me.

Save me, Lord,
from lying lips
and from deceitful tongues.

What will he do to you,
and what more besides,
you deceitful tongue?

He will punish you with a warrior's sharp arrows,
with burning coals of the broom bush.

Woe to me that I dwell in Meshek,
that I live among the tents of Kedar!

Too long have I lived
among those who hate peace.

I am for peace;
but when I speak, they are for war.

Bible Reading Ecclesiastes 5:10-15

Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless.

As goods increase, so do those who consume them. And what benefit are they to the owners except to feast their eyes on them?

The sleep of a laborer is sweet, whether they eat little or much, but as for the rich, their abundance permits them no sleep.

I have seen a grievous evil under the sun:

wealth hoarded to the harm of its owners,

or wealth lost through some misfortune,

so that when they have children

there is nothing left for them to inherit.

Everyone comes naked from their mother's womb,

and as everyone comes, so they depart.

They take nothing from their toil

that they can carry in their hands.

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 spiritual renewal
  • for deep repentance
  • for new relationships with non-Christians

Prayer HC 11

Covenant God, money is a blinding, demanding master, never satisfied, and a thief of joy. Remind me that what doesn't possess me I'm free to give away. Uncurl my grip on money and its clutches on me, springing open a generosity that shares with those in need. In my true Master's name, amen.

Blessing Matthew 5:10

"Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."