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 22, 2024

— Ordinary Time • Week 27 • Day 6

Invitation Psalm 67:4

"May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you rule the peoples with equity and guide the nations of the earth."

Quiet

Bible Song Psalm 142:1-6

I cry aloud to the Lord;
I lift up my voice to the Lord for mercy.

I pour out before him my complaint;
before him I tell my trouble.

When my spirit grows faint within me,
it is you who watch over my way.

In the path where I walk
people have hidden a snare for me.

Look and see, there is no one at my right hand;
no one is concerned for me.

I have no refuge;
no one cares for my life.

I cry to you, Lord;
I say, "You are my refuge,
my portion in the land of the living."

Listen to my cry,
for I am in desperate need;

rescue me from those who pursue me,
for they are too strong for me.

Bible Reading Daniel 6:16-23

So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions' den. The king said to Daniel, "May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you!"

A stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the rings of his nobles, so that Daniel's situation might not be changed. Then the king returned to his palace and spent the night without eating and without any entertainment being brought to him. And he could not sleep.

At the first light of dawn, the king got up and hurried to the lions' den. When he came near the den, he called to Daniel in an anguished voice, "Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to rescue you from the lions?"

Daniel answered, "May the king live forever! My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, Your Majesty."

The king was overjoyed and gave orders to lift Daniel out of the den. And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God.

Quiet

Dwelling

Become aware of God's loving presence and read again ... what in God's Word has caught your heart's attention? Is there a command to be obeyed, a comfort to be savored? Talk to God about the Scripture you've just read ... yield yourself to God and enjoy his presence.

Free Prayer

  • for creative and risk-taking ministry in the church that engages the community
  • for unity and holiness in the church
  • for those who are retired or anticipating retirement

Prayer BC 13

Lion of Judah, thank you that I can rest in your untamed grace, trusting your rescue and salvation. Keep me from fear of any other, because it is you who keeps all creatures under your control. Not a hair can fall from my head, not a scratch can mark my body without the will of your providing and protecting hand. Amen.

Blessing Psalm 67:1-2

"May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine on us — so that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations."