Psalm 89.15-16
Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you,
who walk in the light of your presence, Lord.
They rejoice in your name all day long;
they celebrate your righteousness.
From John:
There is no level of spiritual achievement or growth at which one is not susceptible to hardening of the heart and the spirit.
Christ’s call echoes again. Calling us deeper into every discipline we pursue. Whether into deeper love for others, or into deeper relationships with our community, or into deeper generosity toward all, or into deeper, more truthful and loving communication, there is always more to learn in Christ.
He accepts us just as we are. But he doesn’t settle. As C.S. Lewis says about Christ’s love for us, “It is not wearied by our sins, or our indifference; and, therefore, it is quite relentless in its determination that we shall be cured of those sins, at whatever cost to us, at whatever cost to Him.”
Reflection: Forgiveness to Soften the Hardened :: Worldwide Prayer
A Prayer of confession from Great Britain
Dear Lord, forgive us.
Forgive our hard hearts—so rarely showing
real love to you and our neighbors.
Forgive our week heads—so rarely thinking
for you with depth, imagination, daring, and trust.
Forgive our closed ears—so rarely listening
to your still voice and the needs of those
close around us.
Forgive our clenched hands—so rarely open
to give generously to you and others
and to reach out in friendship.
Forgive our willful tongues—so rarely stopping
before uttering words to cause hurt and trouble.
Lord, help us now. We want to be better people by your Holy Spirit. Please forgive us through Jesus Christ.
*Prayer from Hallowed be Your Name: A collection of prayers from around the world, Dr. Tony Cupit, Editor.
Prayer: The Refrain for the Morning Lessons
For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. — 2 Corinthians 4.6
– Prayer from The Divine Hours: Prayers for Summertime by Phyllis Tickle.
Prayers from The Divine Hours available online and in print.
Today’s Readings
Ezekiel 38 (Listen – 4:23)
Psalm 89 (Listen – 5:29)
This Weekend’s Readings
Ezekiel 39 (Listen – 4:51) Psalm 90 (Listen – 2:03)
Ezekiel 40 (Listen – 8:21) Psalm 91 (Listen – 1:39)
Additional Reading
Read More from Risks of Faith :: Advent’s Love
Do not sit trying to manufacture feelings. Ask yourself, ‘If I were sure that I loved God, what would I do?’ When you have found the answer, go and do it. — C.S. Lewis
Read More about how Confession Destroys Denial
We confess we have been deaf to cries of the needy, cries for help, and cries of injustice. Give us your hearing and heart as we work in the name of Christ our king to proclaim good news to the poor and set the oppressed free.
Support our Work
Each month over 22,000 Park Forum email devotionals are read around the world. Support our readers with a monthly or a one time donation.
