The Daily Office for June 15, 2012
Scriptures
Psalm 69
Ecclesiastes 11:9-12:4
Galatians 5:25-6:10
Matthew 16:21-28
Reading (Matthew 16:21-28)
Reflection
Ready for an extended holiday? Let’s check the list. Windows closed? Check. Lawn mowed? Check. Lights turned off? Check. Dog taken to the kennel? Whoops, forgot that one. Big events, even ones meant for our enjoyment, require preparation if they are to proceed smoothly. We must pay attention to details if we want to enjoy a carefree time of rest.
In a similar way, we must pay attention to our preparation for meeting God. If we enter His presence casually or impatiently, how will we be ready to listen? Let’s look at Daniel’s life. His example shows us why he was ready to receive an important message from God.
One of the most amazing truths about God is that He desires to communicate with us. Not only does He want us to listen when He speaks, He also wants us to tell Him everything – our thoughts, fears, sins and hopes. The fact that God listens to us is especially important when we ask Him for help.
In order to communicate with God we don’t have to follow some specific formula or ritual. What we need to do is set aside time to focus our minds on Him and his Word. Our human problems can give us opportunities to:
- Remember that Christ suffered for us.
- Stay humble and dependent on God.
- Look beyond life on earth and count on life in heaven.
- Grow in our faith as we trust God more.
- Identify with others and comfort them in Christ’s name.
- See God’s power at work in our lives.
Collect for the Day
O God, the strength of all those who put their trust in you, mercifully accept our prayers and, because through the weakness of our mortal nature we can do no good thing without you, grant us the help of your grace, that in the keeping of your commandments we may please you both in will and deed; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.