Daily Devotion

December 19

An Invitation to Prayer
O Root of Jesse, that stands to rally the people, before whom kings stand silent
and to whom the Gentiles appeal,
do not delay, but come to deliver us.
–O come, let us adore him!

Qof

I called out wholeheartedly, answer me! O Lord, I will keep your statutes.
I called out to you, save me,
and I will keep your decrees.

I got up at dawn and cried out,
hoping for your words.
My eyes were open during the night watches to meditate on your promise.
Hear my voice in your kindness, O Lord;
in your justice protect my life.
Those who pursue idols pursue me,
they have gone far from your law.
You are near, O Lord,
and your commandments are truth.
Long ago I learned of your testimonies,
because you established them forever.

A reading adapted from Basil’s, On the Human Condition
“And God rested from all his works.” [Gen. 2:2] There will be no more of the works of this world on that day, no more marriages, no more business dealings, no more agriculture. But the whole earth will be terrified, all creation in turmoil, unabated agitation. Even the good people will be anxious about the verdict they are about to be handed. The Lord comes from the heavens, and the heavens are shattered, power reveals itself, and all creation trembles. Who isn’t afraid? Not even the angels. They are present, but not to give an account to God; still, the glorious epiphany throws them into consternation. Don’t you hear what Isaiah says? [64:1] “If you open the heavens, the mountains will be seized with trembling because of you.”

A Prayer
Almighty God, whose blessed Son, Jesus Christ, went about doing good and healing all manner of sickness and disease among the people, continue–we beseech you–his gracious work through the endeavors of our Order. Prosper our work, O Lord, with your continual blessing, through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen!