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MEDITATION:

Written by James C. Fenhagen (1929-2012), an Episcopal rector, author, theological educator, seminary president, and lecturer. This is an excerpt from his book “Invitation to Holiness.”

The gift of holiness—which is in reality the gift of our full humanity—is received when we are able to see the world in a new way, when in faith we are able to discern and respond to God’s vision of the world through the eyes of Christ. This kind of seeing is the fruit of a contemplative vision—a vision that can only be nourished in solitude and in prayer. Prayer for the Christian, therefore, is not something added to our lives, something extra we do, but rather it is as fundamental to our lives as the act of breathing. It is through prayer that we are caught up in the rhythm and the energy of the Kingdom that is amongst us and learn to see in a new way.

PRAYER:

Written by Augustine of Hippo (354-430), an early Christian theologian and philosopher. He was the bishop of Hippo Regius (modern-day Annaba, Algeria) and is viewed as one of the most important church fathers in Western Christianity.

Almighty Father, come into our hearts, and so fill us with your love that forsaking all evil desires, we may embrace you our only good. Show us, O Lord our God, what you are to us. Say to our souls, I am your salvation, speak so that we may hear. Our hearts are before You; open our ears; let us hasten after your voice. Hide not your face from us, we beseech you, O  Lord. Open our hearts so that you may enter in. Repair the ruined mansions, that you may dwell therein. Hear us, O Heavenly Father, for the sake of your only son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever, Amen.