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MEDITATION:

Written by Oswald Chambers (1874-1917), a Scottish evangelist and teacher.  This is an excerpt from his book “My Utmost for His Highest.”

God’s commands to us are actually given to the life of His Son in us. Consequently, to our human nature in which God’s Son has been formed, His commands are difficult. But they become divinely easy once we obey. Conscience is that ability within me that attaches itself to the highest standard I know, and then continually reminds me of what that standard demands that I do. It is the eye of the soul which looks out either toward God or toward what we regard as the highest standard. This explains why conscience is different in different people. If I am in the habit of continually holding God’s standard in front of me, my conscience will always direct me to God’s perfect law and indicate what I should do. The question is, will I obey? I have to make an effort to keep my conscience so sensitive that I can live without any offense toward anyone. I should be living in such perfect harmony with God’s Son that the spirit of my mind is being renewed through every circumstance of life, and that I may be able to quickly “prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

God always instructs us down to the last detail. Is my ear sensitive enough to hear even the softest whisper of the Spirit, so that I know what I should do? “Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God…” . He does not speak with a voice like thunder— His voice is so gentle that it is easy for us to ignore. And the only thing that keeps our conscience sensitive to Him is the habit of being open to God on the inside. When you begin to debate, stop immediately. Don’t ask, “Why can’t I do this?” You are on the wrong track. There is no debating possible once your conscience speaks. Whatever it is— drop it, and see that you keep your inner vision clear.

PRAYER:

Written by Clemant of Rome (c35 A.D. – 99), the fourth bishop of Rome.

We ask, with prayer and supplication, that the Creator of the universe may guard intact to the end the number of his elect throughout the whole world, through his beloved Son Jesus Christ, through whom he called us from darkness to light, from ignorance to the full knowledge of the glory of his name. Grant to us, Lord, that we may set our hope on your name which is the primal source of all creation, and open the eyes of our hearts, that we may know you, who alone dwells in the highest heavens, holy in the holy, who lays low the insolence of the proud, who sets the lowly on high, and brings the lofty low, who makes rich and makes poor, who kills and makes alive, who alone is the Benefactor of spirits and the God of all flesh, who looks into the abyss, who scans the works of man, the provider of those who are in peril, the Savior of those who are in despair, the Creator and Overseer of every spirit, who multiplies the nations on earth, and has chosen out from all men those that love you through Jesus Christ, your beloved Son, through whom you instructed us, sanctified us, and honored us. Amen.