Resolutions are everywhere as we face a new year. Exercise equipment is being dusted off and health food stores are being invaded. We are shaping up. As we face the turmoil, we must also shape up in our spiritual lives and many, including me, are resolving to meet God in a new way. For me, it is praying the office. I don't want to invite a group or make all these scheduling dates. I just want to do it. So I have to show up....alone....and feel on some days that it was worth the doing. That means turning off the television and scheduling a time --o ye of many lists! Benson says we should have a time or a place or something that will draw the person to the person to the act of "praying the office". Now I am trying to schedule two times a day--morning and evening--in the family room in front of the turned off television with the computer turned on. I love the visual rather than the audio. I want to see the notes and rethink them. To me that is holy note-taking. It is me talking with God and noting the thoughts. I can't believe that this is not my way!
VERSICLE: This is my prayer: that your love may grow richer and richer in knowledge and insight of every kind and may teach you by experience what things are most worthwhile." St. Paul
VENITE: The prayer of the office is in the community of saints. The Rule of Taize
COLLECT: (Formal or corporate prayer) Lord, in this quiet moment, speak to each of us who strive to be a community of saints, in a new, fresh way. Teach us to be risk-takers and referees; teach us to be life preservers and lamps to guide those around us. But above all, teach us to be faithful to the task of prayer daily. Amen.
CANTICLE: (Hymn of praise) "Sweet Hour of Prayer"
Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer! That calls me from a world of care.
And bids me at my Father's throne. Make all my wants and wishes known.
In seasons of distress and grief, my soul has often found relief.
And oft escaped the temptor's snare, by thy return, sweet hour of prayer.
READING OF THE MESSAGE: (Daddy's) "Building God's Temple"
Text: "The gold for things of gold and the silver for things of silver, and for all manner of work of work to be made by the hands of artisans. And who then is willing to consecrate his service this day unto the Lord." l Chronicles 29:5
Introduction:
David wanted to build a house for God, but it was denied him. While a great disappointment to him, he rose above it.
I. Background of the appeal
Insufficiency of Solomon. People can make or break him.
Greatness of work --cooperation, God's need of man.
The work is the Lord's --not Solomon's.
II. Tabernacle from Exodus to monarchy.
David lived in cedar-lined house.
David gathered materials, could not build temple.
Timbers and stones sought. Hiram
Prepared in hills: "not sound of hammer"
Dimensions given.
Tells us to do work according to plan; do it in your place.
It takes commitment, action, service and our best.
My prayer for the day: Lord, help me understand and incorporate this message into my resolution to pray the "daily office". Help me remember that while I do not have the role of building temples physically, I have the responsibility to build my own inner temple and to seek you in a personal way. Hold me up when I falter. Amen.
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