W. H. Auden and all of the giants I have never read

This morning I read a quote from W. H. Auden: "An artist must develop a strict consciousness in regard to time. For we must never forget that we are living in a time of seige." This was quoted by Benson in reference to making sure to make time for the "Daily Office". I love the web because it brings you in the information world presto. When I read the name of someone, I go to the web and find out all the data, who is friends were, etc. I read that C. S. Lewis was his greatest admirer and his friends were renowned in theological fields. And somehow, they found time to pray and be inspired and to inspire readers when they were led, years later, to their websites. Irony.

VERSICLE: "Can you not wait one hour with me?" Jesus of Nazareth
VENITE: "I will hear what God the Lord will speak; for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints, but let them not turn again to folly." Psalm 85
COLLECT: (Formal prayer/corporate prayer)
Our Father, let the words of thy followers stream down into our hearts, no matter the method and response, and breathe into them a new message of hope and understanding. Teach us the patience to listen and give us joy in that listening. Amen.
CANTICLE: (Hymn of praise) "Prayer is the Soul's Sincere Desire"
Prayer is the soul's sincere desire, Unuttered or expressed;
The motion of a hidden fire That trembles in the breat.
Prayer is the simplest form of speech that infant lips can try;
Prayer the sublimest strains that reach the majesty on high.

READING OF THE MESSAGE (Daddy's) "Choice"
Text: "See, I have set before you this day life and good, death and evil." Deut. 30:1-5
Introduction:
Last words of Moses
Last words remembered:
McKinley: "It is God's will. Lead thou me on amidst encircling gloom."
Dwight Moody: "Earth is receding; heaven is opening."
Spurgeon: "O God, if there is a sinner left in all the earth, send someone to him."
Fuller: "Who will preach Christ now?"
John Adam: "Independence forever".
Trainman: "I am on the downgrade and I cannot find the brakes."
Points:
1. All must make choices
It is a great privilege.
Christ wants all. If we ar lost, it will not be his fault.
Choice inevitable.
2. We must choose between two lives.
The old and the young lawyers.
3. Choice between two deaths.
4. Choice between two worlds -- 2 homes.

What is my prayer for today? I pray today, Lord, for the choices I need to make today. I think of the story of Blind Mary who lived in the area that had to be cleared by dynamite to prevent flooding and Daddy was head of the Red Cross, who was charged with the responsibility of evacuating the spillway. He went by boat and told her she had to leave and she took her cane and hit it around the side of the rudimentary hut. He asked her what she was doing and she answered, "Brother Cooper, I have to find out what the Lord wants me to do today." He said that that simple act taught him much about daily faith. Make me a Blind Jane in faith to go where thou wouldst have me go and do. Amen.