Studying this morning's four readings from the St. James Daily Devotional Guide (click to subscribe), I examined myself with these questions. Where is your self-examination leading today?
Psalm 63:1-11. Verse 1, how attentive am I to the state of my soul? What are the symptoms of my thirst for God? Why isn't that thirst quenched by the dry waterless land of daily life?
Daniel 10:1-21. Verses 12 and 19, when have I felt God's loving assurance in answer to my prayers, as expressed here? Or am I in need of that right now? Am I open to accept it?
Philippians 4:4-9. Same questions again. Am I open to accept God's surpassing peace, verse 7? What steps shall I take today for a fuller recognition of his abounding goodness, verse 8?
Luke 1:39-56. Verses 46 and 47, how does the pregnant Mary exemplify the exact spiritual posture of trusting and delighting in God as commanded in the three previous readings? How can I carry this attitude through the next seven days to Christmas?
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To go deeper, see interpretive notes by Bible scholar Patrick Reardon for many of this week's readings.