PRACTICE & PRAY this week [Proper 24]

On spacious hearts and minds in A Restful Rule of Life

Blessed Ordinary Time, friends!

We’re in the twenty-fourth week of the longest season of the church year, which fills the months between Pentecost in late spring and Christ the King Sunday on the final Sunday before Advent.

You can read here for a brief introduction to this year’s Ordinary Time series.

Today’s letter includes:

• This week’s scripture passages and prayer for the global church.

Plus, for paid subscribers only

• Practices and prayers, as well as art and music for the NT reading in today’s scripture

• An excerpt from my book and some reflection questions to help us cultivate A Restful Rule of Life

Let's begin.

Community Practice & Prayer

Read today’s lectionary passages from the Book of Common Prayer (Year B)

Isaiah 53:4-12; Psalm 91; Hebrews 4:12-16; Mark 10:35-45

Pray out loud the Collect for Proper 24 from the Book of Common Prayer.

Set us free, loving Father, from the bondage of our sins, and in your goodness and mercy give us the liberty of that abundant life which you have made known to us in our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Keep practicing and praying the daily office from the Book of Common Prayer.

You can find the Daily Office Lectionary, Morning and Evening prayer from the Book of Common Prayer here: https://www.biblegateway.com/reading-plans/bcp-daily-office/next

Contemplative Practice & Prayer

Begin with a simple breath prayer from today’s scripture.

Inhale: I approach your throne of grace with boldness,

Exhale: I will receive mercy and find grace.

Repeat gently until you sense you are ready to move forward.

Prayerfully contemplate and respond to today’s art and music pairing.

Spend some quiet moments reflecting on the art and the passage of Scripture above, focusing primarily on the New Testament passage I’ve highlighted below. You may want to use a journal or a sketch pad to let this exercise involve your heart, mind, and body. Sit quietly with the following image and notice what feelings stir as you gently hold in your mind the image and scripture underneath.