This is part of a series of devotions based on the Daily Office, which is found in the Book of Common Prayer.
This morning’s Scriptures are: Psalm 107:33-43; 108; Exodus 2:23–3:15; 1 Corinthians 13:1-13; Mark 9:14-29
This morning’s Canticles are: following the OT reading, Canticle 12 (BCP, p. 88); following the Epistle, reading Canticle 19 (BCP, p. 94)
From the burning bush, the Lord says, “I have observed the misery … I have heard their cry … I know their sufferings … The cry of the Israelites has now come to me.” Funny how this tender insight comes in the same passage as the revelation about God’s mysterious name: “I AM WHO I AM.” The Redeemer Lord of the Exodus is touched by our infirmities, but he’s no fuddy-duddy “Big Guy” in the sky either.
Not everybody reads or (as I do) sings the BCP’s suggested Canticles, each day. But I try to. It’s a way of making the Office a matter of prayer. I want to read, not just to get knowledge, but to grow in love (see 1 Corinthians 8:1, “Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up”). And love comes through the combination of study and worship.
Most Canticles are straight from the Bible; today’s Canticle for the OT reading is a portion of an ancient paraphrase of Psalm 148. This “Song of Creation” (Canticle 12, p. 88) seems a fitting way to celebrate the grandeur of “I AM WHO I AM” and the tenderness of the Lord who observes mercy, hears a people’s cry, and knows their sufferings. God is head of the cosmic order, of the whole earth and its creatures—and he relates to “the humble of heart.”
If ever there was a time to go to the Lord of creation with humility of heart, it’s right now.
Here’s a Collect prompted by this Canticle:
Lord of sun and moon and stars; of all winds and fire and heat; of shining light and enfolding dark; of springs of water, seas, and streams; of whales and birds; of beasts of the wild; of all flocks and herds; Lord of men and women everywhere—we implore you, from our knees, to look with pity upon us, your fragile image bearers and stewards of your good creation; forgive us our wandering ways; grant us hearts that long for your rule; and intervene, we pray, in the running amok of the nova coronavirus, that we may live to love and serve and glorify the Name of the Great “I AM”: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.
Be blessed this day,
Reggie Kidd+