Daily Readings: Psalm27; Malachi 2:10 – 3:1; Luke 1:5-17

I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord! Psalm 27:13-14, NRSV

If I’m not careful, if I don’t take a few breaths and heartbeats when I open my eyes in the morning, I’ll spend the rest of my waking hours checking things off my to-do list, and adding more things to it – getting through my activities and hours rather than living into them. I’ll forget that I am a child of God, and that every single second is holy and unique. I won’t see the goodness of the Lord in this land of the living because I’m not looking for it. I need to pause, to wait, or I won’t see a damn thing or a holy thing. I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living only IF I wait. Strength, courage, and sight depend on the simple act of waiting.

I found this prayer years ago, and it’s my door into the waiting-for-the-Lord room. It’s changed my life:

Prayer at the Beginning of the Day

O Lord, grant me to greet the coming day in peace. Help me in all things to rely upon thy holy will. In every hour of the day reveal thy will to me. Bless my dealings with all who surround me. Teach me to treat all that comes to me throughout the day with peace of soul, and with firm conviction that thy will governs all. In all my deeds and words guide my thoughts and feelings. In unforeseen events let me not forget that all are sent by thee. Teach me to act firmly and wisely, without embittering and embarrassing others. Give me strength to bear the fatigue of the coming day with all that it shall bring. Direct my will, teach me to pray, pray though thyself in me. by Philaret, Metropolitan of Moscow [A Manual of Orthodox Prayers, Crestwood, NY: St. Vladimir’s Seminar Press, 1991, p. 20]