Today’s evening meditation is available below in audio and script formats. The audio version is also available for free download on the player.

Reading

The last of life, for which the first was made: our times are in His hand, who saith, “A whole I planned, Youth shows but half; trust God: see all, nor be afraid.”

—Robert Browning

Stillness

As your day draws to a close, spend a few moments in silence and stillness.

Commentary

The body is the temple of the Lord and, if looked after with care, is beautiful even in old age. Childhood has one kind of beauty; youth another; and old age its own special beauty. 

We show respect for the Lord, the Self within, by keeping the body healthy and beautiful. Where books, movies, television, and our eating and exercise habits are concerned, we must be vigilant to see we are not indulging the senses at the cost of the health of our body or mind. It is not that we cultivate an ascetic attitude. It is just the opposite. We don’t mortify the body, but see that every day it gets what it needs for health, so that it will be a valuable, vital instrument until our last day. (WLB)

Prayer

• for creative ideas to show love to our communities

• for unity between different faith communities

• for those who are just beginning their spiritual journey

Podcast Feeds

Abbreviations

BC The Belgic Confession

CAC The Center For Action & Contemplation

CD The Canons of Dort

CIB Church In Bethesda Prayers

HC The Heidelberg Catechism

NT The New Testament

OT The Old Testament

RP Ryan Phipps

WC The Westminster Confession

WLB Words To Live By

WLC The Westminster Larger Catechism

WSC The Westminster Shorter Catechism

ORDINARY TIME, YEAR A