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

“If you should say, ‘It is enough, I have reached perfection,’ all is lost. For it is the function of perfection to make one know one’s imperfection.”

—Saint Augustine

Stillness

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

Commentary

Among my acquaintances was a Britisher who had climbed many of the higher peaks of the Himalayas. One day he confided to me the feeling of exhilaration he felt on reaching the summit of Annapurna, and standing there in awe in the eternal snows. “Then,” he added, “you know, old boy, while I gazed out over that magnificent scene, snow-topped mountains as far as the eye could see, the question just popped into my mind: Which peak will be next?” He just couldn’t rest on his laurels; he had to keep climbing. That is what gave meaning to his life. 

It is the same in meditation. We shouldn’t look forward to the day when we plant our flag on the mountain peak and then retire to a life of tedious leisure. Every time we reach a peak, we will feel a legitimate sense of satisfaction; but at the same time a new and more glorious mountain will probably be beckoning us from the far horizon. That is the glory of living. That is the joy of the spiritual ascent. (WLB)

Prayer

God, our Creator, teach us your truth. Stir our hearts with love. Strengthen our wills with courage, and fulfill our lives with service.

Pardon what I have been. Bless what I am. And direct what I shall be. (MAO)

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Abbreviations

BC The Belgic Confession

CAC The Center For Action & Contemplation

CD The Canons of Dort

CIB Church In Bethesda Prayers

DZ - Donna Z.

HC The Heidelberg Catechism

MAO - Michael A. O’Sullivan

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

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