Prayer for Illumination
Divine Spirit, illumine to me the words of the Lord. show me the wealth of glory that lies beneath the old familiar stories. Teach me the depths of meaning hidden in the songs of Zion. Raise me to the heights of aspiration that is reached by the wings of the prophet. Lift me to the summit of faith that is trod by the feet of the apostle. Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law. Amen. -George Matheson

Full reading plan here

F.A.Q.

What is the daily office?

Daily office is regular and consistent daily behaviors that remind us whose we are and renew us in our discipleship. These may be as elaborate and complex as monastic hours of personal and corporate prayer or as simple as a daily time of personal devotion. A daily office might include such elements as personal quiet time with God (or several such times during the day—morning, midday, evening or a combination); prayers before meals; moments of prayer dispersed through the day at planned points; gathering with others daily for worship, prayer, Bible study, Christian fellowship. Whatever the form of our daily office, we need such a discipline if we are to live our lives in a growing experience of the wholeness of Christ and in increasing faithfulness as God’s persons for others.

 

-Mulholland Jr., M. Robert. Invitation to a Journey: A Road Map for Spiritual Formation (p. 135). 

Why these Bible verses?

Habits of Grace uses the Daily Office Lectionary found in the Common Book of Prayer for the Anglican Church, a reading plan used by churches around the world for hundreds of years. This reading plan was chosen because there is something powerful about millions of Christians reading the same scripture each day.

 

With this reading plan, you will read through nearly the entire Bible every two years and the Psalter and NT multiple times each year. 

How should I use this time?

This is intended to encourage people to daily engage God’s word… to meditate on it.  So, first, find a time of day and place where you will be able to focus and find some quiet.  Take a deep breath.  Read the prayer.  Pause for a moment.  Then read the scripture texts allowing God’s word to slowly but powerfully shape a little bit each day.  If for one reason or another, you should happen to miss a day or two, just pick up with the rest of the church and move forward.  You do not need to try to make up for missed time.  Just settle back in.  Take a deep breath, pray, pause and read the next set of texts.   Remember, this is not just some task to complete; this is time that we get to spend with our loving Heavenly Father.