Day 246: Holy Scriptures

 

DAY 246

Faith in the Midst of a Pandemic

A series of daily reflections for people of faith

by Rev. Robert Bayley, Interim Pastor

Patuxent Presbyterian Church, California, Maryland

pastorrobert@paxpres.org

Week Thirty-six    Sunday 15 November 2020

Holy Scriptures

Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. - The Book of Common Prayer, for the Sunday closest to 16 November.

This prayer, written by Archbishop Thomas Cranmer of the Church of England, 1489-1556, is from the original Book of Common Prayer which he authored, and remains the most succinct prayer ever written regarding our relationship with Holy Scripture. It bears dissecting.

The PURPOSE of Holy Scripture: “for our learning” – How does this happen in your life?

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Our RESPONSE to Holy Scripture: how do these function in your life?

+ hear___________________________________________________________

+ read___________________________________________________________

+ mark___________________________________________________________

+ learn___________________________________________________________

+ inwardly digest____________________________________________________

                        

The desired RESULT of our engaging with Scripture in these ways:

“that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life”

What does this mean in your life?_________________________________________

Reflective question: How often do you read God’s Word and spend time reflecting on it?

Reflective Scripture: Psalm 119:18 - “Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your word.”

Reflective hymn:

“Ancient Words” – Michael W. Smith (1957-    )

Holy words long preserved for our walk in this world,

They resound with God’s own heart Oh, let the ancient words impart.

Ancient words ever true changing me and changing you.

We have come with open hearts, Oh let the ancient words impart.