Daily Prayers for May 18
Origen of Alexandria (c. 185 – c. 254)
The oldest of seven children, Origen was born in Alexandria, and witnessed at a very young age the public death of his father, who was martyred during the persecutions in 202. While still in his teens, Origen became a teacher, philosopher, and student of Scripture — and a prolific writer, all the while practicing a strict discipline of prayer, fasting, celibacy, and poverty. Though his self-denial was extreme to the point of abuse and some of his teachings were ultimately considered heresy, Origen is still considered one of the greatest early interpreters of Scripture and Christian doctrine. By helping Christians find meaning in the riches of Scripture, he taught a love for truth, sanctity, and God above all else.
O Lord, let my soul rise up to meet you
as the day rises to meet the sun.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.
Come, let us sing to the Lord : let us shout for joy to the Rock of our salvation.
Song “Magnificat”
Steep us in your story, Lord : that we may live its truth today.
Psalm 92:1 – 4
It is a good thing to give thanks to the Lord : and to sing praises to your name, O Most High;
to tell of your loving-kindness early in the morning : and of your faithfulness in the night season;
on the psaltery, and on the lyre : and to the melody of the harp.
For you have made me glad by your acts, O Lord : and I shout for joy because of the works of your hands.
Steep us in your story, Lord : that we may live its truth today.
Numbers 21:4 – 9, 21 – 35 Luke 8:16 – 25
Steep us in your story, Lord : that we may live its truth today.
Origen of Alexandria wrote, “I do not call the Law an ‘Old Testament’ if I understand it in the Spirit. The Law becomes an ‘Old Testament’ only for those who wish to understand it carnally, but for those who understand it and apply it in the Spirit and in the Gospel sense, the Law is ever new and the two Testaments are a new Testament for us, not because of their date in time but because of the newness of the meaning. For those who do not respect the covenant of love, even the Gospels are ‘old.’ ”
Prayers for Others
Our Father
Help us, Lord, to see in your Scripture the good news that never grows old. Amen.
May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you : wherever he may send you;
may he guide you through the wilderness : protect you through the storm;
may he bring you home rejoicing : at the wonders he has shown you;
may he bring you home rejoicing : once again into our doors.
