Daily Prayers for August 2

Basil the Blessed (1464 – 1552)

Basil was born to a peasant family near Moscow in the late 1400s. He left home at age sixteen to devote himself to a life of asceticism. He did not have a permanent home but instead walked around barefoot and in rags, exhibiting extraordinary humility in the face of punishment, ridicule, and derision. Like an Old Testament prophet, Basil challenged those in power about their treatment of the poor, marginalized, and afflicted. He foretold misfortunes and preached the gospel to all who would listen, including the Tsar, Ivan the Terrible, who respected and feared Basil’s gift of prophecy. Once, when Basil offered the Tsar a piece of raw meat during the lenten season, the Tsar rejected it. Basil then boldly and truthfully asked him, “Then why do you drink the blood of men?” noting the Tsar’s violent behavior toward innocent -people.

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 bow down and bend the knee : let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.

Song “Poor Wayfaring Stranger”

If we are fools in this world, Lord : may we be fools for Christ.

Psalm 13:3 – 6

Look upon me and answer me, O Lord my God : give light to my eyes, lest I sleep in death;

lest my enemy say, “I have prevailed over him,” : and my foes rejoice that I have fallen.

But I put my trust in your mercy : my heart is joyful because of your saving help.

I will sing to the Lord, for he has dealt with me richly : I will praise the name of the Lord Most High.

If we are fools in this world, Lord : may we be fools for Christ.

1 Sam-uel 12:1 – 6, 16 – 25 Matthew 25:14 – 30

If we are fools in this world, Lord : may we be fools for Christ.

British preacher and radical John Wesley wrote in a letter to his sister, “Money never stays with me. It would burn me if it did. I throw it out of my hands as soon as possible, lest it should find its way into my heart.” Wesley committed his life to living in poverty, insisting that if he were to die with more than a few pounds to his name, he would be a liar and a thief.

Prayers for Others

Our Father

God our provider, all good gifts come from you. Make us so thankful for your gifts that we cannot help but share them with others. Own us as your fools as we abandon the stuff of this world for the treasures of your kingdom. 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.