Forward Movement is an official, non-profit agency of the Episcopal Church whose mission is to create compelling content for Christian living. Since 1935 we have published the quarterly devotional Forward Day by Day, as well as pamphlets, booklets, and books that encourage and nourish people in their lives of prayer and faith.
WEDNESDAY, November 24
Psalm 130. Out of the depths have I called to you, O Lord; Lord, hear my voice.
Easy good nature was one of the marks of the age out of which we are passing. We presumed to be easy-going with God. We thought that having improved ourselves so much, it was no great step to be in God’s amiable company. We puffed ourselves up with the saying: “Every day, in every way, I am growing better and better.” Then the bubble burst.
Four hundred delegates convened in Oxford in July 1937 for the World Conference on Church, Community, and State. The leader of the Conference wrote to the delegates, saying in effect: Do not dare come to Oxford in any mood of self-confidence. The present state of apostasy and frustration calls for whole-hearted repentance. Only out of a deep distrust and despair of self can the word be spoken which the world needs.
Do not think it morbid to be in the depths. Every sinner must begin there. And knowing oneself to be there, rather than skimming gaily in the shallows, is a healthy sign. The first step in repentance is for the sinner to know he has no dignity left. All that is left is a cry.
But God never yet failed to hear and answer a cry out of the depths. (1939)
PRAY for the Diocese of Kigezi (Uganda)
Ps 119:145-176 * 128, 129, 130; Zechariah 12:1-10; Ephesians 1:3-14; Luke 19:1-10
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A Meditation for Pentecost
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It is hard to be joyful, while keeping in mind the suffering of others. My joy comes through the faith and hope, taught to me by Jesus, that we can do better.