Psalm 5, 6; Amos 3:1-11; 2 Peter 1:12-21; Matt. 21:12-22.

Lesser Feasts & Fasts: Nicholas Ferrar, Deacon.

“Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only will you do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, “Be lifted up and thrown into the sea”, it will be done. Matthew 21:21
“So we have the prophetic message more fully confirmed. You will do well to be attentive to this as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.” –– Peter 1:19
Psalm 6:9 “The Lord has heard my plea; the Lord will answer my prayer.”

Nicholas Ferrar, Deacon, was the founder of a religious community that lasted from 1626 to 1646 in England. The community devoted themselves to a life of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. They taught neighborhood children and cared for the poor in the district. They read the daily offices, including the recital every day of the complete Psalter. Day and night, there was always at least one member of the community kneeling in prayer before the altar.

We are reminded to pray. Pray without ceasing. Pray on every breath. We are reminded to read and study scripture until the day dawns and the morning star rises in our hearts. The reading and study of scripture and prayer without ceasing will fill us and make us whole as we pattern our lives after Jesus. May we all begin again this Advent as we prepare for the coming of our Lord.

PRAYER: Lord God, make us so reflect your perfect love; that, with your deacon Nicholas Ferrar and his household, we may rule ourselves according to your Word, and serve you with our whole heart; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.