That this evening may be holy, good, and peaceful,
We entreat you, O Lord. (BCP 122)

Today I am grateful.

I was fortunate to spend a couple of holy hours this morning with three people who are in a process of vocational discernment.

We reflected on the promises made by all Christians in the Baptismal Covenant (BCP 304) and the promises made by those being ordained as bishops (BCP 518), priests (BCP 531), and deacons (BCP 543).

We also shared which qualities — from any or all of those promises — we see operating in each other’s lives. It was both affirming and eye-opening.

This afternoon, Lovely Wife and I have been reading and dozing on our patio, enjoying the sound of birdsong and the breezes through our Japanese garden. It’s been a good Sabbath afternoon.

And even though I’m not watching the news, I am mindful of the blessing of peace that we enjoy.

Pray for those “who go so heavily while the enemy oppresses [them]” (Psalm 42), and work to make God’s peace come alive for all.