Aleph (Day 1 of 22 Days of Fixed Hour Prayer)

I. A Psalm in the Morning

Psalm 119

Aleph

1. Happy are they whose way is blameless, *
   who walk in the law of the LORD!
2. Happy are they who observe his decrees *
   and seek him with all their hearts!
3. Who never do any wrong, *
   but always walk in his ways.
4. You laid down your commandments, *
   that we should fully keep them.
5. Oh, that my ways were made so direct *
   that I might keep your statutes!
6. Then I should not be put to shame, *
   when I regard all your commandments.
7. I will thank you with an unfeigned heart, *
   when I have learned your righteous judgments.
8. I will keep your statutes; *
   do not utterly forsake me.

A Deep Dive into the Letter “Aleph”

My Insights about Aleph:

Exercise:

The 1st letter of our English alphabet is “A”. Let’s see what kind of words, starting with “A”, we can use in our own poem about God. Use this “word box” (or find your own ‘a’ words) to create your own little acrostic poem about Jesus. Choose 3 – 8, but no more than 8. A good way to choose the words is just go with your first impulse (circle or mark as you go):

II. The Lord’s Prayer at Mid-day

Our Father who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those
who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom
and the power and the glory
forever and ever. Amen

Questions to deepen your experience of or reflect upon the Lord’s Prayer (feel free to choose just one):

Is there any line that stands out to you at the moment?

Is there a name of God that is coming to your mind for today?

What specific needs do you have that God can provide?

What/Who do I need to forgive today?

What specific temptations do you face today?

What do you need deliverance from today?

III. Prayer of Examen in the Evening

1. 1. 1. 1. Review: think through the events and the emotions of the day. Questions to consider:
            • Where have I felt true joy today?
            • What has troubled me today?
            • What has challenged me today?
            • Where and when did I pause today?
            • Where was God’s presence in each of these events?
         2. Rejoice: what is a cause for gratitude in the past day? Consider:
            • the gift of another day…
            • the love and compassion I have received…
            • the support I was given…
            • the courage I found…
            • an event that took place today…
         3. Repent: were there words, thoughts, actions, attitudes, or desires in the day that did not reflect Jesus Christ? Confess these, and ask for the Holy Spirit to fill you with His power in those areas.
         4. Renew: Consider what lies ahead tomorrow. Invite Jesus to give you His power for the coming day:
            • invite hope
            • invite wisdom
            • invite strength
            • invite discernment
            • invite Divine love

      * An asterisk divides each verse into two parts for reading or chanting. In
      reading, a distinct pause should be made at the asterisk.