Psalm 37:1-18; Isaiah 7: 1-9; Luke 22: 1-13
Listen to the author read their meditation and prayer:
The Hon. Lora J. Livingston, Advent Meditation
If patience is a virtue, then I am far from virtuous. Indeed, I am anything but patient; however, 
when I am fully present and truly mindful, I can become more patient, but this takes great effort on my part. I may as well confess having some issues with trust too. I’m much too cynical to trust easily. Fortunately, I have an abundance of faith.
In what some have called an “exhortation to patience and trust,” the Psalm appointed for today (Psalm 37: 1-18) challenges me in many ways. Despite the admonishment in the scripture, I often fret because of the wicked, and I am sometimes envious that wrongdoers seem to get away with their crimes. The daily news is full of examples of wicked people doing wicked things and apparently getting away with their evil deeds. I fret over the increasing number of people of color being killed by the police. Police officers these days look and act more like military “special forces” than kindly peace officers who are sworn to serve and protect. Why is a traffic stop so dangerous and deadly?
But my faith is strong and when I am fully present and truly mindful, I listen to the word of God and I put my trust in Him. So, just as the Psalm commands, I will be still before the Lord, and I will wait patiently for Him.
Grant us strength and courage to trust in you and to be patient as we await your coming. Amen.
The Hon. Lora J. Livingston
Trustee, Seminary of the Southwest
St. James’ Episcopal Church
AUSTIN, TEXAS
Lora is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Seminary of the Southwest and a member of St. James’ Episcopal Church, Austin, TX.
