I Will, with God’s Help

Daily Office Reflection for Saturday, October 31, 2026 — Psalms 23, 27, 75, 76; Sirach 51:1–12; Revelation 18:1–14; Luke 14:1–11

Sometimes a familiar prayer opens a door we did not know we needed.

Today, these words from the Episcopal baptismal covenant brought me to tears:

“Will you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord?”

The answer is simple:

“I will, with God’s help.”

I needed to hear that. Looking back over my life, I see things I regret, relationships that remain wounded, and choices I cannot undo. Perhaps you do, too.

And there, within a serious covenant, is the word whenever. The promise anticipates that we will stumble. It asks whether we will return.

With God’s help, we can.

Psalm 23 gives me a picture of that help. The Shepherd leads beside still waters and along right paths, but the journey also passes through the darkest valley. I have walked through some of those valleys. I have also experienced comfort, a welcoming table, goodness, and mercy.

The words that hold it all together are these: “You are with me.”

God’s presence accompanies us through the parts of our story we would gladly change. Even there, we can turn toward the Shepherd.

Psalm 27 adds a prayer I know well: teach me your way and lead me on a level path. Its closing call to wait for the Lord is harder for me. I want answers. I want healing. I want unfinished things settled.

While I wait, I keep praying: Teach me to see with compassion, listen with wisdom, speak with love, discern what is true and loving, and welcome those you send across my path.

Perhaps that compassion must include the person I see in the mirror.

In Sirach, I hear another deeply personal prayer: “Lord, you are my Father.”

I usually think of God as Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer. Yet Father also expresses relationship. It names the relationship in which I bring my whole life to God and trust that I am heard.

I bring my experience as a son and as a father. I bring love, sorrow, gratitude, and regret. I can ask for forgiveness and discern what repair is possible, while honoring the freedom and boundaries of others.

Psalms 75 and 76 remind me that God also confronts arrogance and rises to save the oppressed. Mercy takes suffering seriously. Returning to God includes facing the harm we have caused or overlooked.

Revelation makes that painfully concrete. Among Babylon’s luxurious cargo are human beings sold into slavery. People have become merchandise.

Here another baptismal promise searches my heart: to strive for justice and peace and respect the dignity of every human being.

Again, the answer is: “I will, with God’s help.”

That promise reaches into our purchases, our loyalties, our conversations, and our treatment of people who have little to offer us in return.

Then Luke brings us to a dinner table.

Jesus first attends to a man who needs healing. Afterward, he addresses the guests competing for places of honor. Compassion comes before status. Humility makes room for another person.

At this table, I can acknowledge my failures without declaring myself worthless. I can receive mercy without imagining I have earned a better seat than someone else.

The Shepherd prepares a table. Jesus teaches us how to sit together.

Today, I am grateful that the baptismal covenant gives us words for beginning again. We can confess, seek forgiveness, repair what we can, and take the next faithful step.

“I will, with God’s help.”

Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer, I bring you my whole life. Help me receive your mercy and take responsibility for what is mine. Teach me to honor the dignity of others and welcome them with love. When I stumble, help me return. When I am afraid, remind me that you are with me. Amen.