I didn’t grow up Episcopalian, so the Book of Common Prayer was totally new to me when I joined St. John’s. I remember when I first received it and thinking it was great, but I didn’t really read it all that much. This year I’ve discovered – wishing I had earlier – the beauty of praying the Daily Office, particularly in the evenings. One of my favorite Bible verses, which is the first line in the Daily Evening Prayer, Rite One (p. 61), reminds me of incense used at Mass on special occasions, or at a high church liturgy. It reads, “Let my prayer be set forth in thy sight as the incense, and let the lifting up of my hands be an evening sacrifice.” – Psalm 141:2
As you go to bed, think about how, like incense, your prayers can rise up to God.

-Mike Coe