Duty Before Prayer

Have you ever heard the phrase "duty before prayer?"

It really confused me when I first heard it. Then I realized our duty can be a prayer, but our prayer can't substitute for our duty. Make sense?

Anyway, todays reading has a good example of neglecting one's duty.


Reading 1

2 Sm 1:1-4a, 5-10a, 13-17

At the turn of the year, when kings go out on campaign,
David sent out Joab along with his officers
and the army of Israel,
and they ravaged the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah.
David, however, remained in Jerusalem.

Notice that it is the duty of the kings to go out on campaign. King David neglected his rightful duty.

What Is The Result?

David had inquiries made about the woman and was told,
“She is Bathsheba, daughter of Eliam,
and wife of Joab’s armor bearer Uriah the Hittite.”
Then David sent messengers and took her.
When she came to him, he had relations with her.

Food for thought as you go about your day.


Prayer: God, grant us the grace to prayerfully fulfill our duty this day.