Macarius (300-391) lived in the desert with other like-minded hermits. Hence the name attributed to them: desert fathers. As a young monk, Macarius was falsely accused of assaulting a young woman. He was exonerated when the assailant came forward, but the incident served to soften Macarius’ heart in judgment toward others. He was known for being hard on himself yet tenderhearted toward others. One story about him proves the point. Macarius was overseeing a desert monastery. Some brothers saw a woman sneak into the room of a fellow brother. They put their brother on surveillance to validate their suspicions and brought the matter to Macarius, leader of the monastery. He responded, “Brothers, do not believe this story. This brother of ours would not do such a thing.” They confessed to the spying and urged him to intervene. When the brother in question heard Macarius was coming, he hid his lady friend in a large jar. When Macarius entered, he looked around and sat down on the jar. He invited the brothers to enter and inspect the room, but they found no one. After they left, Macarius took the brother by the hand and said, “My brother, judge yourself before others judge you, because judgment belongs to God.” What a gracious way to “speak the truth with love” (Eph. 4.15).
Today’s evening prayer was written by Macarius:
Macarius
O eternal God and King of all creation, who has granted me to arrive at this hour, forgive me the sins I have committed today in thought, word and deed, and cleanse, O Lord, my humble soul from all defilement of flesh and spirit. And grant me, O Lord to pass the sleep of this night in peace, that when I rise from my bed it may please your most holy Name all the days of my life and conquer my flesh and the fleshless foes that war with me. And deliver me, O Lord, from vain and frivolous thoughts and from evil desires which defile me. For Thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and ever, to the ages of ages. Amen.
Rev. Dr. Peter James served 42 years as the senior of Vienna Presbyterian Church in Vienna, VA — 21 years in the 20th century and 21 years in the 21st century. He retired in 2021 and now serves as Pastor-in-Residence at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.
Even as a pastor, prayer came slowly to Pete. Read Pete’s story.