November 20

Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them. He was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper to ask, “Lord, who is going to betray You?” — John 21:20 BSB

An American man once visited the saintly Albert Bengel. He was eager to hear him pray, so one night he lingered near Bengel’s room, hoping to overhear his final prayers before bed. The doors were slightly ajar, and he listened as Bengel finished his studies, closed his books, knelt for a moment, and simply said, “Dear Lord Jesus, things are still the same between us,” before peacefully falling asleep.

Bengel’s communion with Christ was so close that labor didn’t interrupt it, and prayer wasn’t needed to renew it. His fellowship with Jesus was continuous and almost unconscious, like the fragrance of a summer garden or the silent presence of a loved one nearby. Even when no words were spoken, the sense of nearness remained.

O blessed fellowship, divine,
O joy supremely sweet,
Companionship with Jesus here
Makes life with joy complete.
O wondrous grace, O joy sublime,
I have Jesus with me all the time.