Holy Innocents’ Day

Every day I face challenging decisions of all sizes -- questions that make me wonder if I'm making good choices. How often I wonder what I should do next, Lord. If I look to the world for answers, I feel confused. Everyone offers a different response, and after awhile I'm not sure who's right.
But when I turn to Your Word, I never need to worry about that. You always give me good advice, guidance I can count on. Keep me daily in Your Word, Lord, and once I know the right way, help me to walk in it. I want to follow Your light, Jesus, every day of my life. Amen.
(From "Prayers & Promises")

1 Why do the nations conspire
and the peoples plot in vain?
2 The kings of the earth take their stand
and the rulers gather together
against the LORD
and against his Anointed One.
3 "Let us break their chains," they say,
"and throw off their fetters."
4 The One enthroned in heaven laughs;
the Lord scoffs at them.
5 Then he rebukes them in his anger
and terrifies them in his wrath, saying,
6 "I have installed my King
on Zion, my holy hill."
Psalm 2 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Isaiah 49:13-23 – Isaiah 54:1-13 – Matthew 18:1-14

Blessed Jesus, you who loved those outside the law, who sat down to eat with tax collectors, who kept company with sinners, who cured the alien Samaritan, help us go beyond the law into an intimate relationship with you. Transform us from literal-minded legalists into your grace-filled children. Take us by the hand and guide us home. Amen.
(Thomas Merton)

1 I will extol the LORD at all times;
his praise will always be on my lips.
2 My soul will boast in the LORD;
let the afflicted hear and rejoice.
3 Glorify the LORD with me;
let us exalt his name together.
4 I sought the LORD, and he answered me;
he delivered me from all my fears.
5 Those who look to him are radiant;
their faces are never covered with shame.
Psalm 34 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Proverbs 8:22-30 – 1 John 5:1-12 – John 13:20-35

God of surprises, let us be your Christ-bearer, your servant, your deacon in this world grown too distracting and complicated. Make us ready for the gifts you give, the grace you impart, the opportunities you make available to help us grow in holiness. Grant that our eyes might be open to see, our ears to listen, our hearts to love, and our mouths to laugh with delight and joy when our awareness of your presence informs any moment of the day. Amen.
(Thomas Merton)

1 The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it,
the world, and all who live in it;
2 for he founded it upon the seas
and established it upon the waters.
3 Who may ascend the hill of the LORD ?
Who may stand in his holy place?
4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
who does not lift up his soul to an idol
or swear by what is false.
5 He will receive blessing from the LORD
and vindication from God his Savior.
6 Such is the generation of those who seek him,
who seek your face, O God of Jacob.
Psalm 130 New Revised Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Isaiah 59:15b-21 – Revelation 22:12-17, 21 - Matthew 1:1-17

Good Shepherd of Souls, keep us in the safe company of your guardianship. Sweetly oversee the flock and keep us from the orphanage of sin. Speed our steps on our pilgrimage with you to the cross and, from there, to our hoped-for home in heaven. Amen.
(Thomas Merton)

1 Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD.
2 Lord, hear my voice! Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications!
3 If you, O LORD, should mark iniquities, Lord, who could stand?
4 But there is forgiveness with you, so that you may be revered.
5 I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I hope;
6 my soul waits for the Lord more than those who watch for the morning,
more than those who watch for the morning.
Psalm 130 New Revised Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Zechariah 7:8-8:8 – Revelation 5:6-14 - Matthew 25:14-30

Christ, Our Redeemer, help us stand firm in the safety of your everlasting light and sustain us in the glorification of your works. Wash us clean with your grace, so that we may be released from our obsession with our own egos and our "own story." Fill our hearts with courage and faith so that we may seriously follow the path to holiness and saintliness. Amen.
(Thomas Merton)

1 When the LORD brought back the captives to [a] Zion,
we were like men who dreamed.
2 Our mouths were filled with laughter,
our tongues with songs of joy.
Then it was said among the nations,
"The LORD has done great things for them."
3 The LORD has done great things for us,
and we are filled with joy.
4 Restore our fortunes, O LORD,
like streams in the Negev.
5 Those who sow in tears
will reap with songs of joy.
Psalm 126 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Zechariah 4:1-14 – Revelation 4:9-5:5 - Matthew 25:1-13

Artist-King, you who created us from impure clay and whose skill is manifest in the things of the world, let us ever acknowledge the wonder of your work. Bring us the keystone, the tent peg, the center of the circle who will repair our lowly house and heart with a firm hand. We wait in weariness for the arrival of one who will leave only the chosen standing. Draw us together as daughters and sons of God. Amen.
(Thomas Merton)

1 Only fools say in their hearts, “There is no God.”
They are corrupt, and their actions are evil;
not one of them does good!
2 God looks down from heaven on the entire human race;
he looks to see if anyone is truly wise,
if anyone seeks God.
3 But no, all have turned away; all have become corrupt.
No one does good, not a single one!
4 Will those who do evil never learn?
They eat up my people like bread
and wouldn’t think of praying to God.
6 Who will come from Mount Zion to rescue Israel?
When God restores his people,
Jacob will shout with joy, and Israel will rejoice.
Psalm 53 New Living Translation

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading): Zechariah 3:1-10 – Revelation 4:1-8 - Matthew 24:45-51

Light of the world, shine forth on us and banish our fears and fickleness. As you are a gift freely given, remind us that as your children, our generosity should be untarnished by the expectations of rewards. Let each gift given this season be unadulterated by the need for reciprocity. Keep us from counting -- our loses, our gains, our goods, our bads, our costs, our profits. Instead we give you the record book so that you may judge us according to your standards, not our own. Amen.
(Thomas Merton)

1 You showed favor to your land, O LORD;
you restored the fortunes of Jacob.
2 You forgave the iniquity of your people
and covered all their sins.
3 You set aside all your wrath
and turned from your fierce anger.
4 Restore us again, O God our Savior,
and put away your displeasure toward us.
5 Will you be angry with us forever?
Will you prolong your anger through all generations?
7 Show us your unfailing love, O LORD,
and grant us your salvation.
Psalm 85 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Zechariah 2:1-13 – Revelation 3:14-22 - Matthew 24:32-44

Shoot of Jesse, our roots go back to that garden in Eden, to the paradise sold for an apple. The birth of your Son has reopened the gates of heaven and rained down blessings on our parched souls. As we relish the new light of the sun which nurtures our own "gardens" on earth, let us develop into real people who talk not about love but who actually practice the love of God (and through Him, love for their neighbors) with a radiant peace. Let us flower in the place you have given us. Amen.
(Thomas Merton)

1 I waited patiently for the LORD;
he turned to me and heard my cry.
2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.
3 He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD.
4 Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust,
who does not look to the proud,
to those who turn aside to false gods.
5 Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders you have done.
The things you planned for us no one can recount to you;
were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare.
Psalm 40 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Zechariah 1:7-17 – Revelation 3:7-13 - Matthew 24:15-31

O Love of God, descend into my heart;
Enlighten the dark corners of this neglected dwelling,
And scatter there Your cheerful beams.
Dwell in the soul that longs to be Your temple;
Water that barren soil overrun with weeds and briars
And lost for lack of cultivating.
Make it fruitful with Your dew.
Morning Prayer — St. Augustine

15 The nations will fear the name of the LORD,
all the kings of the earth will revere your glory.
16 For the LORD will rebuild Zion
and appear in his glory.
17 He will respond to the prayer of the destitute;
he will not despise their plea.
18 Let this be written for a future generation,
that a people not yet created may praise the LORD :
19 "The LORD looked down from his sanctuary on high,
from heaven he viewed the earth,
20 to hear the groans of the prisoners
and release those condemned to death."
Psalm 102 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Haggai 1:1-15 – Revelation 2:18-29 - Matthew 23:27-39

God of light, be the hope of our suffering. Keep us from the darkness of sin and greed; keep us from the mindless quest for superiority and success, from the depravity of hatred and anger. Astonish us with your mercy and love so that we may never forget your faithful compassion. Let us use this time of waiting to recover our bearings and refrain from afflicting anyone with our own sins, no matter how insignificant they may seem to be. Amen.
(Thomas Merton)

15 The valleys of the sea were exposed
and the foundations of the earth laid bare
at your rebuke, O LORD,
at the blast of breath from your nostrils.
16 He reached down from on high and took hold of me;
he drew me out of deep waters.
17 He rescued me from my powerful enemy,
from my foes, who were too strong for me.
18 They confronted me in the day of my disaster,
but the LORD was my support.
19 He brought me out into a spacious place;
he rescued me because he delighted in me.
20 The LORD has dealt with me according to my righteousness;
according to the cleanness of my hands he has rewarded me.
Psalm 18 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Amos 9:1-10 – Revelation 2:8-17 - Matthew 23:13-26

Father,
I seek Your wisdom.
The world shouts at me, demanding that I buy into its agendas. Noisy advertisements distract me and try to manipulate me with fear. It seems that everyone has something to sell. Now I am waiting in this quiet place, where You can help me to regain perspective - a place where Your wisdom and truth can reign and rule. Thank You for wisdom from above. Amen.
(From "Everyday Prayers for Everyday Cares")

14 Make thankfulness your sacrifice to God,
and keep the vows you made to the Most High.
15 Then call on me when you are in trouble,
and I will rescue you,
and you will give me glory.”
22 Repent, all of you who forget me,
or I will tear you apart,
and no one will help you.
23 But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me.
If you keep to my path,
I will reveal to you the salvation of God.”
Psalm 50 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Amos 8:1-14 – Revelation 1:17-2:7 - Matthew 23:1-12

God of love, help us to hear your knock on the door to our hearts so that we may not fail to be invited to your eternal banquet. Amplify in us the spirit of courage and love so that we may surrender our tendencies toward moral dysfunction and prideful self-indulgence. Give us the wisdom we need to face the problems of our world, our families, ourselves with radical honesty and appropriate sensitivity. Keep our heads from the sands so we may address the real improprieties we find around us. Let us work to heal at least one wound this Advent. Amen.
(Thomas Merton)

8 Let all the earth fear the LORD;
let all the people of the world revere him.
9 For he spoke, and it came to be;
he commanded, and it stood firm.
10 The LORD foils the plans of the nations;
he thwarts the purposes of the peoples.
11 But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever,
the purposes of his heart through all generations.
12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD,
the people he chose for his inheritance.
Psalm 33 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Amos 7:10-17 – Revelation 1:9-16 - Matthew 22:34-46

Come, dear Refreshment of those who languish; Come, Star and Guide of those who sail amidst tempests. You are the Haven of the tossed and shipwrecked. Come now, Glory and Crown of the living, as well as the Safeguard of the dying.
Come, Sacred Spirit; Come, and make me fit to receive You.
St. Augustine

1 Only fools say in their hearts, “There is no God.”
They are corrupt, and their actions are evil;
not one of them does good!
2 The Lord looks down from heaven on the entire human race;
he looks to see if anyone is truly wise,
if anyone seeks God.
3 But no, all have turned away;
all have become corrupt.
No one does good, not a single one!
4 Will those who do evil never learn?
They eat up my people like bread
and wouldn’t think of praying to the Lord.
5 Terror will grip them,
for God is with those who obey him.
6 The wicked frustrate the plans of the oppressed,
but the Lord will protect his people.
Psalm 14 New Living Translation

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Amos 7:1-9 – Revelation 1:1-8 - Matthew 22:23-33

O Lord, awake us from the comfortable existence in which we too often may be safely cocooned, and challenge us to accept the call of our baptism. Afflict us with your grace so that we take seriously our efforts to aid the poor, to comfort the sad and lonely, to let our light shine as a beacon to all who may need our help. Allow us to serve also as a wake-up call to our brothers and sisters whose companionship in Christ we share. Amen.
(Thomas Merton)

1 Hear my prayer, O LORD;
let my cry for help come to you.
2 Do not hide your face from me when I am in distress.
Turn your ear to me; when I call, answer me quickly.
3 For my days vanish like smoke;
my bones burn like glowing embers.
11 My days are like the evening shadow;
I wither away like grass.
12 But you, O LORD, sit enthroned forever;
your renown endures through all generations.
13 You will arise and have compassion on Zion,
for it is time to show favor to her;
the appointed time has come.
Psalm 18 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Amos 5:1-17 – Jude 1-16 - Matthew 22:1-14

Teach me to feel another's woe,
To hide the fault I see;
That mercy I to others show,
That mercy show to me.
-- Alexander Pope

1 I love you, Lord;
you are my strength.
2 The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior;
my God is my rock, in whom I find protection.
He is my shield, the power that saves me,
and my place of safety.
3 I called on the Lord, who is worthy of praise,
and he saved me from my enemies.
4 The ropes of death entangled me;
floods of destruction swept over me.
6 But in my distress I cried out to the Lord;
yes, I prayed to my God for help.
He heard me from his sanctuary;
my cry to him reached his ears.
Psalm 18 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Amos 4:6-13 – 2 Peter 3:11-18 - Matthew 21:33-46

Lord Jesus, assuage our blindness and activate our hearts during this Advent, so that we may find your presence hidden in ourselves. May we unveil the mystery of Christ-with-us and work toward the true restoration of the whole world in your image. Let your light shine in our hearts so that we may always know the truth of your love. Amen.
(Thomas Merton)

1 The Mighty One, God, the LORD, speaks and summons the earth
from the rising of the sun to the place where it sets.
2 From Zion, perfect in beauty,
God shines forth.
3 Our God comes and will not be silent;
a fire devours before him, and around him a tempest rages.
4 He summons the heavens above,
and the earth, that he may judge his people:
5 "Gather to me my consecrated ones,
who made a covenant with me by sacrifice."
6 And the heavens proclaim his righteousness,
for God himself is judge.
Psalm 50 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Amos 3:12-4:5 – 2 Peter 3:1-10 - Matthew 21:23-32

I entreat you, O Lord, holy Father, everlasting God, command the way of your truth and the knowledge of you to be shown to your servants who wander in doubt and uncertainty amid the darkness of this world; that the eyes of their souls may be opened, and they may acknowledge you, the One God, the Father in the Son, and the Son in the Father, with the Holy Spirit, and enjoy the fruit of this confession, both here and in the world to come; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Gregorian according to Pamelius

1 Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous;
it is fitting for the upright to praise him.
2 Praise the LORD with the harp;
make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre.
3 Sing to him a new song;
play skillfully, and shout for joy.
4 For the word of the LORD is right and true;
he is faithful in all he does.
5 The LORD loves righteousness and justice;
the earth is full of his unfailing love.
Psalm 90 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Amos 3:1-11 – 2 Peter 1:12-21 - Matthew 21:12-22

May God the Father, and the eternal High Priest Jesus Christ, build us up in faith and truth and love, and grant to us our portion among the saints with all those who believe on our Lord Jesus Christ. We pray for all saints, for kings and rulers, for the enemies of the Cross of Christ; and for ourselves, we pray that our fruit may abound and we be made perfect in Christ Jesus our Lord.
- Bishop Polycarp, 69-155 AD

1 The fool says in his heart, "There is no God."
They are corrupt, their deeds are vile;
there is no one who does good.
2 The LORD looks down from heaven on the sons of men
to see if there are any who understand,
any who seek God.
3 All have turned aside, they have together become corrupt;
there is no one who does good, not even one.
4 Will evildoers never learn—
those who devour my people as men eat bread
and who do not call on the LORD ?
5 There they are, overwhelmed with dread,
for God is present in the company of the righteous.
Psalm 90 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Amos 2:6-16 – 1 Peter 1:1-11 - Matthew 21:1-11

Father,
I find refuge in You.
Though I have confessed my sin to You, Lord, my guilt lingers in the eyes of those I have wronged. Show me how to make restitution if that is possible. Lay upon me a burden of prayer for those who continue to carry the weight of my poor choices and selfish deeds. And help me to walk in the light of Your forgiveness, despite how others may feel. My sin was real and my guilt was deserved, but You have paid my debt. Amen.
(From "Everyday Prayers for Everyday Cares")

1 I love the LORD, for he heard my voice;
he heard my cry for mercy.
2 Because he turned his ear to me,
I will call on him as long as I live.
3 The cords of death entangled me,
the anguish of the grave [a] came upon me;
I was overcome by trouble and sorrow.
4 Then I called on the name of the LORD :
"O LORD, save me!"
5 The LORD is gracious and righteous;
our God is full of compassion.
Psalm 116 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Zephaniah 3:1-13 – 1 Peter 2:11-25 - Matthew 20:11-16

Father, through faith I am able to understand so many things, including the fact that the very worlds of the universe were framed by your Word. This helps me to understand that things which are seen were not made of things which I can see. Instead, they were made by your unseen hand, O Lord. Therefore, I will walk by faith and not by sight. Amen.
(From "Bible Prayers for All Your Needs")

1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust."
3 Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare
and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
5 You will not fear the terror of night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,
6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
nor the plague that destroys at midday.
Psalm 91 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Obadiah 15-21 – 1 Peter 2:1-10 - Matthew 19:23-30

Heavenly Father, I seek to abide in Christ. I realize that this is the key to fruitfulness in my life. Jesus is the Vine, and I am a branch. I need to continually abide in Him, for without Him I can do nothing. Amen.
(From "Bible Prayers for All Your Needs")

1 Hear this, all you peoples;
listen, all who live in this world,
3 My mouth will speak words of wisdom;
the utterance from my heart will give understanding.
5 Why should I fear when evil days come,
when wicked deceivers surround me-
6 those who trust in their wealth
and boast of their great riches?
7 No man can redeem the life of another
or give to God a ransom for him
15 But God will redeem my life from the grave;
he will surely take me to himself.
Psalm 49 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Nahum 1:1-13 – 1 Peter 1:13-25 - Matthew 19:13-22

Father,
You provide a way out of temptation.
I can't say, "The devil made me do it." No, You have given me the priceless gift of free will, and I will not cheapen that gift by allowing another to control me. But I do fall into temptation, and sometimes I feel so weak. Help me to make the right choice -- to follow You rather that my greedy self-will. And thank You for Your promise that You will always provide a way for me to escape temptation. All I need to do is use it. Amen.
(From "Everyday Prayers for Everyday Cares")

1 The LORD reigns, he is robed in majesty;
the LORD is robed in majesty and is armed with strength.
The world is firmly established; it cannot be moved.
2 Your throne was established long ago;
you are from all eternity.
3 The seas have lifted up, O LORD,
the seas have lifted up their voice;
the seas have lifted up their pounding waves.
4 Mightier than the thunder of the great waters,
mightier than the breakers of the sea—
the LORD on high is mighty.
5 Your statutes stand firm;
holiness adorns your house for endless days, O LORD.
Psalm 93 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Joel 3:1-2; 9-17 – 1 Peter 1:1-12 - Matthew 19:1-12

Father,
You provide a way out of temptation.
I can't say, "The devil made me do it." No, You have given me the priceless gift of free will, and I will not cheapen that gift by allowing another to control me. But I do fall into temptation, and sometimes I feel so weak. Help me to make the right choice -- to follow You rather that my greedy self-will. And thank You for Your promise that You will always provide a way for me to escape temptation. All I need to do is use it. Amen.
(From "Everyday Prayers for Everyday Cares")

1 Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven,
whose sin is put out of sight!
2 Yes, what joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of guilt,
whose lives are lived in complete honesty!
3 When I refused to confess my sin, my body wasted away,
and I groaned all day long.
4 Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me.
My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat.
5 Finally, I confessed all my sins to you
and stopped trying to hide my guilt.
I said to myself, “I will confess my rebellion to the Lord.”
And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone.
Psalm 32 New Living Translation

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Ezra 7:27-28; 8:21-36 – Revelation 15:1-8 - Matthew 14:13-21

Our Father,
forgive all our misdeeds
and wipe away our sin,
for you are great and compassionate;
your mercy knows no bounds.
My heart lies before you, O my God.
Look deep within it.
See these memories of mine, for you are my hope.
- St. Augustine

1 I will exalt you, O LORD,
for you lifted me out of the depths
and did not let my enemies gloat over me.
2 O LORD my God, I called to you for help
and you healed me.
3 O LORD, you brought me up from the grave;
you spared me from going down into the pit.
4 Sing to the LORD, you saints of his;
praise his holy name.
5 For his anger lasts only a moment,
but his favor lasts a lifetime;
weeping may remain for a night,
but rejoicing comes in the morning.
Psalm 48 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Nehemiah 13:4-22 – Revelation 12:1-12 - Matthew 13:53-58

Father, the path of life is often difficult. I ask not that You make it smooth, but to illuminate it so that I can see to walk in obedience. If for a moment the light is dim, let me walk by faith, trusting You with each step I take. For Your way is perfect. Amen.
(From the "Light for My Path" series)

1 Great is the LORD, and most worthy of praise,
in the city of our God, his holy mountain.
8 As we have heard,
so have we seen
in the city of the LORD Almighty,
in the city of our God:
God makes her secure forever.
9 Within your temple, O God,
we meditate on your unfailing love.
10 Like your name, O God,
your praise reaches to the ends of the earth;
your right hand is filled with righteousness.
14 For this God is our God for ever and ever;
he will be our guide even to the end.
Psalm 48 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Nehemiah 12:27-31a, 42b-47 – Revelation 11:1-19 - Matthew 13:44-52

Father, You have taken my sins and put them far away from me, as if I had never sinned, for the sake of Jesus, my Redeemer. Yet still I fall victim to anger, wrath, and malice toward others, despite Your loving example. I live in a world full of anger, and I find forgiving difficult. In times of violent emotions, help me remember Your unending forgiveness and treat others with the kindness and compassion that You show to me every day of my life. Amen.
(From "Prayers and Promises"

1 Praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord from the heavens!
Praise him from the skies!
2 Praise him, all his angels!
Praise him, all the armies of heaven!
3 Praise him, sun and moon!
Praise him, all you twinkling stars!
4 Praise him, skies above!
Praise him, vapors high above the clouds!
5 Let every created thing give praise to the Lord,
for he issued his command, and they came into being.
6 He set them in place forever and ever.
His decree will never be revoked.
Psalm 149 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Nehemiah 2:1-20 – Revelation 6:12-7:4 - Matthew 13:24-30

Lord, You know what is best; let this be done or that be done as You please. Give what You will, as much as You will, when You will. Do with me as You know best, as will most please You, and will be for Your greater honor. Place me where You will and deal with me freely in all things. I am in Your hand; turn me about whichever way You will. Behold, I am Your servant, ready to obey in all things. Not for myself do I desire to live, but for You - would that I could do this worthily and perfectly!
Thomas A Kempis
1 Praise the LORD.
Sing to the LORD a new song,
his praise in the assembly of the saints.
2 Let Israel rejoice in their Maker;
let the people of Zion be glad in their King.
3 Let them praise his name with dancing
and make music to him with tambourine and harp.
4 For the LORD takes delight in his people;
he crowns the humble with salvation.
5 Let the saints rejoice in this honor
and sing for joy on their beds.
6 May the praise of God be in their mouths
and a double-edged sword in their hands,
Psalm 149 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Nehemiah 1:1-11 – Revelation 5:11-6:11 - Matthew 13:18-23

Thank you, Father, for the power of Jesus Christ in my life. He is the brightness of your glory and the express image of your person, and He upholds all things by the word of His power. Thank you for the fact that He has purged me of all my sins, and now sits at your right hand. The inheritance He has received permits Him to obtain a more excellent name than even the name of angels. I join with the angels of heaven, Lord God, in honoring Jesus Christ, because I know that through Him, you have made your angels a flame of fire in my life. Amen.
(From "Bible Prayers for All Your Needs)

1 Praise the LORD.
How good it is to sing praises to our God,
how pleasant and fitting to praise him!
2 The LORD builds up Jerusalem;
he gathers the exiles of Israel.
3 He heals the brokenhearted
and binds up their wounds.
4 He determines the number of the stars
and calls them each by name.
5 Great is our Lord and mighty in power;
his understanding has no limit.
Psalm 147 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Ezra 6:1-22 – Revelation 5:1-10 - Matthew 13:10-17

O Almighty God, who by your Holy Spirit has made us one with your saints in heaven and on earth: Grant that in our earthly pilgrimage we may ever be supported by this fellowship of love and prayer, and may know ourselves to be surrounded by their witness to your power and mercy. We ask this for the sake of Jesus Christ, in whom all our intercessions are acceptable through the Spirit, and who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.
(From "The Book of Common Prayer")

1 Praise the LORD.
Praise the LORD, O my soul.
2 I will praise the LORD all my life;
I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.
3 Do not put your trust in princes,
in mortal men, who cannot save.
4 When their spirit departs, they return to the ground;
on that very day their plans come to nothing.
5 Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob,
whose hope is in the LORD his God,
6 the Maker of heaven and earth,
the sea, and everything in them—
the LORD, who remains faithful forever.
Psalm 146 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Ezra 5:1-17 – Revelation 4:1-11 - Matthew 13:1-9

Almighty Father of all creation, today I give thanks for Your bounty and rejoice in remembrance of Your holiness. This is a day of celebration and song, of joyfulness and sunshine -- a day You have made for my enjoyment. Help me forget the cares of the world for today; fill my heart with light as Your blessings fall upon me and I grow closer to You. Amen.
(From "Prayers & Promises")

1 I will exalt you, my God the King;
I will praise your name for ever and ever.
2 Every day I will praise you
and extol your name for ever and ever.
3 Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise;
his greatness no one can fathom.
4 One generation will commend your works to another;
they will tell of your mighty acts.
5 They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty,
and I will meditate on your wonderful works.
Psalm 145 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Zechariah 1:7-17 – Revelation 1:4-20 - Matthew 12:43-50

Father,
I am now crucified with Christ. Nevertheless, I live; yet it is not I who lives, but Christ who lives within me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. By faith in Christ Jesus, Father, I have become your child. Thank you for adopting me into your family. Amen.
(From "Bible Prayers for All Your Needs")

1 In Judah God is known;
his name is great in Israel.
3 There he broke the flashing arrows,
the shields and the swords, the weapons of war.
6 At your rebuke, O God of Jacob,
both horse and chariot lie still.
7 You alone are to be feared.
Who can stand before you when you are angry?
8 From heaven you pronounced judgment,
and the land feared and was quiet-
9 when you, O God, rose up to judge,
to save all the afflicted of the land.
Psalm 76 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Ezra 3:1-13 - 1 Corinthians 16:10-24 - Matthew 12:22-32

You are my perfect Father, but I am Your imperfect child, full of human failings and sometimes in need of correction. If You did not love me, You would ignore my misdeeds, leaving me to my own devices and letting the chips fall where they may, but You do not do this. You love me and therefore correct me, as I do with my own children.
Like my children, I do not always welcome correction. I pout; I avoid You; I try to go my own way. I even say, "It's not my fault!" as if I were not responsible for my own actions. In times like these, be patient with me, Father, because I cannot live without Your love. Amen.
(From "Prayers & Promises")

8 The LORD is compassionate and gracious,
slow to anger, abounding in love.
9 He will not always accuse,
nor will he harbor his anger forever;
10 he does not treat us as our sins deserve
or repay us according to our iniquities.
11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his love for those who fear him;
12 as far as the east is from the west,
so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
13 As a father has compassion on his children,
so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him;
Psalm 103 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Ezra 1:1-11 - 1 Corinthians 16:1-9 - Matthew 12:15-21

Father, You are present in times of trouble.
Even now, in this turbulent situation, You are with me, sustaining me. Though I don’t know how You will bring resolution to my problem, I rest in Your promise to bring good from every circumstance in my life. You are my Hope and my Salvation. You have always helped me in the past, and today is no different. You draw near to me as I draw near to You. Amen.
(From “Everyday Prayers for Everyday Cares”)

1 The LORD is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
3 He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil; For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Psalm 23 New King James Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Lamentations 2:8-15 - 1 Corinthians 15:51-58 - Matthew 12:1-14

Your Word, Father, helps to increase my faith because its power is at work in my life. Thank you for the life-giving power of your Word, Father. I rejoice in the knowledge that your are changing me from glory to glory by your Spirit. As I meditate upon the principles of your Word, my faith grows and I am blessed. Amen.
(From "Bible Prayers for All Your Needs")

1 Help, LORD, for the godly are no more;
the faithful have vanished from among men.
2 Everyone lies to his neighbor;
their flattering lips speak with deception.
3 May the LORD cut off all flattering lips
and every boastful tongue
4 that says, "We will triumph with our tongues;
we own our lips —who is our master?"
5 "Because of the oppression of the weak and the groaning of the needy,
I will now arise," says the LORD.
"I will protect them from those who malign them."
6 And the words of the LORD are flawless,
like silver refined in a furnace of clay, purified seven times.
Psalm 62 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Lamentations 1:1-12 - 1 Corinthians 15:41-50 - Matthew 11:25-30

Father,
Death cannot separate me from Your love.
I know that death is the final enemy -- one which You have vanquished. Though I do not understand the pain and suffering I see in this world, I set my heart free to take hold of Your promise of eternal life. Your Son came to carry the debt of my sin and guarantee to me that even death -- the final enemy -- cannot separate me from Your love. Amen.
(From "Everyday Prayers for Everyday Cares")

5 Find rest, O my soul, in God alone;
my hope comes from him.
6 He alone is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
7 My salvation and my honor depend on God;
he is my mighty rock, my refuge.
8 Trust in him at all times, O people;
pour out your hearts to him,
for God is our refuge.
Psalm 62 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Jeremiah 44:1-14 - 1 Corinthians 15:30-41 - Matthew 11:16-24

Your chosen city, Jerusalem, was beautiful because of Your beauty, Father -- a city made perfect through You. Its fame spread throughout the world and, as people often do, its inhabitants began to take credit for the city's beauty themselves, forgetting that its true foundation rested on You and believing that its beauty somehow came through their efforts. I tend to do the same today, taking credit for what I did not create on my own. Please don't let me fall into the trap of false pride. Whatever small beauty I bring into this world is only a tiny reflection of Your beauty, Your creation, Your perfection. Amen.
(From "Light for My Path -- Prayers & Promises")

1 I rejoiced with those who said to me,
"Let us go to the house of the LORD."
2 Our feet are standing
in your gates, O Jerusalem.
3 Jerusalem is built like a city
that is closely compacted together.
4 That is where the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD,
to praise the name of the LORD according to the statute given to Israel.
8 For the sake of my brothers and friends,
I will say, "Peace be within you."
9 For the sake of the house of the LORD our God,
I will seek your prosperity.
Psalm 101 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Jeremiah 38:14-28 - 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 - Matthew 11:1-6

Your Word, Father, renews my mind so that I am able to prove what your good, acceptable, and perfect will in my life is. Your wonderful Word also imparts faith to my heart. Through your grace my will is in the cleansing, sanctifying waters of your Word every day. The truth of your Word sanctifies me. Thank you, Father. Amen.
(From "Bible Prayers for All Your Needs")

1 I will sing of your love and justice;
to you, O LORD, I will sing praise.
2 I will be careful to lead a blameless life—
when will you come to me?
I will walk in my house with blameless heart.
3 I will set before my eyes no vile thing.
The deeds of faithless men I hate;
they will not cling to me.
4 Men of perverse heart shall be far from me;
I will have nothing to do with evil.
5 Whoever slanders his neighbor in secret,
him will I put to silence;
whoever has haughty eyes and a proud heart,
him will I not endure.
6 My eyes will be on the faithful in the land,
that they may dwell with me;
he whose walk is blameless will minister to me.
Psalm 101 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Jeremiah 38:1-13 – 1 Corinthians 14:26-40 - Matthew 10:34-42

Father, I will abide in Jesus, and I will let His words abide in me. I thank you for your promise, Father, that this will enable me to ask what I will, knowing that it shall be done. Thank you for your Word that helps me to always pray according to your will. Amen.
(From "Bible Prayers for All Your Needs")

1 Praise awaits you, O God, in Zion;
to you our vows will be fulfilled.
2 O you who hear prayer,
to you all men will come.
3 When we were overwhelmed by sins,
you forgave our transgressions.
4 Blessed are those you choose and bring near to live in your courts!
We are filled with the good things of your house, of your holy temple.
5 You answer us with awesome deeds of righteousness,
O God our Savior, the hope of all the ends of the earth
and of the farthest seas,
6 who formed the mountains by your power,
having armed yourself with strength,
Psalm 54 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Jeremiah 37:3-21 – 1 Corinthians 14:13-25 - Matthew 10:24-33

Lord, You showed me Your wonderful salvation, using Your people to draw me to Your love. When I knew nothing of You, You prepared a way for me to accept You.
How can I repay Your gift of freedom from sin? I own nothing valuable enough to repay the life of Your Son. Even if I give You each and every day of the rest of my life, the gift would be too small.
But take my life. Keep me strong in You; Forsaking You would be too painful a thing to imagine. My life is Yours, Father. May I honor You all my days. Amen.
(From "Light for My Path - Prayers & Promises")

1 Save me, O God, by your name;
vindicate me by your might.
2 Hear my prayer, O God;
listen to the words of my mouth.
3 Strangers are attacking me;
ruthless men seek my life—
men without regard for God.
4 Surely God is my help;
the Lord is the one who sustains me.
5 Let evil recoil on those who slander me;
in your faithfulness destroy them.
6 I will sacrifice a freewill offering to you;
I will praise your name, O LORD, for it is good.
7 For he has delivered me from all my troubles,
and my eyes have looked in triumph on my foes.
Psalm 54 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Jeremiah 36:27-37:2 – 1 Corinthians 14:1-12 - Matthew 10:16-23

God of life, there are days when the burdens we carry chafe our shoulders and wear us down; when the road seems dreary and endless, the skies gray and threatening; when our lives have no music in them and our hearts are lonely, and our souls have lost their courage. Flood the path with light, we beseech you; turn our eyes to where the skies are full of promise.
Saint Augustine:

1 Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me,
for in you my soul takes refuge.
I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings
until the disaster has passed.
2 I cry out to God Most High,
to God, who fulfills {his purpose} for me.
3 He sends from heaven and saves me,
rebuking those who hotly pursue me;
God sends his love and his faithfulness.
4 I am in the midst of lions;
I lie among ravenous beasts—
men whose teeth are spears and arrows,
whose tongues are sharp swords.
5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
let your glory be over all the earth.
Psalm 57 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Jeremiah 36:11-26 – 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 - Matthew 10:5-15

Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may all be holy. Act in me, O Holy Spirit, that my work, too, may be holy. Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit, that I love but what is holy. Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit, to defend all that is holy. Guard me, then, O Holy Spirit, that I always may be holy. Amen.
Saint Augustine of Hippo

7 The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul.
The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.
8 The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the LORD are radiant,
giving light to the eyes.
9 The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever.
The ordinances of the LORD are sure
and altogether righteous.
10 They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey,
than honey from the comb.
11 By them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.
Psalm 128 New Living Translation

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
2 Kings 23:36-24:17 – 1 Corinthians 12:12-26 - Matthew 9:27-34

October 24, 2007

Father,
Your Kingdom come, Your will be done.
Today I find no comfort in this life; I find comfort in Your promises only. In the midst of the darkness that has come into my life, give me a glimpse of future glory. Give me the strength and the courage to seek Your will even now and to allow You to find some good in my present circumstances. I have no faith, no strength, no will of my own. I am completely dependent on You for my very breath. Lift me up, Lord, I pray. Amen.
(From "Everyday Prayers for Everyday Cares")

1 How long, O LORD ? Will you forget me forever?
How long will you hide your face from me?
2 How long must I wrestle with my thoughts
and every day have sorrow in my heart?
How long will my enemy triumph over me?
3 Look on me and answer, O LORD my God.
Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death;
4 my enemy will say, "I have overcome him,"
and my foes will rejoice when I fall.
5 But I trust in your unfailing love;
my heart rejoices in your salvation.
6 I will sing to the LORD,
for he has been good to me.
Psalm 13 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
2 Kings 22:14-23:3 – 1 Corinthians 11:23-34 - Matthew 9:9-17

Almighty and everlasting God, the consolation of the sorrowful and the strength of those who suffer: Let the prayers of your children who cry out to you in any tribulation come to you; and to every soul that is distressed grant mercy, grant relief, grant refreshment; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
(The Gelasian Sacramentary)

1 I lift up my eyes to you,
to you whose throne is in heaven.
2 As the eyes of slaves look to the hand of their master,
as the eyes of a maid look to the hand of her mistress,
so our eyes look to the LORD our God,
till he shows us his mercy.
3 Have mercy on us, O LORD, have mercy on us,
for we have endured much contempt.
4 We have endured much ridicule from the proud,
much contempt from the arrogant.
Psalm 123 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
2 Kings 21:1-18 – 1 Corinthians 10:14-11:1 - Matthew 8:28-34

Thank you, gracious God, for forgiving my sins today and calling me to repentance. I regret that there are some sins from the past that I confess to you, but still hold on to. These sins still have power over me. I pray that I may accept your forgiveness for all my wrongdoing and then really release them to you. Amen.
(From "Daily Texts")

1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love;
according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions.
2 Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.
3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me.
4 Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight,
so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge.
5 Surely I was sinful at birth,
sinful from the time my mother conceived me.
7 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean;
wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
Psalm 51 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
2 Kings 19:1-20 – 1 Corinthians 9:16-27 - Matthew 8:1-17

Lord, you say that no man may be drawn to you unless you draw him. Therefore, Lord, I pray that you will draw all people to you, regardless of how sinful they are. I never deserved to be drawn to you, Lord, and yet in your great mercy you drew me. If people around me know my great wickedness as you do, they would marvel at the great goodness you have shown to me. If you can make such an unworthy creature as me worthy to be your servant, then you can turn the lowest sinner into the highest saint. I beg that you will turn all sinners into saints. Amen.
(Margery Kempe)

1 The Lord is king!
Let the earth rejoice!
Let the farthest coastlands be glad.
9 For you, O Lord, are supreme over all the earth;
you are exalted far above all gods.
10 You who love the Lord, hate evil!
He protects the lives of his godly people
and rescues them from the power of the wicked.
11 Light shines on the godly,
and joy on those whose hearts are right.
12 May all who are godly rejoice in the Lord
and praise his holy name!
Psalm 97 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
2 Kings 18:28-37 – 1 Corinthians 9:1-15 - Matthew 7:22-29

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time; enjoying one moment at a time;
accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it;
trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His Will;
that I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him forever in the next.
Amen.
- Reinhold Niebuhr

1 Blessed is the man
who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked
or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.
2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
and on his law he meditates day and night.
3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither.
Whatever he does prospers.
4 Not so the wicked!
They are like chaff that the wind blows away.
5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.
6 For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked will perish.
Psalm 62 New Living Translation

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading): 2 Kings 18:9-25 – 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 - Matthew 7:13-21

Father,
You help me become more patient.
You know how impatient I can be. I want solutions to my problems and resolutions to my dilemmas right now -- right away. Teach me, Lord, to learn the lessons of the patient farmer waiting for his field to grow. As I wait for You to help me sort out my circumstances, place in me a patient and hopeful heart -- a heart that is pleasing to You. Amen.
(From "Everyday Prayers for Everyday Cares")

2 Awake, harp and lyre!
I will awaken the dawn.
3 I will praise you, O LORD, among the nations;
I will sing of you among the peoples.
4 For great is your love, higher than the heavens;
your faithfulness reaches to the skies.
5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens,
and let your glory be over all the earth.
6 Save us and help us with your right hand,
that those you love may be delivered
Psalm 62 New Living Translation

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
2 Chronicles 29:1-3; 30:10-27 – 1 Corinthians 7:32-40 - Matthew 7:1-12

Father,
You are the Source of real strength.
I know that I cannot place my security in the strength of armies and navies. They may seem invincible, able to conquer the world, and yet, they are nothing compared to You. Though they wield great power, they have no sway over the human heart. Their fortunes change day to day and are subject to changing circumstances and the whims of man. I will place my trust in You, Lord, and look to You for my strength and security. Amen.
(From "Everyday Prayers for Everyday Cares")

1 My soul finds rest in God alone;
my salvation comes from him.
2 He alone is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.
3 How long will you assault a man?
Would all of you throw him down—
this leaning wall, this tottering fence?
4 They fully intend to topple him from his lofty place;
they take delight in lies.
With their mouths they bless, but in their hearts they curse.
5 Find rest, O my soul, in God alone;
my hope comes from him.
6 He alone is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
Psalm 62 New Living Translation

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
2 Kings 5:19-27 – 1 Corinthians 5:1-8 - Matthew 5:27-37

Father,
You bless my work.
Thank You for teaching me that I can take pride in my work because I do it for You. That keeps me working to faithfully do what needs to be done to the best of my ability. Sometimes, I know that I've done a good job and even though no one else seems to have noticed, I will not allow myself to become frustrated or discouraged because I know You noticed and You are pleased with me. Amen.
(From "Everyday Prayers for Everyday Cares")

1 I rejoiced with those who said to me,
"Let us go to the house of the LORD."
2 Our feet are standing
in your gates, O Jerusalem.
3 Jerusalem is built like a city
that is closely compacted together.
4 That is where the tribes go up,
the tribes of the LORD,
to praise the name of the LORD
according to the statute given to Israel.
5 There the thrones for judgment stand,
the thrones of the house of David.
Psalm 101 New Living Translation

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
2 Kings 1:2-17 – 1 Corinthians 3:16-23 - Matthew 5:11-16

Francis of Assisi

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love,
Where there is injury, pardon
Where there is doubt, faith,
Where there is despair, hope,
Where there is darkness, light,
Where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much
seek to be consoled as to console,
not so much to be understood as to understand,
not so much to be loved, as to love;
for it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
it is in dying that we awake to eternal life.
- St. Francis of Assisi

1 I will sing of your love and justice, Lord.
I will praise you with songs.
2 I will be careful to live a blameless life— when will you come to help me?
I will lead a life of integrity in my own home.
3 I will refuse to look at anything vile and vulgar.
I hate all who deal crookedly; I will have nothing to do with them.
4 I will reject perverse ideas
and stay away from every evil.
5 I will not tolerate people who slander their neighbors.
I will not endure conceit and pride.
6 I will search for faithful people to be my companions.
Only those who are above reproach will be allowed to serve me.
Psalm 101 New Living Translation

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
1 Kings 22:29-45 – 1 Corinthians 2:14-3:15 - Matthew 5:1-10

God be in my head: and in mine understanding
God be in mine eyes: and in my looking
God be in my mouth: and in my speaking
God be in my heart: and in my thinking
God be in mine end: and at my departing
(From the Sarum Primer 1558)

1 May God be gracious to us and bless us
and make his face shine upon us,
2 that your ways may be known on earth,
your salvation among all nations.
3 May the peoples praise you, O God;
may all the peoples praise you.
4 May the nations be glad and sing for joy,
for you rule the peoples justly
and guide the nations of the earth.
5 May the peoples praise you, O God;
may all the peoples praise you.
6 Then the land will yield its harvest,
and God, our God, will bless us.
Psalm 67 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
1 Kings 21:1-16 – 1 Corinthians 1:1-19 - Matthew 4:1-11

Day by day, dear Lord of you
Three things I pray:
To see you more clearly,
To love you more dearly,
To follow you more nearly,
Day by day.
St. Richard of Chichester

7 The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul.
The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple.
8 The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes.
9 The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever.
The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous.
10 They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb.
11 By them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.
14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight,
O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.
Psalm 19 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
1 Kings 18:20-40 – Philippians 3:1-16 – Matthew 3:1-12

Heavenly Father, in whom we live and move and have our being: We humbly pray you so to guide and govern us by your Holy Spirit, that in all the cares and occupations of our life we may not forget you, but may remember that we are ever walking in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
The Gelasian Sacramentary

1 Blessed are all who fear the LORD,
who walk in his ways.
2 You will eat the fruit of your labor;
blessings and prosperity will be yours.
3 Your wife will be like a fruitful vine
within your house;
your sons will be like olive shoots
around your table.
4 Thus is the man blessed
who fears the LORD.
5 May the LORD bless you from Zion
all the days of your life;
may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem,
6 and may you live to see your children's children.
Psalm 128 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
1 Kings 18:1-19 – Philippians 2:12-30 – Matthew 2:13-23

O God of Peace, you have taught us that in returning and rest we shall be saved, in quietness and confidence shall be our strength: By the might of your Spirit lift us, we pray, to your presence, where we may be still and know that you are God; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
William Bright

1 How long, O LORD ? Will you forget me forever?
How long will you hide your face from me?
2 How long must I wrestle with my thoughts
and every day have sorrow in my heart?
How long will my enemy triumph over me?
3 Look on me and answer, O LORD my God.
Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death;
4 my enemy will say, "I have overcome him,"
and my foes will rejoice when I fall.
5 But I trust in your unfailing love;
my heart rejoices in your salvation.
6 I will sing to the LORD,
for he has been good to me.
Psalm 13 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
1 Kings 17:1-24 – Philippians 2:1-11 – Matthew 2:1-12

September 25, 2007

Disturb us, Lord, when we are too pleased with ourselves; when our dreams have come true because we dreamed too little; when we have arrived safely because we sailed too close to the shore....
Disturb us, Lord, to dare more boldly, to venture on wider seas, where storms will show your mastery; where losing sight of the land, we shall find the stars."
Sir Francis Drake

1 I lift up my eyes to you,
to you whose throne is in heaven.
2 As the eyes of slaves look to the hand of their master,
as the eyes of a maid look to the hand of her mistress,
so our eyes look to the LORD our God,
till he shows us his mercy.
3 Have mercy on us, O LORD, have mercy on us,
for we have endured much contempt.
4 We have endured much ridicule from the proud,
much contempt from the arrogant.
Psalm 123 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
1 Kings 16:23-34 – Philippians 1:12-30 - Mark 16:1-20

We beseech thee, Master, to be our helper and protector.
Save the afflicted among us; have mercy on the lowly;
raise up the fallen; appear to the needy; heal the ungodly;
restore the wanderers of thy people;
feed the hungry; ransom our prisoners;
raise up the sick; comfort the faint-hearted.
Clement of Rome

8 Hear my prayer, O LORD God Almighty;
listen to me, O God of Jacob.
9 Look upon our shield, [c] O God;
look with favor on your anointed one.
10 Better is one day in your courts
than a thousand elsewhere;
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
than dwell in the tents of the wicked.
11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield;
the LORD bestows favor and honor;
no good thing does he withhold
from those whose walk is blameless.
12 O LORD Almighty,
blessed is the man who trusts in you.
Psalm 84 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
1 Kings 13:1-10 – Philippians 1:1-11 - Mark 15:40-47

O Lord, support us all the day long of this troublous life, until the shadows lengthen, and the busy world is hushed, the fever of life is over, and our work done. Then O Lord, in your mercy, grant us safe lodging, a holy rest and peace at the last; through Jesus Christ our Lord
John Henry Newman

9 If you make the Most High your dwelling—
even the LORD, who is my refuge-
10 then no harm will befall you,
no disaster will come near your tent.
11 For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways;
12 they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
13 You will tread upon the lion and the cobra;
you will trample the great lion and the serpent.
14 "Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
Psalm 91 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
1 Kings 11:26-43 – James 4:13-5:6 - Mark 15:22-32

Eternal God,
The light of the minds that you know,
The joy of the hearts that love you,
The strength of the wills that serve you:
Help us to know you that we may truly love you,
So to love you that we may gladly serve you,
In the glory of you holy Name
St Augustine

1 God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging.
4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy place where the Most High dwells.
5 God is within her, she will not fall;
God will help her at break of day.
Psalm 46 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
1 Kings 8:65-9:9 – James 2:14-26 - Mark 14:66-72

O God, the author of peace and lover of concord, to know you is eternal life and to serve you is perfect freedom: Defend us, your humble servants, in all assaults of our enemies; that we, surely trusting in your defense, may not fear the power of any adversaries; through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord.
The Gelasian Sacramentary

1 Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.
2 Worship the LORD with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.
3 Know that the LORD is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his [a] ;
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
5 For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.
Psalm 10o New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
2 Chronicles 6:32-7:7 – James 2:1-13 - Mark 14:53-65

Lord, You have brought us together, sons and daughters all, and made us into one family, teaching every one of us to love our brothers and sisters in Christ. We are Your Church. We are different in many ways: rich and poor, black and white, male and female. Some of us lead and some follow, each according to the talents You have given us and the needs of the community. In many ways we are more different than we are alike, yet Your love for us knows no human boundaries. We are family. We are Your Church. Amen.
(From "Prayers & Promises")

9 Let my enemies be destroyed
by the very evil they have planned for me.
10 Let burning coals fall down on their heads.
Let them be thrown into the fire
or into watery pits from which they can’t escape.
11 Don’t let liars prosper here in our land.
Cause great disasters to fall on the violent.
12 But I know the Lord will help those they persecute;
he will give justice to the poor.
13 Surely righteous people are praising your name;
the godly will live in your presence.
Psalm 140 New Living Translation

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
1 Kings 5:1-6:1 – Acts 28:1-16 - Mark 14:27-42

Father,
You are my Source of faith.
Lord, I am trying to believe -- help my unbelief! Help me to take hold of the provision You made for me on the cross when You took on Yourself all my sicknesses and diseases. You carried them so that I could be healed and live a life of health and wholeness. I know what You have done for me, but I need to know it with my heart. Quicken my spirit, Lord, that I might receive Your gracious provision. Amen.
(From "Everyday Prayers for Everyday Cares")

7 Hear my voice when I call, O LORD; be merciful to me and answer me.
8 My heart says of you, "Seek his [b] face!" Your face, LORD, I will seek.
9 Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, O God my Savior.
10 Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me.
Psalm 27 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
1 Kings 3:16-28 – Acts 27:27-44 - Mark 14:12-26

When someone says words that hurt, I usually want to cause pain in return. But Your Word tells me that's not the right response, even if it is my first thought. My harsh anger does not benefit me or the other person. Instead, we'll end up in a circle of wrath that will last as long as our hard words and painful memories remain.
I don't want to live that way, Lord. Instead I'd like to have Your peace in every corner of my life. So when that harsh answer leaps to my mind, help me bite my tongue. Please give me soft, appealing words that will ease the situation instead of escalating it. Amen.
(From "Light for My Path - Prayers & Promises")

12 For the sins of their mouths,
for the words of their lips,
let them be caught in their pride.
For the curses and lies they utter,
15 They wander about for food
and howl if not satisfied.
16 But I will sing of your strength,
in the morning I will sing of your love;
for you are my fortress,
my refuge in times of trouble.
17 O my Strength, I sing praise to you;
you, O God, are my fortress, my loving God.
Psalm 59 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
1 Kings 3:1-15 – Acts 27:9-26 - Mark 14:1-11

We pray to you, O God, the lover of all,for those whom we have named our enemies.Deliver us from the hardness of heartthat keeps us locked in confrontation.Deliver us from the hatred that binds us in old ways.Grant unto all people the blessing of your love.And grant unto us such transformation of our livesthat we may make peace with our enemies,and that together we might make this worlda safer place for all.Amen.
- Vienna Cobb Anderson

1 Hear, O LORD, and answer me,
for I am poor and needy.
2 Guard my life, for I am devoted to you.
You are my God; save your servant
who trusts in you.
3 Have mercy on me, O Lord,
for I call to you all day long.
4 Bring joy to your servant,
for to you, O Lord,
I lift up my soul.
5 You are forgiving and good, O Lord,
abounding in love to all who call to you.
Psalm 86 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
1 Kings 1:32-2:4 – Acts 26:24-27:8 - Mark 13:28-37

For each new morning with its light,
For rest and shelter of the night,
For health and food,
For love and friends,
For everything Thy goodness sends.
Father in heaven,
We thank thee.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

1 I cry aloud to the LORD;
I lift up my voice to the LORD for mercy.
2 I pour out my complaint before him;
before him I tell my trouble.
3 When my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who know my way.
In the path where I walk men have hidden a snare for me.
4 Look to my right and see; no one is concerned for me.
I have no refuge; no one cares for my life.
5 I cry to you, O LORD; I say, "You are my refuge,
my portion in the land of the living."
6 Listen to my cry, for I am in desperate need;
rescue me from those who pursue me, for they are too strong for me.
7 Set me free from my prison, that I may praise your name.
Then the righteous will gather about me because of your goodness to me.
Psalm 142 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
2 Samuel 19:24-43 – Acts 24:24-25:12 – Mark 12:35-44

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for all the good things You have given us. Lord, we want to be like You, so help us do those things that bless You. May our thoughts and deeds be pleasing to You. Deliver us from the evil temptations that would cause us to fall from Your grace. Lord, set us free from all pride, greed and fear. Let us be like You and treat all men around us, fairly and justly. Keep us from manipulation, so that we obey You, no matter what the cost to us personally. Help me to always do the right thing and may the meditations of my heart be pleasing to You. I ask this in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

1 You have rejected us, O God, and burst forth upon us;
you have been angry-now restore us!
2 You have shaken the land and torn it open;
mend its fractures, for it is quaking.
3 You have shown your people desperate times;
you have given us wine that makes us stagger.
4 But for those who fear you, you have raised a banner
to be unfurled against the bow.
5 Save us and help us with your right hand,
that those you love may be delivered.
Psalm 60 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
2 Samuel 19:1-23 – Acts 24:1-23 – Mark 12:28-34