Merciful Lord, pour your grace into our hearts that its power may restrain our unruly desires and keep us true to your words of eternal life; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever. Amen
(From the Bergamo Sacramentary)

1 The LORD is my light and my salvation—
whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid?
2 When evil men advance against me
to devour my flesh,
when my enemies and my foes attack me,
they will stumble and fall.
3 Though an army besiege me,
my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me,
even then will I be confident.
4 One thing I ask of the LORD,
this is what I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD
and to seek him in his temple.
Psalm 27 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Genesis 47:1-26 – 1 Corinthians 9:16-27 – Mark 6:47-56

Be gracious to your servants, we entreat you, O Lord, that, disciplined by penitence and trained in good works, we may in singleness of heart persevere in keeping your commandments and come unharmed by sin to the Paschal feast; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever. Amen
(From the Bergamo Sacramentary)

22 Yet for your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.
23 Awake, O Lord! Why do you sleep?
Rouse yourself! Do not reject us forever.
24 Why do you hide your face
and forget our misery and oppression?
25 We are brought down to the dust;
our bodies cling to the ground.
26 Rise up and help us;
redeem us because of your unfailing love.
Psalm 44 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Genesis 46:1-7, 28-34 – 1 Corinthians 9:1-15 – Mark 6:30-46

God of wisdom, throughout these forty days you instruct your people and nourish them with your word of life: Teach us through self denial to bind our hearts to your service and make us one through constant prayer; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever. Amen
(From the Gelasian Sacramentary)

1 By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept
when we remembered Zion.
2 There on the poplars
we hung our harps,
3 for there our captors asked us for songs,
our tormentors demanded songs of joy;
they said, "Sing us one of the songs of Zion!"
4 How can we sing the songs of the LORD
while in a foreign land?
5 If I forget you, O Jerusalem,
may my right hand forget its skill .
6 May my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth
if I do not remember you,
Psalm 137 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Genesis 45:16-28 – 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 – Mark 6:13-29

Do not forsake us, O Lord, in this time of penance, but by your grace confirm your power within us and renew our dedication to your service; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever. Amen

12 Whoever of you loves life
and desires to see many good days,
13 keep your tongue from evil
and your lips from speaking lies.
14 Turn from evil and do good;
seek peace and pursue it.
15 The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous
and his ears are attentive to their cry;
16 the face of the LORD is against those who do evil,
to cut off the memory of them from the earth.
17 The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them;
he delivers them from all their troubles.
Psalm 78 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Genesis 45:1-15 – 1 Corinthians 7:32-40 – Mark 6:1-13

Let your continual mercy, O Lord, cleanse and defend for church; and, because it cannot continue in safety without your help, protect and govern it always by your goodness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever. Amen
(From “the Gelasian Sacramentary”)

65 Then the Lord awoke as from sleep,
as a man wakes from the stupor of wine.
66 He beat back his enemies;
he put them to everlasting shame.
69 He built his sanctuary like the heights,
like the earth that he established forever.
70 He chose David his servant
and took him from the sheep pens;
71 from tending the sheep he brought him
to be the shepherd of his people Jacob,
of Israel his inheritance.
72 And David shepherded them with integrity of heart;
with skillful hands he led them.
Psalm 78 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Genesis 44:18-34 – 1 Corinthians 7:25-31 – Mark 5:21-43

Grant, O Lord, that as your Son Jesus Christ on the cross prayed for his enemies, so we may have grace to forgive those who wrongfully or scornfully use us, that we ourselves may be able to receive your forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever. Amen
From “Lesser Feasts and Fasts”

26 The poor will eat and be satisfied;
they who seek the LORD will praise him—
may your hearts live forever!
27 All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the LORD,
and all the families of the nations will bow down before him,
28 for dominion belongs to the LORD
and he rules over the nations.
29 All the rich of the earth will feast and worship;
all who go down to the dust will kneel before him—
those who cannot keep themselves alive.
30 Posterity will serve him;
future generations will be told about the Lord.
31 They will proclaim his righteousness
to a people yet unborn— for he has done it.
Psalm 22 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Genesis 43:1-15 – 1 Corinthians 7:1-9 – Mark 4:35-41

O Lord God, you love innocence and you restore it in those who have sinned: Turn back to you our wayward hearts and inflame them with your Holy Spirit, that we may be steadfast in faith and fruitful in works of love; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever. Amen

1 We have heard with our ears, O God;
our fathers have told us
what you did in their days,
in days long ago.
2 With your hand you drove out the nations
and planted our fathers;
you crushed the peoples
and made our fathers flourish.
4 You are my King and my God,
who decrees victories for Jacob.
5 Through you we push back our enemies;
through your name we trample our foes
8 In God we make our boast all day long,
and we will praise your name forever.
Psalm 44 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Genesis 42:29-38 – 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 – Mark 4:21-34

Give us, O Lord, a steadfast heart, which no unworthy affection may drag downwards; give us an unconquered heart, which no tribulation can wear out; give us an upright heart, which no unworthy purpose may tempt aside. Bestow upon us also, O Lord our God, understanding to know you, diligence to seek you, wisdom to find you, and a faithfulness that may finally embrace you; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
- Thomas Aquinas

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):
Genesis 42:18-28 – 1 Corinthians 5:9-6:11 – Mark 4:1-20

Watch over your church, O Lord, with your unfailing mercy, and, because human frailty without you will surely fall, protect us by your help from every harm, and lead us to all things that work for our good; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
(From the Gelasian Sacramentary)

7 The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him,
and he delivers them.
8 Taste and see that the LORD is good;
blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.
9 Fear the LORD, you his saints,
for those who fear him lack nothing.
10 The lions may grow weak and hungry,
but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.
11 Come, my children, listen to me;
I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
Psalm 34 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Genesis 42:1-17 – 1 Corinthians 5:1-8 – Mark 3:19-35

Lord, You set the standard for generosity by giving up Your life for a sinful world. May I always be reminded of Your sacrifice when I see a need that I can fill. Just as a farmer plants seeds and profits from the harvest, You also bless those who share their assets.
Heavenly Father, help me to give out of a pure motive to bless those in need, not out of a selfish expectation of reward. I truly want to act as Your hand extended to help those who have physical, spiritual, and financial needs. Amen
(From "Prayers & Promises")

35 They remembered that God was their Rock,
that God Most High was their Redeemer.
36 But then they would flatter him with their mouths,
lying to him with their tongues;
37 their hearts were not loyal to him,
they were not faithful to his covenant.
38 Yet he was merciful;
he forgave their iniquities
and did not destroy them.
Time after time he restrained his anger
and did not stir up his full wrath.
39 He remembered that they were but flesh,
a passing breeze that does not return.
Psalm 78 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Genesis 41:46-57 – 1 Corinthians 4:8-21 – Mark 3:7-19

Grant us, Lord, we pray, the spirit to think and do always those things that are right; that we, who cannot exist without you, may by you be enabled to live according to your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen
(From The Leonine Sacramentary)

18 I will give you thanks in the great assembly;
among throngs of people I will praise you.
19 Let not those gloat over me
who are my enemies without cause;
let not those who hate me without reason
maliciously wink the eye.
22 O LORD, you have seen this; be not silent.
Do not be far from me, O Lord.
23 Awake, and rise to my defense!
Contend for me, my God and Lord.
24 Vindicate me in your righteousness, O LORD my God;
do not let them gloat over me.
Psalm 35 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Genesis 39:1-23 – 1 Corinthians 2:14-3:15 – Mark 2:1-12

O God, you so loved the world that you gave your only-begotten Son to reconcile earth with heaven: Grant that we, loving you above all things, may love our friends in you and our enemies for your sake; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen
(From “Lesser Feasts and Fasts”)

8 Lead me, O LORD, in your righteousness
because of my enemies—
make straight your way before me.
9 Not a word from their mouth can be trusted;
their heart is filled with destruction.
Their throat is an open grave;
with their tongue they speak deceit.
10 Declare them guilty, O God!
Let their intrigues be their downfall.
Banish them for their many sins,
for they have rebelled against you.
11 But let all who take refuge in you be glad;
let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them,
that those who love your name may rejoice in you.
12 For surely, O LORD, you bless the righteous;
you surround them with your favor as with a shield.
Psalm 5 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Genesis 37:25-36 – 1 Corinthians 2:1-13 – Mark 1:29-45

Look mercifully, O Lord, upon your family, that as we discipline our desire for earthly things, a longing may grow in our hearts; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen
(From Missale Romanum)

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.
6 This poor man called, and the LORD heard him;
he saved him out of all his troubles.
Psalm 34 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Genesis 37:12-24 – 1 Corinthians 1:20-31 – Mark 1:14-28

Holy Father, I praise you for your constant strength and protection, even though I become frantic and full of fear. Quiet my heart today so that I may speak and act with confidence, knowing you will fulfill your promises to me in your own time and way, through Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen.
(From "Daily Texts")

1 O my people, hear my teaching;
listen to the words of my mouth.
2 I will open my mouth in parables,
I will utter hidden things, things from of old-
3 what we have heard and known,
what our fathers have told us.
4 We will not hide them from their children;
we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD,
his power, and the wonders he has done.
5 He decreed statutes for Jacob and established the law in Israel,
which he commanded our forefathers to teach their children,
6 so the next generation would know them,
even the children yet to be born,
and they in turn would tell their children.
Psalm 78 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Genesis 37:1-11 – 1 Corinthians1:1-19 – Mark 1:1-13

Lord, I pray for the courage I need in life. Make me a strong Christian -- one who knows that You will be right beside me, helping me to make the right choices. Amen.
(From the "Light for My Path" series)

4 In you our fathers put their trust;
they trusted and you delivered them.
5 They cried to you and were saved;
in you they trusted and were not disappointed.
6 But I am a worm and not a man,
scorned by men and despised by the people.
7 All who see me mock me;
they hurl insults, shaking their heads:
8 "He trusts in the LORD;
let the LORD rescue him.
Let him deliver him,
since he delights in him."
9 Yet you brought me out of the womb;
you made me trust in you
even at my mother's breast.
10 From birth I was cast upon you;
from my mother's womb you have been my God.
Psalm 22 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32 – Philippians 4:1-9 – John 17:9-19

Father, while visiting a pioneer village with my family some years ago, we watched a blacksmith making horseshoes. He held the iron bar on the anvil as his other arm swung the heavy hammer. To shape the horseshoe, he moved the iron but kept the hammer going at a steady pace, as if playing a tune. He could work for hours without getting tired because he let the hammer have its way.
Father, help me recognize the advantages of keeping in tune with Your decrees. Many of my problems come from trying to bend Your will to my goals. Instead, help me work with You rather than against You. Amen.
(From "Prayers & Promises")

1 Contend, O LORD, with those who contend with me;
fight against those who fight against me.
2 Take up shield and buckler;
arise and come to my aid.
3 Brandish spear and javelin against those who pursue me.
Say to my soul, "I am your salvation."
9 Then my soul will rejoice in the LORD
and delight in his salvation.
10 My whole being will exclaim, "Who is like you, O LORD ?
You rescue the poor from those too strong for them,
the poor and needy from those who rob them."
Psalm 35 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Habakkuk 3:1-18 – Philippians 3:12-21 – John 17:1-8

Ash Wednesday

O good shepherd, seek me out, and bring me home to thy fold again.
Deal favorably with me according to thy good pleasure,
till I may dwell in thy house all the days of my life,
and praise thee for ever and ever with them that are there.
- Jerome (c. 342-420)

1 Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my sighing.
2 Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray.
3 In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice;
in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.
4 You are not a God who takes pleasure in evil;
with you the wicked cannot dwell.
5 The arrogant cannot stand in your presence; you hate all who do wrong.
6 You destroy those who tell lies;
bloodthirsty and deceitful men the LORD abhors.
7 But I, by your great mercy, will come into your house;
in reverence will I bow down toward your holy temple.
Psalm 5 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Amos 5:6-15 – Hebrews 12:1-14 – John 18:9-14

God, Your ways, Your wisdom, Your guidance are so precious, so perfect, so life-giving. They are always spoken in the purest love, and specifically for me.
You lead me moment by moment. When I have a need, Your love never fails. Your wisdom never falls short.
But, Lord, I fear at times that I miss some of Your most delicate, most tender, most precious words to me. I fear Your voice is drowned out by the noise of my own plans and foolish desires.
God, I set aside my desires and open myself to You. When You speak, I want to hear every whisper. Amen.
(From "Simple Prayers" by Ken Bible)

5 Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob,
whose hope is in the LORD his God,
7 He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry.
The LORD sets prisoners free,
8 the LORD gives sight to the blind,
the LORD lifts up those who are bowed down,
the LORD loves the righteous.
9 The LORD watches over the alien and sustains the fatherless and the widow,
but he frustrates the ways of the wicked.
10 The LORD reigns forever, your God, O Zion, for all generations.
Praise the LORD.
Psalm 146 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Proverbs 30:1-4, 24-33 – Philippians 3:1-11 – John 18:28-38

Oh, the Lord is good to me,
And so I thank the Lord
For giving me the things I need
The sun, and the rain, and the apple seed.
The Lord is good to me.

9 The LORD is good to all;
he has compassion on all he has made.
10 All you have made will praise you, O LORD;
your saints will extol you.
11 They will tell of the glory of your kingdom
and speak of your might,
12 so that all men may know of your mighty acts
and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
and your dominion endures through all generations.
The LORD is faithful to all his promises
and loving toward all he has made.
Psalm 145 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Proverbs 27:1-6, 10-12 – Philippians 2:1-13 – John 18:15-18, 25-27

I know, Lord, I'm not the only Christian with spiritual gifts. You give them to each believer, and I need to recognize and respect the gifts of my brothers and sisters. Give me discernment and help me appreciate others abilities so we can use them together for Your kingdom. I want to use my gifts to benefit my Christian family. Everything I do should benefit others, not just myself. So teach me how to use all You've given me to Your glory alone. Amen.
(From "Prayers & Promises")

1 Praise the LORD.
Praise the LORD from the heavens,
praise him in the heights above.
2 Praise him, all his angels,
praise him, all his heavenly hosts.
3 Praise him, sun and moon,
praise him, all you shining stars.
4 Praise him, you highest heavens
and you waters above the skies.
5 Let them praise the name of the LORD,
for he commanded and they were created.
6 He set them in place for ever and ever;
he gave a decree that will never pass away.
Psalm 148 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Genesis 17:15-27 – Hebrews 10:11-25 – John 6:1-15