O merciful creator, your hand is open wide to satisfy the needs of every living creature: Make us always thankful for your loving providence; and grant that we, remembering the account that we must one day give, may be faithful stewards of your good gifts; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen
(from The Book of Common Prayer 1928)

7 The LORD reigns forever;
he has established his throne for judgment.
8 He will judge the world in righteousness;
he will govern the peoples with justice.
9 The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed,
a stronghold in times of trouble.
10 Those who know your name will trust in you,
for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.
11 Sing praises to the LORD, enthroned in Zion;
proclaim among the nations what he has done.
Psalm 9 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Leviticus 26:27-42 – Ephesians 1:1-10 – Matthew 22:41-46

Almighty God, whose Son Jesus Christ in his earthly life shared our toil and hallowed our labor: Be present with your people where they work; make those who carry on the industries and commerce of this land responsive to your will; and give us all a pride in what we do, and a just return for our labor; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen
(from The Book of Common Prayer)

8 Praise our God, O peoples,
let the sound of his praise be heard;
9 he has preserved our lives
and kept our feet from slipping.
10 For you, O God, tested us;
you refined us like silver.
11 You brought us into prison
and laid burdens on our backs.
12 You let men ride over our heads;
we went through fire and water,
but you brought us to a place of abundance.
Psalm 66 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Leviticus 26:1-20 – 1 Timothy 2:1-6 – Matthew 13:18-23

Almighty and everlasting God, you have given us a living hope by the resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ: we beseech you guard our faith, keep us joyful in our trials, and bring us unscathed to the inheritance of eternal life, which you have prepared for us in the same Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen
(the Rev. Canon Dirk van Dissel)

1 Not to us, O LORD, not to us
but to your name be the glory,
because of your love and faithfulness.
2 Why do the nations say,
"Where is their God?"
3 Our God is in heaven;
he does whatever pleases him.
4 But their idols are silver and gold,
made by the hands of men.
5 They have mouths, but cannot speak,
eyes, but they cannot see;
8 Those who make them will be like them,
and so will all who trust in them.
Psalm 115 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Leviticus 25:35-55 – Colossians 1:9-14 – Matthew 13:1-16

Grant, O Lord, that we may worthily celebrate these mysteries of Christ’s death and resurrection, so that as we observe them with joy, they may be our constant defense and salvation; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen
(From the Bergamo Sacramentary)

1 O Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth!
Your glory is higher than the heavens.
2 You have taught children and infants
to tell of your strength,[b]
silencing your enemies
and all who oppose you.
3 When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers—
the moon and the stars you set in place—
4 what are mere mortals that you should think about them,
human beings that you should care for them?[c]
5 Yet you made them only a little lower than God[d]
and crowned them[e] with glory and honor.
Psalm 8 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Leviticus 23:1-22 – 2 Thessalonians 2:1-17 – Matthew 7:1-12

Lord God, we were sinners but your grace has made us righteous, we were without hope but you have made us glad: Establish in us your saving work, preserve in us your gifts of grace, and grant courage and perseverance to all whom you have called and justified by faith; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen
(From the Bergamo Sacramentary)

1 May God arise, may his enemies be scattered;
may his foes flee before him.
2 As smoke is blown away by the wind,
may you blow them away;
as wax melts before the fire,
may the wicked perish before God.
3 But may the righteous be glad
and rejoice before God;
may they be happy and joyful.
4 Sing to God, sing praise to his name,
extol him who rides on the clouds —
his name is the LORD—
and rejoice before him.
Psalm 68 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Leviticus 19:26-37 – 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12 – Matthew 6:25-34

O God, lover and restorer of innocence: Direct the hearts of your family toward you that those you have freed from the night of unbelief may never abandon the light of your truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen
(From the Gelasian Sacramentary)

1 I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart;
I will tell of all your wonders.
2 I will be glad and rejoice in you;
I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.
3 My enemies turn back;
they stumble and perish before you.
4 For you have upheld my right and my cause;
you have sat on your throne, judging righteously.
5 You have rebuked the nations and destroyed the wicked;
you have blotted out their name for ever and ever.
Psalm 9 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Leviticus 19:1-18 – 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28 – Matthew 6:19-24

Father, through faith, you enable me to subdue kingdoms, work the works of righteousness, obtain all of your promises, and even stop the mouths of lions. Through faith I shall be able to quench the violence of fire, escape the edge of the sword, turn my weaknesses into strength, become valiant in all struggles, and turn my enemies away. Thank you for increasing my faith, Father, through your Word.
(From "Bible Prayers for All Your Needs")

1 Shout with joy to God, all the earth!
2 Sing the glory of his name;
make his praise glorious!
3 Say to God, "How awesome are your deeds!
So great is your power
that your enemies cringe before you.
4 All the earth bows down to you;
they sing praise to you,
they sing praise to your name."
5 Come and see what God has done,
how awesome his works in man's behalf!
Psalm 66 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Leviticus 16:20-34 – 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 – Matthew 6:7-15

Almighty God, through whom redemption comes to us and our adoption is accomplished: Look in mercy on your children, and bestow upon all who believe in Christ perfect freedom and an eternal inheritance; 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 If the LORD had not been on our side—
let Israel say-
4 the flood would have engulfed us,
the torrent would have swept over us,
5 the raging waters
would have swept us away.
6 Praise be to the LORD,
who has not let us be torn by their teeth.
7 We have escaped like a bird out of the fowler's snare;
the snare has been broken, and we have escaped.
8 Our help is in the name of the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
Psalm 124 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Leviticus 16:1-19 – 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 – Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

O God, you have restored our human nature and raised up to a dignity higher than we had at the beginning: Look with favor upon the wonderful mystery of love, and preserve for ever the gifts of your grace and heavenly benediction in those who in Holy Baptism have been reborn 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)

11 My eyes have seen the defeat of my adversaries;
my ears have heard the rout of my wicked foes.
12 The righteous will flourish like a palm tree,
they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon;
13 planted in the house of the LORD,
they will flourish in the courts of our God.
14 They will still bear fruit in old age,
they will stay fresh and green,
15 proclaiming, "The LORD is upright;
he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him."
Psalm 92 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Exodus 34:1-17 – 1 Thessalonians 2:13-20 – Matthew 5:21-26

O Lord, the life of the faithful, the glory of the saints, and the delight of those who trust in you: Hear our supplications, that we who thirst for the life your promise may be filled to overflowing with your countless gifts; 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 It is good to praise the LORD
and make music to your name, O Most High,
2 to proclaim your love in the morning
and your faithfulness at night,
3 to the music of the ten-stringed lyre
and the melody of the harp.
4 For you make me glad by your deeds, O LORD;
I sing for joy at the works of your hands.
5 How great are your works, O LORD,
how profound your thoughts!
Psalm 92 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Exodus 33:1-23 – 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12 – Matthew 5:17-20

Grant, we pray you, Almighty God, that we who celebrate the mysteries of the Lord’s resurrection may be filled with the joy of our redemption; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen
(From the Gregorian Sacramentary)

1 Praise the LORD.
Praise God in his sanctuary;
praise him in his mighty heavens.
2 Praise him for his acts of power;
praise him for his surpassing greatness.
3 Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet,
praise him with the harp and lyre,
4 praise him with tambourine and dancing,
praise him with the strings and flute,
5 praise him with the clash of cymbals,
praise him with resounding cymbals.
6 Let everything that has breath praise the LORD.
Praise the LORD.
Psalm 150 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Exodus 32:21-34 – 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 – Matthew 5:11-16

Almighty and everlasting God, you have given your Church the great joy of the resurrection of Jesus Christ: Give us also the greater joy of the kingdom of your elect, when the flock of your Son will share in the final victory of its Shepherd, 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)

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):
Exodus 32:1-20 – Colossians 3:18-4:18 – Matthew 5:1-10

Grant, we beseech you, almighty God, that we, who have come to know the gift and the grace of our Lord’s resurrection, may through your Holy Spirit of love rise to new 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 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):
Exodus 24:1-18 – Colossians 2:8-23 – Matthew 4:12-17

Almighty and everlasting God, who at this joyful Eastertide made known to us the depth of your love: Open wide our hearts to welcome your great love, and as you delivered us from the night of error and sin, help us to cling more firmly to your word of truth, your Son Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen
(From the Gelasian Sacramentary)

12 Praise the LORD, O Jerusalem!
Praise your God, O Zion!
13 For He has strengthened the bars of your gates;
He has blessed your children within you.
14 He makes peace in your borders,
And fills you with the finest wheat.
15 He sends out His command to the earth;
His word runs very swiftly.
16 He gives snow like wool;
He scatters the frost like ashes;
20 He has not dealt thus with any nation;
And as for His judgments, they have not known them.
Praise the LORD!
Psalm 147 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Exodus 20:1-21 – Colossians 1:24-2:7 – Matthew 4:1-11

Almighty God, your blessed Son Jesus Christ came down from heaven to be the Bread of life that all who come to him may never hunger: Grant, we pray, that we may continually feed on him, our risen and living Lord, and so enjoy eternal life in this world and the next; through the same Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen
(From the Revd Canon Dirk van Dissel)

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.
6 The LORD sustains the humble
but casts the wicked to the ground.
Psalm 147 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Exodus 19:16-25 – Colossians 1:15-23 – Matthew 3:13-17

O Lord, you opened the gates of your kingdom to those who have been reborn in water and the Spirit: Increase the grace you have given to your children, that those who have been cleansed from sin may attain to all your promises; 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 Sing to the LORD a new song,
for he has done marvelous things;
his right hand and his holy arm
have worked salvation for him.
2 The LORD has made his salvation known
and revealed his righteousness to the nations.
3 He has remembered his love
and his faithfulness to the house of Israel;
all the ends of the earth have seen
the salvation of our God.
4 Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth,
burst into jubilant song with music;
5 make music to the LORD with the harp,
with the harp and the sound of singing,
6 with trumpets and the blast of the ram's horn—
shout for joy before the LORD, the King.
Psalm 98 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Exodus 19:1-18 – Colossians 1:1-14 – Matthew 3:7-12

O God, by the abundance of your grace you unfailingly increase the number of your children: Look with favor upon those whom you have chosen to be members of your church, that, having been born again in Baptism, they may be granted a glorious resurrection; 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)

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.
6 They will tell of the power of your awesome works,
and I will proclaim your great deeds.
Psalm 145 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Exodus 18:13-27 - 1 Peter 5:1-14 – Matthew 3:1-6

For our sake, O God, you willed that your Son should undergo the shame of the cross to drive from us the power of the enemy: Grant that we may come to share the grace and power of the resurrection of the same Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen
(From the Gelasian Sacramentary)

8 Give to the Lord the glory he deserves!
Bring your offering and come into his courts.
9 Worship the Lord in all his holy splendor.
Let all the earth tremble before him.
10 Tell all the nations, “The Lord reigns!”
The world stands firm and cannot be shaken.
He will judge all peoples fairly.
11 Let the heavens be glad, and the earth rejoice!
Let the sea and everything in it shout his praise!
12 Let the fields and their crops burst out with joy!
Let the trees of the forest rustle with praise
13 before the Lord, for he is coming!
He is coming to judge the earth.
He will judge the world with justice,
and the nations with his truth.
Psalm 96 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Exodus 16:23-36 - 1 Peter 3:13-4:6 – John 16:1-15

O Lord, as year by year we recall the mysteries by which humanity was restored to its original dignity and granted the hope of resurrection, we humbly entreat your mercy that what we call to mind in faith we may take to heart in abiding love; 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)

5 Exalt the LORD our God
and worship at his footstool;
he is holy.
6 Moses and Aaron were among his priests,
Samuel was among those who called on his name;
they called on the LORD
and he answered them.
7 He spoke to them from the pillar of cloud;
they kept his statutes and the decrees he gave them.
8 O LORD our God,
you answered them;
you were to Israel a forgiving God,
though you punished their misdeeds.
9 Exalt the LORD our God
and worship at his holy mountain,
for the LORD our God is holy.
Psalm 99 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Exodus 15:22-16:10 - 1 Peter 2:1-10 – John 15:1-11