O my God,
relying on your almighty power and infinite mercy and promises,
I hope to obtain pardon of my sins, the help of your grace, and life everlasting
through the merits of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Redeemer.
Amen.

1 Praise the LORD.
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
his love endures forever.
2 Who can proclaim the mighty acts of the LORD
or fully declare his praise?
3 Blessed are they who maintain justice,
who constantly do what is right.
4 Remember me, O LORD, when you show favor to your people,
come to my aid when you save them,
5 that I may enjoy the prosperity of your chosen ones,
Psalm 106 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Job 6:1, 7:1-21 – Acts 10:1-16 – John 7:1-13

Almighty and Eternal God, give me, I implore You, the great gift of inward peace. Command the winds and storms of my unruly passions. Subdue, by Your grace, my inclination to love created things too much. Give me a love of suffering for Your sake. Make me forbearing and kind to others, that I may avoid quarrels and contentions. And teach me constantly to seek after and to acquire that perfect resignation to Your Holy Will which alone brings interior peace. Amen.

6 The righteous will see and fear;
they will laugh at him, saying,
7 "Here now is the man
who did not make God his stronghold
but trusted in his great wealth
and grew strong by destroying others!"
8 But I am like an olive tree
flourishing in the house of God;
I trust in God's unfailing love
for ever and ever.
9 I will praise you forever for what you have done;
in your name I will hope, for your name is good.
I will praise you in the presence of your saints.
Psalm 52 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Job 6:1-4, 8-15, 21 – Acts 9:32-43 – John 6:60-71

O Dearly beloved Word of God, teach me to be generous, to serve you as you deserve, to give without counting the cost, to fight without fretting at my wounds, to labor without seeking rest, to spend myself without looking for any reward other than that of knowing that I do your holy will. Amen.

1 Lord, you have been our dwelling place
throughout all generations.
2 Before the mountains were born
or you brought forth the earth and the world,
from everlasting to everlasting you are God.
3 You turn men back to dust,
saying, "Return to dust, O sons of men."
4 For a thousand years in your sight
are like a day that has just gone by,
or like a watch in the night.
Psalm 90 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Job 4:1 5:1-11, 17-21, 26-27 – Acts 9:19b-31 – John 6:52-59

May Christ support us all the day long,
till the shadows lengthen, and the evening comes, and the busy world is hushed,
and the fever of life is over and our work is done.
Then in his mercy may he give us a safe lodging, and holy rest and peace at the last.
Amen.

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):
Job 2:1-13 – Acts 9:1-9 – John 6:27-40

Lord God Almighty, who has safely brought us to the beginning of this day,
defend us in the same by your mighty power, that this day we may not fall into sin,
but that all our words may so proceed, and all our thoughts and actions
may be so directed as to do always that which is just in your sight.
Through Christ our Lord, Amen.

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):
Job 1:1-22 – Acts 8:26-40 – John 6:16-27

I adore you, O my God, and I love you with all my heart.
I give you thanks that you have created me,
made me a Christian, and preserved me this night.
I offer you the actions of this day;
grant that all of them may be according to your holy Will, and for your greater glory.
Save me from sin and from all evil. Let your grace be always with me.
Amen.

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.
7 The LORD Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Psalm 46 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Judges 18:16-31 – Acts 8:14-25 – John 6:1-15

Take, O Lord, and receive my entire liberty, my memory, my understanding and my whole will. All that I am and all that I possess You have given me: I surrender it all to You to be disposed of according to Your will. Give me only Your love and Your grace; with these I will be rich enough, and will desire nothing more.
Ignatius of Loyola

1 I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart;
before the "gods" I will sing your praise.
2 I will bow down toward your holy temple
and will praise your name
for your love and your faithfulness,
for you have exalted above all things
your name and your word.
3 When I called, you answered me;
you made me bold and stouthearted.
4 May all the kings of the earth praise you, O LORD,
when they hear the words of your mouth.
5 May they sing of the ways of the LORD,
for the glory of the LORD is great.
Psalm 138 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Judges 18:1-15 – Acts 8:1-13 – John 5:30-47

Father,
You instill in me a quiet heart.
Sometimes I feel lost in a world of power players and win/lose situations, but You give me quiet confidence and a steady heart. You provide inner strength that helps me to remain calm, think clearly, and react with tact and gentleness. You help me to control my temper by showing me a bigger picture -- a better way. You teach me that there is no victory in anger and hostility -- that victory belongs to those who relinquish their anger to You. Amen.
(From "Everyday Prayer for Everyday Cares")

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;
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 100 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Judges 17:1-13 – Acts 7:44-8:1 – John 5:19-29

August 15, 2008 – Mary, Mother of our Lord

O God, you have taken to yourself the blessed Virgin Mary, mother of your incarnate Son: Grant that we, who have been redeemed by his blood, may share with her the glory of your eternal kingdom; through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, on God, now and forever. Amen
(From the Book of Common Prayer)

6 I said to the Lord, “You are my God!”
Listen, O Lord, to my cries for mercy!
7 O Sovereign Lord, the strong one who rescued me,
you protected me on the day of battle.
8 Lord, do not let evil people have their way.
Do not let their evil schemes succeed,
or they will become proud.
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):
Judges 14:20-15:20 – Acts 7:17-29 – John 4:43-54

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)

7 Hear my voice when I call, O LORD;
be merciful to me and answer me.
8 My heart says of you, "Seek his 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.
11 Teach me your way, O LORD;
lead me in a straight path
Psalm 27 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Judges 14:1-19 – Acts 6:15-7:16 – John 4:27-42

Almighty and everlasting God, with boldness and confidence we dare to call you Father: Fulfill and make perfect in our hearts the work of your Holy Spirit, through whom we have become your adopted children, so that we may be found worthy to enter upon the glorious inheritance you have promised to us in 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 Deliver me from my enemies, O God;
protect me from those who rise up against me.
2 Deliver me from evildoers
and save me from bloodthirsty men.
3 See how they lie in wait for me!
Fierce men conspire against me
for no offense or sin of mine, O LORD.
4 I have done no wrong, yet they are ready to attack me.
Arise to help me; look on my plight!
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):
Judges 13:15-24 – Acts 6:1-15 – John 4:1-26

O Lord our protector, thank you for guarding and protecting me. You have been my help from my very beginning. Forgive me, Lord, for the times I place my trust in myself rather than in your saving grace. In times of danger, remind me that you are my shelter. Let my life proclaim your grace. Amen.
(From "Daily Text)

1 Bend down, O Lord, and hear my prayer;
answer me, for I need your help.
2 Protect me, for I am devoted to you.
Save me, for I serve you and trust you.
You are my God.
3 Be merciful to me, O Lord,
for I am calling on you constantly.
4 Give me happiness, O Lord,
for I give myself to you.
5 O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive,
so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help.
6 Listen closely to my prayer, O Lord;
hear my urgent cry.
Psalm 86 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Judges 13:1-15 – Acts 5:27-42 – John 3:22-36

Father, sometimes I am tempted to just give up. But You have awesome plans in store for me if I will just remember to lean on You for the strength I need. Thank You for the blessings You have promised me as I "run the race." Amen.
(From the "Light for My Path" series)

12 Arise, LORD! Lift up your hand, O God.
Do not forget the helpless.
13 Why does the wicked man revile God?
Why does he say to himself, "He won't call me to account"?
14 But you, O God, do see trouble and grief; you consider it to take it in hand.
The victim commits himself to you; you are the helper of the fatherless.
15 Break the arm of the wicked and evil man;
call him to account for his wickedness that would not be found out.
16 The LORD is King for ever and ever;
the nations will perish from his land.
17 You hear, O LORD, the desire of the afflicted;
you encourage them, and you listen to their cry,
Psalm 10 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Judges 12:1-7 – Acts 5:12-26 – John 3:1-21

A grain of mustard seed is so small it's nearly invisible. How could anyone who loves You not have at least that much faith? And yet even Your disciples failed from time to time because of unbelief.
This is a great mystery to me, Father. Some days my faith is so strong I can almost see it. I'm not quite up to moving mountains, but I feel Your power within me, and I dare to believe I am capable of anything. Other days, my faith seems puny and weak. Be with me on both my strong and weak days, because no matter how I feel, I want to do Your work. Amen.
(From "Prayers & Promises")

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.
Psalm 60 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Judges 8:22-35 – Acts 4:1-12 – John 1:43-51

Father,
You are my safe Place.
When I am troubled and afraid, and I know nothing else to do but run to Your arms. I bring You my fears, my failures, my inadequacies, and ask You to fill me with Your strength, courage, and faith. You remind me that I am loved. You promise to protect and guide me. I will not fear, for You surround me with Your love and mercy. You sustain me with Your wisdom and truth. I have found a safe hiding place in You. Amen.
(From "Everyday Prayers for Everyday Cares")

14 Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne;
love and faithfulness go before you.
15 Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you,
who walk in the light of your presence, O LORD.
16 They rejoice in your name all day long;
they exult in your righteousness.
17 For you are their glory and strength,
and by your favor you exalt our horn.
18 Indeed, our shield belongs to the LORD,
our king to the Holy One of Israel.
Psalm 89 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Judges 7:19-8:12 – Acts 3:12-26 – John 1:29-42

I asked God for strength, that I might achieve.
I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey.
I asked for health, that I might do greater things.
I was given infirmity, that I might do better things.
I asked for riches, that I might be happy.
I was given poverty, that I might be wise.
I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men.
I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God.
I asked God for all things, that I might enjoy life.
I was given life, that I might enjoy all things.
I got nothing that I asked for - but everything I hoped for.
Almost despite myself,
My unspoken prayers were answered.
I am among all people, most richly blessed.
(Henry Viscardi)

1 Praise the LORD, all you nations;
extol him, all you peoples.
2 For great is his love toward us,
and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever.
Praise the LORD.
Psalm 117 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Judges 7:1-18 – Acts 3:1-11 – John 1:19-28

Father,
You instill in me a quiet heart.
Sometimes I feel lost in a world of power players and win/lose situations, but You give me quiet confidence and a steady heart. You provide inner strength that helps me to remain calm, think clearly, and react with tact and gentleness. You help me to control my temper by showing me a bigger picture -- a better way. You teach me that there is no victory in anger and hostility -- that victory belongs to those who relinquish their anger to You. Amen.
(From "Everyday Prayer for Everyday Cares")

1 Ascribe to the LORD, O mighty ones, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.
2 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness.
3 The voice of the LORD is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the LORD thunders over the mighty waters.
4 The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is majestic.
10 The LORD sits enthroned over the flood;
the LORD is enthroned as King forever.
11 The LORD gives strength to his people;
the LORD blesses his people with peace.
Psalm 29 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Judges 6:25-40 – Acts 2:37-47 – John 1:1-18

Even though I sometimes slide away from faith, thank You, Lord, that I can hang on to this promise, which says You still love me. All I need to do is turn to You again for forgiveness.
Forgive me, Father, for my double-mindedness. Part of me wants to believe You, but fear and doubt have drawn me away from Your love. I don't want doubt to destroy my love for You. Heal me from the things that would separate us.
Yours is a wonderful love that does not count wrongs. Help me live in that love every day. Amen.
(From "Prayers & Promises")

1 Praise the Lord!
How joyful are those who fear the Lord
and delight in obeying his commands.
2 Their children will be successful everywhere;
an entire generation of godly people will be blessed.
3 They themselves will be wealthy,
and their good deeds will last forever.
4 Light shines in the darkness for the godly.
They are generous, compassionate, and righteous.
5 Good comes to those who lend money generously
and conduct their business fairly.
6 Such people will not be overcome by evil.
Those who are righteous will be long remembered.
Psalm 112 New Living Translation

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Judges 5:1-18 – Acts 2:1-21 – Matthew 28:1-10