Father,
Now that I know that I am saved, beyond all shadow of doubt, I will fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life to which you have called me, and profess a good profession before all. I will hold fast the profession of my faith without wavering, because I know your are faithful with all your promises. Thank you dear Lord. Amen.
(From "Bible Prayers for All Your Needs")

10 Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
11 Do not cast me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.
12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
and sinners will turn back to you.
Psalm 51 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading): Zechariah 14:1-11 – Romans 15:7-13 – Luke 19:28-40

Father,
You are my source of hope.
Thank You, Lord, for helping me to find hope in the pages of the Bible and the wise observations of friends. I find hope in the books I read, the songs I listen to, and the stories I hear. But each of these good things that speak hope to me are from You -- so many wonderful ways in which to experience Your hope. Every source of hope finds its beginning in You. Amen.
(From "Everyday Prayers for Everyday Cares")

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 1 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Zechariah 12:1-10 – Ephesians 1:3-14 – Luke 19:1-10

Father,
You are Lord over all.
You do not label me an "outsider" or "insider," "winner" or "loser." You look, not at my outward appearance, but at my heart. Today, teach me to look on the heart and to see that You love each person, that You died for each one. When I see injustice, I remember that I do not know the end of the story. Only You know the full truth. I trust Your judgment, for You are Lord over all. Amen.
(From "Everyday Prayers for Everyday Cares")

1 My heart is steadfast, O God;
I will sing and make music with all my soul.
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 98 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Zechariah 11:4-17 – 1 Corinthians 3:10-23 – Luke 18:31-43

You have blessed us, O God, with the gift of friendship, the bonding of persons in a circle of love. We thank you for such a blessing: for friends who love us, who share our sorrows, who laugh with us in celebration, who bear our pain, who need us as we need them, who weep as we weep, who hold us when words fail, and who give us the freedom to be ourselves. Bless our friends with health, wholeness, life, and love.
Amen.
Vienna Cobb Anderson

1 Praise the LORD.
Blessed is the man who fears the LORD,
who finds great delight in his commands.
2 His children will be mighty in the land;
the generation of the upright will be blessed.
3 Wealth and riches are in his house,
and his righteousness endures forever.
4 Even in darkness light dawns for the upright,
for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man. [c]
5 Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely,
who conducts his affairs with justice.
6 Surely he will never be shaken;
a righteous man will be remembered forever
Psalm 93 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Malachi 3:1-12 – James 5:7-12 – Luke 18:1-8

O Lord, this is our desire, to walk along the path of life that you have appointed us, in steadfastness of faith, in lowliness of heart, in gentleness of love. Let not the cares or duties of this life press on us too heavily; but lighten our burdens, that we may follow your way in quietness, filled with thankfulness for your mercy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
(Maria Hare)

1 The Lord is king! He is robed in majesty.
Indeed, the Lord is robed in majesty and armed with strength.
The world stands firm
and cannot be shaken.
2 Your throne, O Lord, has stood from time immemorial.
You yourself are from the everlasting past.
3 The floods have risen up, O Lord.
The floods have roared like thunder;
the floods have lifted their pounding waves.
4 But mightier than the violent raging of the seas,
mightier than the breakers on the shore—
the Lord above is mightier than these!
5 Your royal laws cannot be changed.
Your reign, O Lord, is holy forever and ever.
Psalm 93 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Malachi 2:1-16 – James 4:13-5:6 – Luke 17:20-37

God, I know that you are not to be mocked, and I tremble. Lead me to trust less in easy words and more in courageous deeds of love and mercy. Lead me to work for justice, so that the hungry may be fed and the homeless poor be taken in. Embolden my witness on behalf of all who suffer unjustly, so that with my life I say, "Jesus is Lord." Amen.
(From "Daily Texts")

6 Arise, O LORD, in your anger; rise up against the rage of my enemies.
Awake, my God; decree justice.
7 Let the assembled peoples gather around you.
Rule over them from on high;
8 let the LORD judge the peoples.
Judge me, O LORD, according to my righteousness,
according to my integrity, O Most High.
9 O righteous God, who searches minds and hearts,
bring to an end the violence of the wicked and make the righteous secure.
10 My shield is God Most High,
who saves the upright in heart.
Psalm 7 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Malachi 1:1, 6-14 – James 3:13-4:12 – Luke 17:11-19

Father,
You complete my joy.
Thank You for the gift of joy. I thank You for those days when the sun shines, all is right with the world, and happiness naturally springs up in my heart. But I thank You even more that Your joy is never dependent on outward circumstances, but that it is a mysterious inward gift that comes from Your work in my heart. I praise You, Lord, for Your constant goodness to me. Amen.
(From "Everyday Prayers for Everyday Cares")

1 Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God.
Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer.
2 How long, O men, will you turn my glory into shame [a] ?
How long will you love delusions and seek false gods [b] ?
3 Know that the LORD has set apart the godly for himself;
the LORD will hear when I call to him.
4 In your anger do not sin;
when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent.
5 Offer right sacrifices and trust in the LORD.
6 Many are asking, "Who can show us any good?"
Let the light of your face shine upon us, O LORD.
Psalm 4 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Habakkuk 2: 1-4, 9-20 – James 2:14-26 – Luke 16:19-31

God of kindness and compassion, teach us goodness, discipline and wisdom, that these gifts may keep us from being hardened by evil, weakened by laziness or ignorant because of foolishness; through Jesus Christ our Lord we pray, Amen
- Philip H. Pfatteicher

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.
12 Teach us to number our days aright,
that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
Psalm 90 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Joel 2:28-3:8 – James 1:16-27 – Luke 16:1-9

Generous Lord, thank you for the undeserved grace and forgiveness you give to all your people. Forgive me for my envy of my neighbors' blessings. Help me see that you have abundantly provided for all of my needs. Today I pray that you will use me to bless another. Amen.
(From "Daily Texts")

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.
6 The LORD protects the simplehearted;
when I was in great need, he saved me.
Psalm 116 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Joel 2:21-27 – James 1:1-15 – Luke 15:1-2, 11-32

Soren Aabye Kierkegaard, Theologian

Father in heaven, you awaken conscience in our breast and keep us vigilant that we may work out our salvation in fear and trembling: When the law in its seriousness fills us with dread and thunder booms from Sinai, grant that we may also hear a gentle voice murmuring to us that we are your children; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen
(adapted from a prayer of Kierkegaard)

89 Your word, O LORD, is eternal;
it stands firm in the heavens.
90 Your faithfulness continues through all generations;
you established the earth, and it endures.
91 Your laws endure to this day,
for all things serve you.
92 If your law had not been my delight,
I would have perished in my affliction.
93 I will never forget your precepts,
for by them you have preserved my life.
94 Save me, for I am yours;
I have sought out your precepts.
Psalm 119 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Joel 2:12-19 - Revelation 19:11-21 – Luke 15:1-10

Martin, Bishop of Tours
Veteran’s day

Lord, God of hosts, you clothed your servant Martin the soldier with the spirit of sacrifice, and set him as a bishop in your Church to be defender of the faith: Give us grace to follow in his holy steps, that at the last we may be found clothed with righteousness in the dwellings of peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen
(From “Lesser Feasts and Festivals”)

1 LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary?
Who may live on your holy hill?
2 He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous,
who speaks the truth from his heart
3 and has no slander on his tongue, who does his neighbor no wrong
and casts no slur on his fellowman,
4 who despises a vile man but honors those who fear the LORD,
who keeps his oath even when it hurts,
5 who lends his money without usury
and does not accept a bribe against the innocent.
He who does these things will never be shaken.
Psalm 15 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Joel 1:15-2:11 - Revelation 19:1-10 – Luke 14:25-35

Come, Holy Spirit, come!
Teach us to believe that we, like the earth, already hold within ourselves the seeds of new life. Awaken in us new hope and new dreams so that we can break through the soil of our own barrenness and fear. Give us roots that we may stand firm in integrity and give us wings to bring the stirrings of compassion to your poor and marginalized. Great Spirit, make us a people of peace. Teach us to walk softly on your lands, to use with care your gifts, and to love with tenderness all our brothers and sisters.
Come, Holy Spirit, come!

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):
Joel 1:1-13 – Revelation 18:15-24 – Luke 14:12-24

Thank You for reminding me that troubles don't mean You have forgotten me, Lord. Problems in my life don't show that You've given up on me or that I am not obeying You. I'm so glad that You have promised to help me through every trouble I ever face.
On my own, I could never handle every challenge that came along -- but knowing You will be with me through thick and thin raises my spirits. No problem is too large for You. You'll see me through, no matter how many dilemmas lie before me.
Thank You, Lord, for Your deliverance from difficulties large and small. I need Your help for each, and I'm blessed to have such a caring Father. Amen.
(From "Prayers & Promises")

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 59 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Zephaniah 3:1-7 – Revelation 16:12-21 – Luke 13:18-30

November 5, 2008 - Elizabeth & Zechariah, Parents of St John the Baptist

Father,
You are the Joy of my heart.
When I am weary of the world, I come to You for renewal. In our time of intimate communion, You reveal Your love to me. Your voice speaks to my heart, telling me the secrets of the Kingdom. Thank You, Lord, for showing me that one of the delightful secrets of the Kingdom of God is the joy that bubbles up like a spring, renewing my heart and helping me find joy in You. Amen.
(From "Everyday Prayers for Everyday Cares")

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.
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):
Zephaniah 2:1-15 – Revelation 16:1-11 – Luke 13:10-17

My Heavenly Father, I thank You, through Jesus Christ, Your beloved Son, that You kept me safe from all evil and danger last night. Save me, I pray, today as well, from every evil and sin, so that all I do and the way that I live will please you. I put myself in your care, body and soul and all that I have. Let Your holy Angels be with me, so that the evil enemy will not gain power over me. Amen.
- Martin Luther - Luther's Morning Prayer

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):
Zephaniah 1:14-18 – Revelation 14:11-15:8 – Luke 13:1-9

Father, I rest in the flow of Your will.
Lord, You parted the Red Sea and freed the children of Israel. You lead us on life’s pilgrimage, opening the way before us in mysterious and sometimes miraculous ways. I have been faithful, striving to do my best in every situation. I will turn situations over to You and release my expectations, trusting in Your deliverance. Then I wait for Your intervention in my troublesome affairs and thank You for the power of Your ways in my life. Amen.
(From “Everyday Prayers for Everyday Cares”)

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,
18 defending the fatherless and the oppressed,
in order that man, who is of the earth, may terrify no more.
Psalm 10 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Zephaniah 1:7-13 – Revelation 14:1-13 – Luke 12:49-59