When my courage seems so small and slips away, when sin seeks to pull me from Your path, Lord, remind me that I need only trust in You, the One who keeps me safe and brings good things into my life. You reward my feeble efforts and multiply them through Your strength as I simply love You and respond to You in faith.
I want to be strong -- in You and for You. Give me courage each day. When evil seems to abound and sin distracts me from Your way, thank You that Your love abounds still more. Amen.
(From "Light for My Path - Prayers & Promises")

1 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
Why are you so far from saving me,
so far from the words of my groaning?
2 O my God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer,
by night, and am not silent.
3 Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One;
you are the praise of Israel.
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.
Psalm 119 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Deuteronomy 7:12-16 – Titus 2:1-15 – John 1:35-42

Giver of forgiveness and life, thank you for your willingness to forgive even when I feel unforgivable. Lord, I confess that I have sinned and fallen short of deserving your grace. Yet, you come to me and forgive my sins, which are many. Thank you for such a awesome gift. May I live my life as one who forgives. Amen.
(From "Daily Texts")

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."
4 May those who seek my life be disgraced and put to shame;
may those who plot my ruinbe turned back in dismay.
5 May they be like chaff before the wind,
with the angel of the LORD driving them away;
6 may their path be dark and slippery,
with the angel of the LORD pursuing them.
Psalm 119 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Deuteronomy 7:6-11 – Titus 1:1-16 – John 1:29-34

Ash Wednesday

God of the desert,
as we follow Jesus into the unknown,
may we recognize the tempter when he comes;
let it be Your bread we eat,
Your world we serve
and You alone we worship.

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.
8 Lead me, O LORD, in your righteousness because of my enemies—
make straight your way before me.
Psalm 119 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Jonah 3:1-4:1 - Hebrews 12:1-14 – Luke 18:9-14

Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna, Martyr (156)

Father,
You call me to be a peacemaker.
Petty arguments, grudges, gossip, anger, and jealousy -- all of these create a war in my heart. How easy it is to take up weapons against other people, putting pride before compassion. Thank You, Lord, for commanding me to disarm, to help the peaceable kingdom come. As I make my peace with You, bring inner peace to all my relationships. Give me a peaceful heart with which to conquer the world with love. Amen.
(From "Everyday Prayers for Everyday Cares")

41 May your unfailing love come to me, O LORD,
your salvation according to your promise;
42 then I will answer the one who taunts me,
for I trust in your word.
43 Do not snatch the word of truth from my mouth,
for I have put my hope in your laws.
44 I will always obey your law,
for ever and ever.
45 I will walk about in freedom,
for I have sought out your precepts.
48 I lift up my hands to your commands, which I love,
and I meditate on your decrees.
Psalm 119 New International Version

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

Rasmus Jensen, First Lutheran Pastor in North America

Almighty God, you have risen up for me indeed, in the new and glorious body of Christ crucified. Fill me with your spirit, so that my faithless fears may be banished in the certain knowledge of your steadfast love. Help me recognize your power in the gentle rule of Jesus, in whose name I offer you thanks and praise. Amen.
(From "Daily Texts")

33 Teach me, O LORD, to follow your decrees;
then I will keep them to the end.
34 Give me understanding, and I will keep your law
and obey it with all my heart.
35 Direct me in the path of your commands,
for there I find delight.
36 Turn my heart toward your statutes
and not toward selfish gain.
37 Turn my eyes away from worthless things;
preserve my life according to your word. [a]
38 Fulfill your promise to your servant,
so that you may be feared.
39 Take away the disgrace I dread,
for your laws are good.
40 How I long for your precepts!
Preserve my life in your righteousness.
Psalm 119 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading): Isaiah 65:17-25 – 1 Timothy 5:1-25 - Mark 12:28-34

Lord, thank you for all that witnesses to your love. Just as the rain comes down from heaven and makes the weary earth sing, so let it be with me. Clear my foggy vision and open my cloudy perspective. Shine on me, in me, and through me with the witness of your steadfast love; through your creating love. Amen.
(From "Daily Texts")

17 Be good to your servant, that I may live and obey your word. 18 Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions.
21 You rebuke the arrogant; those who wander from your commands are cursed. 22 Don’t let them scorn and insult me, for I have obeyed your laws. 23 Even princes sit and speak against me, but I will meditate on your decrees. 24 Your laws please me; they give me wise advice.
Psalm 119 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Isaiah 65:1-12 – 1 Timothy 4:1-16 - Mark 12:13-27

Martin Luther, Renewer of the Church, 1546

God, our refuge and our strength: You raised up your servant Martin Luther to reform and renew your Church in the light of your Word. Defend and purify the church in our own day and grant that, through faith, we may boldly proclaim the riches and grace which you have made known in Jesus Christ our Savior, who with you and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, now and forever. Amen
(From Lesser Feasts and Festivals)

11 I have hidden your word in my heart
that I might not sin against you.
12 Praise be to you, O LORD;
teach me your decrees.
13 With my lips I recount
all the laws that come from your mouth.
14 I rejoice in following your statutes
as one rejoices in great riches.
15 I meditate on your precepts
and consider your ways.
16 I delight in your decrees;
I will not neglect your word.
Psalm 119 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Isaiah 63:15-64:9 – 1 Timothy 3:1-16 - Mark 11:27-12:12

Father,
Your Word is a joy to me.
The cynicism of the world has gotten me down. Help me to come to Your Word and find renewed joy. Help me to discover a higher perspective that is not bound by time but flows from eternity. Show me eternal joys to light up my earthly life. And keep me always looking to You for the joy that comes only from Your salvation and Your presence in my life. Amen.
(From "Everyday Prayers for Everyday Cares")

153 Look upon my suffering and deliver me,
for I have not forgotten your law.
154 Defend my cause and redeem me;
preserve my life according to your promise.
155 Salvation is far from the wicked,
for they do not seek out your decrees.
156 Your compassion is great, O LORD;
preserve my life according to your laws.
159 See how I love your precepts;
preserve my life, O LORD, according to your love.
160 All your words are true;
all your righteous laws are eternal.
Psalm 119 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Isaiah 63:7-14 – 1 Timothy 1:18-2:8 - Mark 11:12-26

Father, You nourish my spirit. Thank You for all the good gifts You have given to me. In this season, when my dreams have not yet come true, remind me to count the blessings I already enjoy. As I count my blessings, help me to realize that I am already rich in You. Show me that You are refining my dreams, preparing me to receive even greater gifts in due season because I trust in You. Amen. (From "Everyday Prayers for Everyday Cares")

129 Your laws are wonderful.
No wonder I obey them!
130 The teaching of your word gives light,
so even the simple can understand.
133 Guide my steps by your word,
so I will not be overcome by evil.
134 Ransom me from the oppression of evil people;
then I can obey your commandments.
135 Look upon me with love;
teach me your decrees.
136 Rivers of tears gush from my eyes
because people disobey your instructions.
Psalm 119 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Isaiah 63:1-6 – 1 Timothy 1:1-17 – Mark 11:1-11

Eternal light, shine into our hearts, eternal goodness, deliver us from evil, eternal power, be our support, eternal wisdom, scatter the darkness of our ignorance, eternal pity, have mercy upon us; that with all our heart and mind and soul and strength we may seek your face and be brought by your infinite mercy to your holy presence, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
(Alcuin of York (804))

105 Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light for my path.
106 I have taken an oath and confirmed it,
that I will follow your righteous laws.
107 I have suffered much;
preserve my life, O LORD, according to your word.
108 Accept, O LORD, the willing praise of my mouth,
and teach me your laws.
111 Your statutes are my heritage forever;
they are the joy of my heart.
112 My heart is set on keeping your decrees
to the very end.
Psalm 119 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Isaiah 61:1-9 – 2 Timothy 3:1-17 – Mark 10:32-45

Father,
I quietly trust You.
The world is a noisy place, filled with people trying to push forward their own agendas. No one has time to wait -- they demand instant answers and immediate action. But I can see that the most worthwhile things in life are a product of time and patience. Help me discern when action is needed and when to sit back and wait for the right timing. Help me to wait patiently for the full fruition of Your plan. Amen.
(From "Everyday Prayers for Everyday Cares")

81 My soul faints with longing for your salvation,
but I have put my hope in your word.
82 My eyes fail, looking for your promise;
I say, "When will you comfort me?"
83 Though I am like a wineskin in the smoke,
I do not forget your decrees.
86 All your commands are trustworthy;
help me, for men persecute me without cause.
87 They almost wiped me from the earth,
but I have not forsaken your precepts.
88 Preserve my life according to your love,
and I will obey the statutes of your mouth.
Psalm 119 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Isaiah 60:1-22 – 2 Timothy 2:14-26 – Mark 10:17-31

God, who from of old taught the hearts of your faithful people by sending to them the light of your Holy Spirit: grant us by the same Spirit to have a right judgment in all things and evermore to rejoice in his holy comfort; through the merits of Christ Jesus our Savior.
(From the Book of Common Prayer)

27 Help me understand the meaning of your commandments,
and I will meditate on your wonderful deeds.
28 I weep with sorrow;
encourage me by your word.
29 Keep me from lying to myself;
give me the privilege of knowing your instructions.
30 I have chosen to be faithful;
I have determined to live by your regulations.
31 I cling to your laws.
Lord, don’t let me be put to shame!
32 I will pursue your commands,
for you expand my understanding.
Psalm 76 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Isaiah 57:1-13 – Hebrews 12:1-6 – John 7:37-46

Almighty God, we thank you for the gift of your holy word. May it be a lantern to our feet, a light to our paths, and a strength to our lives. Take us and use us to love and serve in the power of the Holy Spirit and in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
(From the Book of Common Prayer)

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.
10 Surely your wrath against men brings you praise,
and the survivors of your wrath are restrained.
11 Make vows to the LORD your God and fulfill them;
let all the neighboring lands
bring gifts to the One to be feared.
Psalm 76 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Isaiah 55:1-13 – Galatians 5:16-24 – Mark 9:2-13

Eternal God, the light of the minds that know you, the joy of the hearts that love you, and the strength of the wills that serve you: grant us so to know you that we may truly love you, so to love you that we may truly serve you, whose service is perfect freedom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Augustine of Hippo (430)

1 Justice—do you rulers[a] know the meaning of the word?
Do you judge the people fairly?
2 No! You plot injustice in your hearts.
You spread violence throughout the land.
3 These wicked people are born sinners;
even from birth they have lied and gone their own way.
10 The godly will rejoice when they see injustice avenged.
They will wash their feet in the blood of the wicked.
11 Then at last everyone will say,
“There truly is a reward for those who live for God;
surely there is a God who judges justly here on earth.”
Psalm 58 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Isaiah 54:1-17 – Galatians 5:1-15 – Mark 8:27- 9:1

Cornelius the Centurion (click to follow link)

O Lord our God, grant us grace to desire you with our whole heart; that so desiring, we may seek and find you; and so finding, may love you; and so loving, may hate those sins from which you have delivered us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Anselm (1109)

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.
7 God will bless us,
and all the ends of the earth will fear him.
Psalm 67 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading): Isaiah 52:13- 53:12 – Galatians 4:21-31 – Mark 8:11-26

Almighty God, from whom all thoughts of truth and peace proceed: kindle, we pray, in the hearts of all, the true love of peace and guide with your pure and peaceable wisdom those who take counsel for the nations of the earth that in tranquility your kingdom may go forward, till the earth is filled with the knowledge of your love; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord.
(From the Book of Common Prayer)

1 Help, O Lord, for the godly are fast disappearing!
The faithful have vanished from the earth!
2 Neighbors lie to each other,
speaking with flattering lips and deceitful hearts.
3 May the Lord cut off their flattering lips
and silence their boastful tongues.
4 They say, “We will lie to our hearts’ content.
Our lips are our own—who can stop us?”
5 The Lord replies, “I have seen violence done to the helpless,
and I have heard the groans of the poor.
Now I will rise up to rescue them,
as they have longed for me to do.”
6 The Lord’s promises are pure,
like silver refined in a furnace,
purified seven times over.
Psalm 12 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Isaiah 52:1-12 – Galatians 4:12-20 – Mark 8:1-10

The Presentation of our Lord

Almighty and ever living God, we humbly pray that, as your only-begotten Son was on this day presented in the temple, so may we be presented to you with pure and clean hearts byJesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen
(from the Gregorian Sacramentary)

7 Lift up your heads, O you gates;
be lifted up, you ancient doors,
that the King of glory may come in.
8 Who is this King of glory?
The LORD strong and mighty,
the LORD mighty in battle.
9 Lift up your heads, O you gates;
lift them up, you ancient doors,
that the King of glory may come in.
10 Who is he, this King of glory?
The LORD Almighty—
he is the King of glory.
Psalm 24 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Isaiah 51:17-23 – Galatians 4:1-11 – Mark 7:24-37