Our Father, you called us and saved us in order to make us like your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Change us, day by day, by the work of your Holy Spirit so that we may grow more like him in all that we think and say and do, to his glory. Amen.
-- Soren Kirkegaard, 1813-1855

1 Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name;
make known among the nations what he has done.
2 Sing to him, sing praise to him;
tell of all his wonderful acts.
3 Glory in his holy name;
let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice.
4 Look to the LORD and his strength;
seek his face always.
5 Remember the wonders he has done,
his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced,
Psalm 105 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Ezekiel 34:17-31 – Hebrews 8:1-13 – Luke 10:38-42

Lord, forgive my many empty words and misled dreams. Fill my mouth with worthwhile speech and bid me stop when I have said enough. Fill my mind with respect for you and dreams of what you may do through me. Thank you, Lord, for the gracious choices you afford us. Amen.
(From "Daily Texts")

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):
Ezekiel 18:1-4, 19-32 – Hebrews 7:18-28 – Luke 10:25-37

John Calvin, Renewer of the Church (two links – click to follow)

O Lord, I have peered into a microscope and seen a world in one drop of water. I have gazed through a telescope and have seen stars and galaxies uncountable. When I see the majesty of your vast creation, I am brought to my knees in wonder. But in my humble admiration, there is also a desperate question: Do You notice me and concern Yourself with me?
I thank You, Lord, for personally answering my question. When I am apprehensive, I put my trust in You, and You keep me safe. When I am lonely, You talk to me. When I am sad, You make me happy. When I am weak, I bow before You and feel Your strength. Amen.
(From "Light for My Path - Prayers & Promises")

1 O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have set your glory above the heavens.
2 From the lips of children and infants
you have ordained praise because of your enemies,
to silence the foe and the avenger.
3 When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,
4 what is man that you are mindful of him,
the son of man that you care for him?
5 You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings [c]
and crowned him with glory and honor.
6 You made him ruler over the works of your hands;
you put everything under his feet:
Psalm 8 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Ezekiel 11:14-25 – Hebrews 7:1-17 – Luke 10:17-24

Today I will focus on all of the great things You've done for me, Lord. Thank You for the way You provide for me, for the friends You've given to me, and most of all, for giving Your Son. Help me to show joy on my face, so that others around me will experience joy, too. Amen.
(From the "Light for My Path" series)

7 Be at rest once more, O my soul,
for the LORD has been good to you.
8 For you, O LORD, have delivered my soul from death,
my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling,
9 that I may walk before the LORD
in the land of the living.
10 I believed; therefore [b] I said,
"I am greatly afflicted."
11 And in my dismay I said,
"All men are liars."
12 How can I repay the LORD
for all his goodness to me?
13 I will lift up the cup of salvation
and call on the name of the LORD.
Psalm 116 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Ezekiel 7:10-15, 23b-27 – Hebrews 6:13-20 – Luke 10:1-17

Helena, Mother of Constantine (click on link to read more)

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, 1225-1274

1 Praise the LORD.
I will extol the LORD with all my heart
in the council of the upright and in the assembly.
2 Great are the works of the LORD;
they are pondered by all who delight in them.
3 Glorious and majestic are his deeds,
and his righteousness endures forever.
4 He has caused his wonders to be remembered;
the LORD is gracious and compassionate.
5 He provides food for those who fear him;
he remembers his covenant forever.
Psalm 111 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Ezekiel 1:28-3:3 – Hebrews 4:15-5:6 – Luke 9:28-36

The Ascension of Our Lord (click on link to read more)

Almighty God, whose blessed Son our Savior Jesus Christ ascended far above all heavens that he might fill all things: Mercifully give us faith to perceive that, according to his promise, he abides with his Church on earth, even to the end of the ages; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting.
(Book of Common Prayer)

1 The LORD says to my Lord:
"Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet."
2 The LORD will extend your mighty scepter from Zion;
you will rule in the midst of your enemies.
3 Your troops will be willing on your day of battle.
Arrayed in holy majesty, from the womb of the dawn
you will receive the dew of your youth.
5 The Lord is at your right hand;
he will crush kings on the day of his wrath.
6 He will judge the nations, heaping up the dead
and crushing the rulers of the whole earth.
7 He will drink from a brook beside the way ;
therefore he will lift up his head.
Psalm 110 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Ezekiel 1:1-14, 24-28b – Hebrews 2:5-18 – Matthew 28:16-20

Father,
You are always urging me to place my trust in You.
Right now, I am feeling anxious and I know that I need to draw upon the safety of Your promises. As I reach inside for the seed of faith You have placed in my heart, I thank You, Lord, for giving me the strength to act on that faith and place all my anxious thoughts in Your hands. How wonderful it is to feel Your loving arms around me, comforting me and assuring me that You will never fail me when I trust in Your faithfulness. Amen.
(From "Everyday Prayers for Everyday Cares")

2 If the LORD had not been on our side
when men attacked us,
3 when their anger flared against us,
they would have swallowed us alive;
4 the flood would have engulfed us,
the torrent would have swept over us,
5 the raging waters
would have swept us away.
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):
Deuteronomy 8:1-10 – James 1:1-15 – Luke 9:18-27

Almighty Father, whose dear Son, on the night before he suffered, instituted the Sacrament of his Body and Blood: Mercifully grant that we may receive it thankfully in remembrance of Jesus Christ our Lord, who in these holy mysteries gives us a pledge of eternal life; and who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
(From "The Book of Common Prayer")

1 O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have set your glory above the heavens.
2 From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise
because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.
3 When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,
4 what is man that you are mindful of him,
the son of man that you care for him?
5 You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings
and crowned him with glory and honor.
Psalm 92 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Deuteronomy 31:30-32:14 – Romans 14:13-23 – Luke 8:40-56

Almighty God, we bless and praise you that we have wakened to the light of another earthly day; and now we will think of what a day should be.Our days are yours; let them be spent for you. Our days are few, let them be spent with care. We pray you to shine on this day—the day which we may call our own.Lord, we go to our daily work; help us to take pleasure therein. Show us clearly what our duty is; help us to be faithful in doing it. Let all we do be well done, fit for your eye to see. Give us strength to do, patience to bear; let our courage never fail.When we cannot love our work, let us think of it as your task; and by our true love to you, make unlovely things shine in the light of your great love. Amen.

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):
Jeremiah 33:1-13 – Romans 14:1-12 – Luke 8:26-39

ALMIGHTY God, who alone gave us the breath of life, and alone can keep alive in us the holy desires that you impart; we beseech you, for your compassion's sake, to sanctify all our thoughts and endeavors; that we may neither begin an action without a pure intention nor continue it without your blessing. And grant that, having the eyes of the mind opened to behold things invisible and unseen, we may in heart be inspired by your wisdom, and in work be upheld by your strength, and in the end be accepted of you as your faithful servants; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.1928 Book of Common Prayer

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.
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.
Psalm 9 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Jeremiah 32:36-44 – Romans 13:1-14 – Luke 8:16-25

Father,
I wait patiently for You.
Thank You for helping me wait for the right timing. I understand that there is a perfect timing for me. You are orchestrating wonderful outcomes behind the curtain of time's mystery. In all my affairs, there is a season, and I allow Your patience to flow into my life. Help me, Lord, to release my controlling need to know and to rest patiently in the mystery of Your will, waiting for the right time. Amen.
(From "Everyday Prayers for Everyday Cares")

15 The eyes of all look to you,
and you give them their food at the proper time.
16 You open your hand
and satisfy the desires of every living thing.
17 The LORD is righteous in all his ways
and loving toward all he has made.
18 The LORD is near to all who call on him,
to all who call on him in truth.
19 He fulfills the desires of those who fear him;
he hears their cry and saves them.
20 The LORD watches over all who love him,
but all the wicked he will destroy.
21 My mouth will speak in praise of the LORD.
Let every creature praise his holy name for ever and ever.
Psalm 145 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Jeremiah 32:1-15 – Colossians 3:18-4:18 – Luke 7:36-50

Dame Julian of Norwich - (Click on link to follow)

Lord God, who in your compassion granted to the Lady Julian many revelations of your nurturing and sustaining love: Move our hearts, like hers, to seek you above all things, for in giving us yourself you give us all; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

5 For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling;
he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock.
6 Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me;
at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make music to the LORD.
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 because of my oppressors.
Psalm 27 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Jeremiah 31:15-22 – Colossians 3:1-11 – Luke 7:1-17

O GRACIOUS Father, who opens your hand and fills all things living with plenteousness; We ask of your infinite goodness to hear us, who now make our prayers and supplications unto you. Remember not our sins, but your promises of mercy. Pledge to bless the lands and multiply the harvests of the world. Let your breath go forth that it may renew the face of the earth. Show your loving-kindness, that our land may give her increase; and so fill us with good things that the poor and needy may give thanks unto your Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen. 1928 Book of Common Prayer

1 Praise the LORD.
Praise, O servants of the LORD,
praise the name of the LORD.
2 Let the name of the LORD be praised,
both now and forevermore.
3 From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets,
the name of the LORD is to be praised.
4 The LORD is exalted over all the nations,
his glory above the heavens.
5 Who is like the LORD our God,
the One who sits enthroned on high,
6 who stoops down to look
on the heavens and the earth?
Psalm 113 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Jeremiah 31:1-14 – Colossians 2:8-23 – Luke 6:39-49

Father, I depend on Your wisdom and guidance. I make my plans and do the best I can, but I cannot plan for every contingency. In the end, it is character as much as strength that counts in any situation. I seek Your wisdom and ask You to help me choose lasting priorities. Show me where I need to improve even as You comfort me with Your love. Guide me, Lord, for I look to You. Amen.(From "Everyday Prayers for Everyday Cares")

8 The LORD is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger and rich in love.
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.
Psalm 145 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Jeremiah 30:1-9 – Colossians 1:1-14 – Luke 6:1-11

St. Philip and St James, Apostles (click to follow link)

Almighty God, who gave to your apostles Philip and James grace and strength to bear witness to the truth: Grant that we, being mindful of their victory of faith, may glorify in life and death the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

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]
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):
Daniel 6:1-15 – 2 John 1-15 – Luke 5:27-39