– Jerome, Translator and Teacher

O Lord, O God of truth, whose Word is a lantern to our feet and a light upon our path: We give you thanks for your servant Jerome, and those who, following in his steps, have labored to render the Holy Scriptures in the language of the people; and we pray that your Holy Spirit will overshadow us as we read the written Word, and that Christ, the living Word, will transform us according to your righteous will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

1 How long, O LORD ? Will you forget me forever?
How long will you hide your face from me?
2 How long must I wrestle with my thoughts
and every day have sorrow in my heart?
How long will my enemy triumph over me?
3 Look on me and answer, O LORD my God.
Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death;
4 my enemy will say, "I have overcome him,"
and my foes will rejoice when I fall.
5 But I trust in your unfailing love;
my heart rejoices in your salvation.
6 I will sing to the LORD,
for he has been good to me.
Psalm 13 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
1 Kings 13:1-10 – Philippians 1:12-30 – Mark 16:1-20

St. Michael and All Angels

Everlasting God, who have ordained and constituted in a wonderful order the ministries of angels and mortals: Mercifully grant that, as your holy angels always serve and worship you in heaven, so by your appointment they may help and defend us here on earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
(Lutheran Book of Worship / Book of Common Prayer)

17 But from everlasting to everlasting
the LORD's love is with those who fear him,
and his righteousness with their children's children-
18 with those who keep his covenant
and remember to obey his precepts.
19 The LORD has established his throne in heaven,
and his kingdom rules over all.
20 Praise the LORD, you his angels,
you mighty ones who do his bidding,
who obey his word.
21 Praise the LORD, all his heavenly hosts,
you his servants who do his will.
22 Praise the LORD, all his works
everywhere in his dominion.
Praise the LORD, O my soul.
Psalm 103 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading)
1 Kings 13:1-10 – Philippians 1:1-11 - Mark 15:40-47

Father,
I find lessons of wisdom in Your creation.
Thank You, Lord, for the beautiful world You have created. When I find myself distracted and unsettled, help me to take in the wonders around me so I gain a new perspective. I will look at the leaves on the trees and marvel at the changing seasons. I will pluck a wild flower and praise You for the startling detail You place in everything You have created. The birds will remind me that I also have a song to sing. Thank You for the beauty and wisdom You have placed in the world. Amen.
(From "Everyday Prayers for Everyday Cares")

1 I lift up my eyes to you,
to you whose throne is in heaven.
2 As the eyes of slaves look to the hand of their master,
as the eyes of a maid look to the hand of her mistress,
so our eyes look to the LORD our God,
till he shows us his mercy.
3 Have mercy on us, O LORD, have mercy on us,
for we have endured much contempt.
4 We have endured much ridicule from the proud,
much contempt from the arrogant.
Psalm 123 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading)
1 Kings 13:1-10 – Philippians 1:1-11 - Mark 15:40-47

Father,
You are all I really need.
O Lord, there are so many things out there that promise success: books, speakers, and classes that promise me a successful outcome to my endeavors. Thank You for helping me to cut through the hype and take those things that help me to carry out Your vision for my life. And thank You for reminding me that all You ask is that I work hard and do my best for You. Amen.
(From "Everyday Prayers for Everyday Cares")

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 112 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading)
1 Kings 12:1-20 – James 4:13-5:6 - Mark 15:22-32

Whatever we accomplish as a church we accomplish through Your help, Lord. The work is too much for any one of us alone; the world's needs are far too great any one person to even make a good start. We would give up, but You urge us on. You take the little that we can do and magnify it into something wondrous. Through Your blessings, together we become blessings for others, one faltering step at a time.
Whenever I am tempted to throw up my hands in defeat remind me that You are always with me, holding me up until the work is done. I am part of Your Body, and together we plant the seeds; You will send the rain and ensure the harvest. Amen.
(From "Prayers & Promises")

1 As the deer longs for streams of water,
so I long for you, O God.
2 I thirst for God, the living God.
When can I go and stand before him?
3 Day and night I have only tears for food,
while my enemies continually taunt me, saying, “Where is this God of yours?”
4 My heart is breaking as I remember how it used to be:
I walked among the crowds of worshipers, leading a great procession to the house of God,
singing for joy and giving thanks amid the sound of a great celebration!
5 Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God!
I will praise him again— my Savior and 6 my God!
Psalm 42 New Living Translation

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading)
1 Kings 11:26-43 – James 3:13-4:12 - Mark 15:12-21

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 men, most richly blessed.
By: Henry Viscardi

1 Praise the LORD, all you servants of the LORD
who minister by night in the house of the LORD.
2 Lift up your hands in the sanctuary
and praise the LORD.
3 May the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth,
bless you from Zion.
Psalm 134 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading)
1 Kings 9:24-10:13 – James 3:1-12 – Mark 15:1-11

Justus Falckner, First Lutheran Pastor Ordained in North America

Most gracious God, we thank you for your servant Justus Falckner and all other ministers who have accompanied Christians travelling to distant, desolate, or perilous places, seeking to minister to those they accompanied and to those they met, sharing their hardships in the name of him who humbled himself to share ours, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

5 Blessed are those whose strength is in you,
who have set their hearts on pilgrimage.
6 As they pass through the Valley of Baca,
they make it a place of springs;
the autumn rains also cover it with pools.
7 They go from strength to strength,
till each appears before God in Zion.
8 Hear my prayer, O LORD God Almighty;
listen to me, O God of Jacob.
9 Look upon our shield, O God;
look with favor on your anointed one.
10 Better is one day in your courts
than a thousand elsewhere;
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
than dwell in the tents of the wicked.
Psalm 84 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading)
1 Kings 8:65-9:9 – James 2:14-26 – Mark 14:66-72

St Matthew, Apostle, Evangelist

God of mercy You chose a tax collector, Saint Matthew, to share the dignity of the apostles. Help us by his example readily to respond to the transforming call of your Son and to follow him. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
(Lutheran Book of Worship)

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)
2 Chronicles 6:32-7:7 – James 2:1-13 – Mark 14:53-65

– Dag Hammarskjold, Peacemaker

Almighty God, kindle, we pray, in every heart the true love of peace, and guide with your wisdom those who take counsel for the nations of the earth, that in tranquility your dominion may increase until the earth is filled with the knowledge of your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
(From, the Book of Common Prayer)

8 I will listen to what God the LORD will say;
he promises peace to his people, his saints—
but let them not return to folly.
9 Surely his salvation is near those who fear him,
that his glory may dwell in our land.
10 Love and faithfulness meet together;
righteousness and peace kiss each other.
11 Faithfulness springs forth from the earth,
and righteousness looks down from heaven.
12 The LORD will indeed give what is good,
and our land will yield its harvest.
13 Righteousness goes before him
and prepares the way for his steps.
Psalm 85 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading)
1 Kings 5:1- 6:1 – Acts 28:1-16 – Mark 14:27-42

– Hildegard of Bingen

O God, by whose grace your servant Hildegard, kindled with the fire of your love, became a burning and shining light in your Church: Grant that we also may be aflame with the spirit of love and discipline, and walk before you as children of light; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

25 There is the sea, vast and spacious, teeming with creatures beyond number—
living things both large and small.
26 There the ships go to and fro,
and the leviathan, which you formed to frolic there.
27 These all look to you
to give them their food at the proper time.
28 When you give it to them, they gather it up;
when you open your hand, they are satisfied with good things.
29 When you hide your face, they are terrified;
when you take away their breath, they die and return to the dust.
30 When you send your Spirit, they are created,
and you renew the face of the earth.
Psalm 104 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading)
1 Kings 3:16-28 – Acts 27:27-44 – Mark 14:12-26

– Cyprian, Bishop and Martyr at Carthage

Almighty God, who gave to your servant Cyprian boldness to Confess the Name of our Savior Jesus Christ before the rulers of this world, and courage to die for this faith: Grant that we may always be ready to give a reason for the hope that is in us, and to suffer gladly for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

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.
14 I will fulfill my vows to the LORD
in the presence of all his people.
15 Precious in the sight of the LORD
is the death of his saints.
16 O LORD, truly I am your servant;
I am your servant, the son of your maidservant ;
you have freed me from my chains.
17 I will sacrifice a thank offering to you
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)
1 Kings 3:1-15 – Acts 27:9-26 – Mark 14:1-11

Thank you, Lord, for hearing me in this hurried and harried world. May the faith and healing you provide not only heal my life, but ring true in my voice. Please help me be humble enough to listen, first to you and then to those who need to hear you through me, listening and caring in Christ's name. Amen.
(From "Daily Texts")

1 Unless the Lord builds a house,
the work of the builders is wasted.
Unless the Lord protects a city,
guarding it with sentries will do no good.
2 It is useless for you to work so hard
from early morning until late at night,
anxiously working for food to eat;
for God gives rest to his loved ones.
3 Children are a gift from the Lord;
they are a reward from him.
4 Children born to a young man
are like arrows in a warrior’s hands.
5 How joyful is the man whose quiver is full of them!
He will not be put to shame when he confronts his accusers at the city gates.
Psalm 127 New Living Translation

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading)
1 Kings 1:32-2:4 – Acts 26:24-27:8 – Mark 13:28-37

- Holy Cross Day

Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ was lifted high upon the cross that he might draw the whole world to himself: Mercifully grant that we, who glory in the mystery of our redemption, may have grace to take up our cross and follow him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting.

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)
1 Kings 1:1-31 – Acts 26:1-23 – Mark 13:14-27

Heavenly Father, we pray You to cradle our nation in Your arms as You did in its infancy. Only by living in the spirit of Your laws can we reach true liberty and maturity. Guide and foster leaders of integrity and righteousness with the vision and courage of our forefathers we pray You, to till the soil of our nation with true ecumenism and renewal that all people will find the freedom and happiness that exists only through Your grace.
Amen.

6 O LORD, I say to you, "You are my God."
Hear, O LORD, my cry for mercy.
7 O Sovereign LORD, my strong deliverer,
who shields my head in the day of battle-
8 do not grant the wicked their desires, O LORD;
do not let their plans succeed,
or they will become proud.
12 I know that the LORD secures justice for the poor
and upholds the cause of the needy.
13 Surely the righteous will praise your name
and the upright will live before you.
Psalm 140 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading)
2 Samuel 19:24-43 – Acts 24:24-25:12 – Mark 12:35-44

Father,
You are my Fulfillment.
I used to search for fulfillment. I was sure it could be found in earthly possessions, careers, friends, and family. Those things do provide a temporary sense of fulfillment. But nothing gives me lasting fulfillment like my relationship with You. Restore my patience to seek the highest good in my situation. Restore my courage to dream and my ability to persevere until my dreams come true. Amen.
(From "Everyday Prayers for Everyday Cares")

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.
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.
Psalm 27 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading)
2 Samuel 19:1-23 – Acts 24:1-23 – Mark 12:28-34

Peter Claver, Priest, Missionary

Father,
You help me understand the truth.
O Lord, I know so much of the truth in my head, but I realize that it must be translated to my heart. I don't want to be one of those people who can quote the Bible and build a good argument, yet lacks the embodiment of the truth in my life. No matter how good the words sound, it is nothing but noise unless love leads the way. Help me understand and apply truth so it reaches my heart. 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)
2 Samuel 18:19-33 – Acts 23:23-35 – Mark 12:13-27

For each new morning with its light,For rest and shelter of the night,For health and food,For love and friends,For everything Thy goodness sends.Father in heaven,We thank you.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

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)
2 Samuel 18:9-18 – Acts 23:12-24 – Mark 11:27-12:12

Almighty God, you have so linked our lives one with another that all we do affects, for good or ill, all other lives: So guide us in the work we do, that we may do it not for self alone, but for the common good; and, as we seek a proper return for our own labor, make us mindful of the rightful aspirations of other workers, and arouse our concern for those who are out of work; though Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
From: The Book of Common Prayer

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)
2 Samuel 17:34-18:8 – Acts 22:30-23:11 – Mark 11:12-26

Father,
I thank You.
My heart is overflowing with gratitude. You have blessed me in so many ways, and I am anxious to praise you wherever I go. Hymns of thanksgiving rise up in my heart, and I cannot keep from speaking them out loud. I find myself telling others how much You mean to me -- how much You have brought to my life. Thank You, Lord, for Your goodness, and receive my praise today. Amen.
(From "Everyday Prayers for Everyday Cares")

1 I cry aloud to the LORD;
I lift up my voice to the LORD for mercy.
2 I pour out my complaint before him;
before him I tell my trouble.
3 When my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who know my way.
In the path where I walk men have hidden a snare for me.
4 Look to my right and see; no one is concerned for me.
I have no refuge; no one cares for my life.
5 I cry to you, O LORD;
I say, "You are my refuge,
my portion in the land of the living."
Psalm 142 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading)
2 Samuel 15:19-37 – Acts 21:37-22:16 – Mark 10:46-52

Father,
Your wisdom is great and wonderful.
Lord, thank You for reminding me that I don't have all the answers, that I am a mere child in my understanding. And thank You for urging me to seek out Your wisdom, which is much greater and more mysterious than I can ever fathom. Though Your ways are above my ways, still You love to share Your wisdom with me. And I'm grateful. My ways can only leave me disappointed and unfulfilled, but Your ways will lead me to a truly happy life. Amen.
(From "Everyday Prayers for Everyday Cares")

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.
5 Save us and help us with your right hand,
that those you love may be delivered.
Psalm 60 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading)
2 Samuel 15:1-18 – Acts 21:27-36 – Mark 10:32-45

Lord God the creator of all thing, your Spirit moved over the face of the waters at the dawn of creation. You gather the seas into their places and direct the courses of the rivers.
We praise you for the gift of water
Now our land is dry and barren, thirsting for life-giving rain; send rain upon the earth so that it will bring forth life. May we use only the water we each need and let us take care of and give encouragement to all those whose livelihood depends on the produce of the land.
Amen
From the Rev. Joseph Grech,

1 Honor the Lord, you heavenly beings[a];
honor the Lord for his glory and strength.
2 Honor the Lord for the glory of his name.
Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness.
3 The voice of the Lord echoes above the sea.
The God of glory thunders.
The Lord thunders over the mighty sea.
4 The voice of the Lord is powerful;
the voice of the Lord is majestic.
5 The voice of the Lord splits the mighty cedars;
the Lord shatters the cedars of Lebanon.
11 The Lord gives his people strength.
The Lord blesses them with peace.
Psalm 29 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading)
2 Samuel 14:21-33 – Acts 21:15-26 – Mark 10:17-31

Father,
You lead me safely.
Today I have encountered a rocky place in my journey through life. Thank You for Your promise to lead me one step at a time, across difficult and dangerous terrain. Because I know that You are a kind Shepherd, I will trust You to guide my feet around this obstacle and on to green pastures where I can find rest and restoration for my soul. Amen.
(From "Everyday Prayers for Everyday Cares")

1 Vindicate me, O LORD, for I have led a blameless life;
I have trusted in the LORD without wavering.
2 Test me, O LORD, and try me,
examine my heart and my mind;
3 for your love is ever before me,
and I walk continually in your truth.
4 I do not sit with deceitful men,
nor do I consort with hypocrites;
5 I abhor the assembly of evildoers
and refuse to sit with the wicked.
6 I wash my hands in innocence,
and go about your altar, O LORD,
7 proclaiming aloud your praise
and telling of all your wonderful deeds
Psalm 26 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading)
2 Samuel 14:1-20 – Acts 21:1-14 – Mark 10:1-16