The Visitation

Almighty God, in choosing the virgin Mary to be the mother of your Son, you made known your gracious regard for the poor, the lowly, and the despised and you inspired her to visit Elizabeth and assist her in her need: Grant us grace to receive your word in humility, and so to be made one with your Son, Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

1 Praise the Lord!
Praise, O servants of the Lord; praise the name of the Lord.
2 Blessed be the name of the Lord
from this time on and for evermore.
3 From the rising of the sun to its setting
the name of the Lord is to be praised.
4 The Lord is high above all nations,
and his glory above the heavens.
5 Who is like the Lord our God, who is seated on high,
6 who looks far down on the heavens and the earth?
7 He raises the poor from the dust,
and lifts the needy from the ash heap,
8 to make them sit with princes, with the princes of his people.
9 He gives the barren woman a home,
making her the joyous mother of children.
Praise the Lord!
Psalm 113 New Revised Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading)
Ecclesiastes 2:1-15 - Galatians 1:1-17 - Matthew 13:44-52

Sheltering God, thank you for the cover of your holy wings. You have been my protector from the day of my birth, and I am grateful. You see my needs and provide blessing upon blessing. Forgive me when I take for granted all that you do on my behalf. Keep watch over me and those I love. : through Jesus Christ our Lord who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, Now and forever. Amen
(From "Daily Texts")

19 O how abundant is your goodness
that you have laid up for those who fear you,
and accomplished for those who take refuge in you,
in the sight of everyone!
20 In the shelter of your presence you hide them
from human plots;
you hold them safe under your shelter
from contentious tongues.
21 Blessed be the Lord,
for he has wondrously shown his steadfast love to me
when I was beset as a city under siege.
22 I had said in my alarm,
‘I am driven far* from your sight.’
But you heard my supplications
when I cried out to you for help.
23Love the Lord, all you his saints.
The Lord preserves the faithful,
but abundantly repays the one who acts haughtily.
24Be strong, and let your heart take courage,
all you who wait for the Lord.
Psalm 31 New Revised Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading)
Proverbs 23:19-21, 23:29-24:2 - 1 Timothy 5:17-25 - Matthew 13:31-35

John Calvin, Renewer of the Church, 1564

Lord, You have brought us together, sons and daughters all, and made us into one family, teaching every one of us to love our brothers and sisters in Christ. We are Your Church. We are different in many ways: rich and poor, black and white, male and female. Some of us lead and some follow, each according to the talents You have given us and the needs of the community. In many ways we are more different than we are alike, yet Your love for us knows no human boundaries. We are family. We are Your Church. Amen.
(From "Prayers & Promises")

1Happy are those whose way is blameless,
who walk in the law of the Lord.
2Happy are those who keep his decrees,
who seek him with their whole heart,
3who also do no wrong,
but walk in his ways.
4You have commanded your precepts
to be kept diligently.
5O that my ways may be steadfast
in keeping your statutes!
6Then I shall not be put to shame,
having my eyes fixed on all your commandments.
Psalm 119 New Revised Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading)
Proverbs 21:30-22:6 - 1 Timothy 4:1-16 - Matthew 13:24-30

Augustine, First Archbishop of Canterbury, 605 (click to follow link)

O Lord our God, who by your Son Jesus Christ called your apostles and sent them forth to preach the Gospel to the nations: We bless your holy name for your servant Augustine, first Archbishop of Canterbury, whose labors in propagating your Church among the English people we commemorate today; and we pray that all whom you call and send may do your will, and bide your time, and see your glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.(Book of Common Prayer)

1 Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth;
2 sing the glory of his name;
give to him glorious praise.
3Say to God, ‘How awesome are your deeds!
Because of your great power, your enemies cringe before you.
4All the earth worships you;
they sing praises to you,
sing praises to your name.’
5Come and see what God has done:
he is awesome in his deeds among mortals.
6He turned the sea into dry land;
they passed through the river on foot.
There we rejoiced in him,
Psalm 66 New Revised Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading)
Proverbs 17:1-20 - 1 Timothy 3:1-16 - Matthew 12:43-50

Bede the Venerable, 735

Heavenly Father, who called your servant Bede, while still a child, to devote his life to your service in the disciplines of religion and scholarship: Grant that as he labored in the Spirit to bring the riches of your truth to his generation, so we, in our various vocations, may strive to make you known in all the world; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

1Give ear, O my people, to my teaching;
incline your ears to the words of my mouth.
2I will open my mouth in a parable;
I will utter dark sayings from of old,
3things that we have heard and known,
that our ancestors have told us.
4We will not hide them from their children;
we will tell to the coming generation
the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might,
and the wonders that he has done.
Psalm 78 New Revised Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading)
Proverbs 15:16-33 - 1 Timothy 1:18-2:8 - Matthew 12:33-42

Lord of all creation, seen and unseen, praise and thanks to you for the whole universe. Your powerful and outpouring love keeps all in existence. Forgive me for taking life for granted. Let me be ready to share my awe and joy with someone else today. Amen.
(From "Daily Texts")

1To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
2O my God, in you I trust;
do not let me be put to shame;
do not let my enemies exult over me.
3Do not let those who wait for you be put to shame;
let them be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.
4Make me to know your ways, O Lord;
teach me your paths.
5Lead me in your truth, and teach me,
for you are the God of my salvation;
for you I wait all day long.
6Be mindful of your mercy, O Lord, and of your steadfast love,
for they have been from of old.
Psalm 25 New Revised Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading)
Proverbs 10:1-12 - 1 Timothy 1:1-17 - Matthew 12:22-32

John Eliot, Missionary to the Native Americans, 1690

Almighty and everlasting God, we thank you for your devout and earnest servant John Eliot, whom you called to preach the Gospel to the native peoples of North America. Raise up in this and every land evangelists and heralds of your kingdom, that your Church may proclaim the unsearchable riches of our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
Book of Common Prayer & Lutheran Book of Worship

8As we have heard, so have we seen
in the city of the Lord of hosts,
in the city of our God,
which God establishes for ever.
9We ponder your steadfast love, O God,
in the midst of your temple.
10Your name, O God, like your praise,
reaches to the ends of the earth.
Your right hand is filled with victory.
11 Let Mount Zion be glad,
let the towns* of Judah rejoice
Psalm 37 New Revised Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading)
Jeremiah 31:27-34 - Ephesians 5:1-20 - Matthew 9:9-17

Alcuin, Deacon, Abbot of Tours, 804

Almighty God, who in a rude and barbarous age raised up your Deacon Alcuin to rekindle the light of learning: Illumine our minds, we pray, that amid the uncertainties and confusions of our own time we may show forth your eternal truth, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
(From Lesser Feasts and Fasts)

3Trust in the Lord, and do good;
so you will live in the land, and enjoy security.
4Take delight in the Lord,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.
5Commit your way to the Lord;
trust in him, and he will act.
6He will make your vindication shine like the light,
and the justice of your cause like the noonday.
32The wicked watch for the righteous,
and seek to kill them.
33The Lord will not abandon them to their power,
or let them be condemned when they are brought to trial.
Psalm 37 New Revised Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading)
Zechariah 4:1-14 - Ephesians 4:17-32 - Matthew 9:1-8

Dunstan of Canterbury

O God of truth and beauty, who richly endowed your bishop Dunstan with skill in music and the working of metals, and with gifts of administration and reforming zeal: Teach us, we pray, to see in you the source of all our talents, and move us to offer them for the adornment of worship and the advancement of true religion; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

6They stir up strife, they lurk,
they watch my steps.
As they hoped to have my life,
7 so repay* them for their crime;
in wrath cast down the peoples, O God!
8You have kept count of my tossings;
put my tears in your bottle.
Are they not in your record?
9Then my enemies will retreat
on the day when I call.
This I know, that* God is for me.
10In God, whose word I praise,
in the Lord, whose word I praise,
11in God I trust; I am not afraid.
What can a mere mortal do to me?
Psalm 57 New Revised Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading)
Isaiah 4:2-6 - Ephesians 4:1-16 - Matthew 8:28-34

Erik, King of Sweden, Martyr

O God, who called your servant Erik of Sweden to an earthly Throne that he might advance your heavenly kingdom, and gave him zeal for your Church and love for your people: Mercifully grant that we who commemorate him this day may be fruitful in good works, and attain to the glorious crown of your saints; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

1I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart;
I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.
2I will be glad and exult in you;
I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.
3When my enemies turned back,
they stumbled and perished before you.
4For you have maintained my just cause;
you have sat on the throne giving righteous judgement.
5You have rebuked the nations, you have destroyed the wicked;
you have blotted out their name for ever and ever.
6The enemies have vanished in everlasting ruins;
their cities you have rooted out;
the very memory of them has perished.
7But the Lord sits enthroned for ever,
he has established his throne for judgement.
Psalm 9 New Revised Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading)
1 Samuel 16:1-13 - Ephesians 3:14-21 - Matthew 8:18-27

I know, Lord, I'm not the only Christian with spiritual gifts. You give them to each believer, and I need to recognize and respect the gifts of my brothers and sisters. Give me discernment and help me appreciate others abilities so we can use them together for Your kingdom. I want to use my gifts to benefit my Christian family. Everything I do should benefit others, not just myself. So teach me how to use all You've given me to Your glory alone. Amen.
(From "Prayers & Promises")

1I will sing of your steadfast love, O Lord,* for ever;
with my mouth I will proclaim your faithfulness to all generations.
2I declare that your steadfast love is established for ever;
your faithfulness is as firm as the heavens.
3You said, ‘I have made a covenant with my chosen one,
I have sworn to my servant David:
4“I will establish your descendants for ever,
and build your throne for all generations.” ’
5Let the heavens praise your wonders, O Lord,
your faithfulness in the assembly of the holy ones.
6For who in the skies can be compared to the Lord?
Who among the heavenly beings is like the Lord,
Psalm 89 New Revised Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading)
Joshua 1:1-9 - Ephesians 3:1-13 - Matthew 8:5-17

O Lord, in Whom is our hope, remove far from us, we pray You, empty hopes and presumptuous confidence. Make our hearts so right with Thy most holy and loving heart, that hoping in You we may do good; until that day when faith and hope shall be abolished by sight and possession, and love shall be all in all.
- Christina G. Rossetti (1830-1895)

8 Let me hear what God the Lord will speak,
for he will speak peace to his people,
to his faithful, to those who turn to him in their hearts.*
9 Surely his salvation is at hand for those who fear him,
that his glory may dwell in our land.
10 Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet;
righteousness and peace will kiss each other.
11 Faithfulness will spring up from the ground,
and righteousness will look down from the sky.
12 The Lord will give what is good,
and our land will yield its increase.
13 Righteousness will go before him,
and will make a path for his steps
Psalm 85New Revised Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading)
1 Samuel 2:1-10 - Ephesians 2:1-10 - Matthew 7:22-27

Ascension Day

O 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. Amen.
Book of Divine Worship

1 O Lord, our Sovereign,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have set your glory above the heavens.
2 Out of the mouths of babes and infants
you have founded a bulwark because of your foes,
to silence the enemy and the avenger.
3 When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars that you have established;
4 what are human beings that you are mindful of them,
mortals* that you care for them?
5 Yet you have made them a little lower than God,*
and crowned them with glory and honor.
6 You have given them dominion over the works of your hands;
you have put all things under their feet,
Psalm 8 New Revised Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading)
Daniel 7:9-14 - Hebrews 2:5-18 - Matthew 28:16-20

Eve of the Ascension

Father,
You give me common sense.
Thank You, Lord for giving me discernment so that I do not get caught up in foolish schemes or time-wasting crises. Thank You for protecting me from the follies of my own wishful thinking and grandiose imaginations. You are good to clear those out of the path so that I can follow the legitimate dreams You have placed in my heart and mind. I am grateful for Your presence in my life. Amen.
(From "Everyday Prayers for Everyday Cares")

105Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light to my path.
106I have sworn an oath and confirmed it,
to observe your righteous ordinances.
107I am severely afflicted;
give me life, O Lord, according to your word.
108Accept my offerings of praise, O Lord,
and teach me your ordinances.
109I hold my life in my hand continually,
but I do not forget your law.
110The wicked have laid a snare for me,
but I do not stray from your precepts.
Psalm 119 New Revised Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading)
Leviticus 26:27-42 - Ephesians 1:1-10 - Matthew 22:41-46

Heavenly Father,
Teach me to obey. I want to follow Your way, even when I may not understand why You're taking me through certain situations. Thank You for the authorities in my life. Please remind me that in obeying them, I am obeying You. Amen.
(From the "Light for My Path" series)

35 They remembered that God was their rock,
the Most High God their redeemer.
36 But they flattered him with their mouths;
they lied to him with their tongues.
37 Their heart was not steadfast towards him;
they were not true to his covenant.
38 Yet he, being compassionate,
forgave their iniquity,
and did not destroy them;
often he restrained his anger,
and did not stir up all his wrath.
39 He remembered that they were but flesh,
a wind that passes and does not come again.
Psalm 78 New Revised Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading)
Leviticus 26:1-20 - 1 Timothy 2:1-6 - Matthew 13:18-23

O God, the maker of the universe, by Whose command the course of the world proceeds; be present, in your goodness, to our prayers, and allow in our time the tranquility of peace; that we may with unceasing exultation rejoice in giving praise to your mercy; through Jesus Christ our Lord.(Gelasian Sacramentary)

14 Turn again, O God of hosts; look down from heaven, and see; have regard for this vine, 15 the stock that your right hand planted.* 16 They have burned it with fire, they have cut it down;* may they perish at the rebuke of your countenance. 17 But let your hand be upon the one at your right hand, the one whom you made strong for yourself. 18 Then we will never turn back from you; give us life, and we will call on your name.
19 Restore us, O Lord God of hosts; let your face shine, that we may be saved.
Psalm 106 New Revised Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading)
Leviticus 25:35-55 - Colossians 1:9-14 - Matthew 13:1-16

Govern everything by your wisdom, O Lord, so that my soul may always be serving you
in the way you will
and not as I choose.
Let me die to myself so that I may serve you;
let me live to you who are life itself.
Amen.
- St. Teresa of Avila

1Praise the Lord!
O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
for his steadfast love endures for ever.
2Who can utter the mighty doings of the Lord,
or declare all his praise?
3Happy are those who observe justice,
who do righteousness at all times.
4Remember me, O Lord, when you show favor to your people;
help me when you deliver them;
5that I may see the prosperity of your chosen ones,
that I may rejoice in the gladness of your nation,
that I may glory in your heritage.
Psalm 106 New Revised Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading)
Leviticus 23:1-22 - 2 Thessalonians 2:1-17 - Matthew 7:1-12

O Almighty God, the Father of all humanity, turn, we pray, the hearts of all peoples and their rulers, that by the power of your Holy Spirit peace may be established among the nations on the foundation of justice, righteousness and truth; through him who was lifted up on the cross
to draw all people to himself, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
--- William Temple (1881-1944)

12 O God, do not be far from me;
O my God, make haste to help me!
13 Let my accusers be put to shame and consumed;
let those who seek to hurt me
be covered with scorn and disgrace.
14 But I will hope continually,
and will praise you yet more and more.
15 My mouth will tell of your righteous acts,
of your deeds of salvation all day long,
though their number is past my knowledge.
16 I will come praising the mighty deeds of the Lord God,
I will praise your righteousness, yours alone.
17 O God, from my youth you have taught me,
and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds.
Psalm 71 New Revised Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading)
Leviticus 19:26-37 - 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12 - Matthew 6:25-34

Surround me with your light, Jesus, and penetrate the very depths of my being with that light. Let there remain no areas of darkness in me or in my family members, but transform our whole being with the healing light of your love. Open me completely to receive your love, Jesus. Thank you for being our family healer and my personal healer.
- Author Unknown

73 Your hands have made and fashioned me;
give me understanding that I may learn your commandments.
74 Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice,
because I have hoped in your word.
75 I know, O Lord, that your judgments are right,
and that in faithfulness you have humbled me.
76 Let your steadfast love become my comfort
according to your promise to your servant.
77 Let your mercy come to me, that I may live;
for your law is my delight.
78 Let the arrogant be put to shame,
because they have subverted me with guile;
as for me, I will meditate on your precepts.
Psalm 119 New Revised Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading)
Leviticus 19:1-18 - 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28 - Matthew 6:19-24

Monica, Mother of St Augustine

God of mercy, comfort of those in sorrow, the tears of St. Monica moved you to convert her son St. Augustine to the faith of Christ. By their examples, help us to turn from our sins and to find your loving forgiveness. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. + Amen.

12 The Lord has been mindful of us; he will bless us;
he will bless the house of Israel;
he will bless the house of Aaron;
13 he will bless those who fear the Lord,
both small and great.
14 May the Lord give you increase,
both you and your children.
15 May you be blessed by the Lord,
who made heaven and earth.
16 The heavens are the Lord’s heavens,
but the earth he has given to human beings.
17 The dead do not praise the Lord,
nor do any that go down into silence.
18 But we will bless the Lord
from this time on and for evermore.
Praise the Lord!
Psalm 115 New Revised Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading)
Leviticus 16:20-34 - 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 - Matthew 6:7-15

Lord God,you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown.Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go, but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Lutheran Book of Worship

8 You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle.
Are they not in your record?
9 Then my enemies will retreat on the day when I call.
This I know, that God is for me.
10 In God, whose word I praise,
in the Lord, whose word I praise,
11 in God I trust; I am not afraid.
What can a mere mortal do to me?
12 My vows to you I must perform, O God;
I will render thank-offerings to you.
13 For you have delivered my soul from death, and my feet from falling,
so that I may walk before God in the light of life.
Psalm 56 New Revised Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading)
Leviticus 16:1-19 - 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 - Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18