Reformation Day

Almighty God, gracious Lord, pour out your Holy Spirit upon your faithful people. Keep them steadfast in your Word, protect them in all temptations, defend them against all their enemies, and bestow on the Church your saving peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen
(LBW, ELW)

1 God is our refuge and strength,
   a very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
   though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam,
4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
    the holy habitation of the Most High.
5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;
   God will help her when morning dawns.
10 "Be still, and know that I am God.
   I will be exalted among the nations,
   I will be exalted in the earth!"
11 The LORD of hosts is with us;
   the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Psalm 46 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading)

Nehemiah 6:1-19 - Revelation 10:1-11 - Matthew 13:36-43

Simon and Jude

O God, we thank you for the glorious company of the apostles, and especially on this day for Simon and Jude; and we pray that, as they were faithful and zealous in their mission, so we may with ardent devotion make known the love and mercy of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen

89 Forever, O LORD, your word
     is firmly fixed in the heavens.
90 Your faithfulness endures to all generations;
     you have established the earth, and it stands fast.
91 By your appointment they stand this day,
     for all things are your servants.
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 given me life.
94 I am yours; save me,
     for I have sought your precepts.
Psalm 119 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading)

Nehemiah 2:1-20 - Revelation 6:12-7:4 - Matthew 13:24-30

Heavenly Father, in whom we live and move and have our being: We humbly pray you so to guide and govern us by your Holy Spirit, that in all the cares and occupations of our life we may not forget you, but may remember that we are ever walking in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
The Gelasian Sacramentary

1 The LORD reigns, let the earth rejoice;
   let the many coastlands be glad!
2 Clouds and thick darkness are all around him;
   righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.
8 Zion hears and is glad,
   and the daughters of Judah rejoice,
   because of your judgments, O LORD.
9 For you, O LORD, are most high over all the earth;
   you are exalted far above all gods.
10 O you who love the LORD, hate evil!
   He preserves the lives of his saints;
   he delivers them from the hand of the wicked.
11 Light is sown for the righteous,
   and joy for the upright in heart.
12 Rejoice in the LORD, O you righteous,
   and give thanks to his holy name!
Psalm 97 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading)

Nehemiah 1:1-11 - Revelation 5:11-6:11 - Matthew 13:18-23

Alfred the Great

O Sovereign Lord, who brought your servant Alfred to a troubled throne that he might establish peace in a ravaged land and revive learning and the arts among the people: Awake in us also a keen desire to increase our understanding while we are in this world, and an eager longing to reach that endless life where all will be made clear; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen
(Lesser Feasts and Fasts)

1 O LORD, in your strength the king rejoices,
   and in your salvation how greatly he exults!
2 You have given him his heart’s desire
   and have not withheld the request of his lips.
3 For you meet him with rich blessings;
   you set a crown of fine gold upon his head.
4 He asked life of you; you gave it to him,
   length of days forever and ever.
5 His glory is great through your salvation;
   splendor and majesty you bestow on him.
6 For you make him most blessed forever;
   you make him glad with the joy of your presence.
7 For the king trusts in the LORD,
   and through the steadfast love of the Most High he shall not be moved.
Psalm 21 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading)

Ezra 6:1-22 - Revelation 5:1-10 - Matthew 13:10-17

Almighty and everlasting God, increase in us the gifts of faith, hope, and charity; and, that we may obtain what you promise, make us love what you command; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.


1 Clap your hands, all peoples!
   Shout to God with loud songs of joy!
2 For the LORD, the Most High, is to be feared,
   a great king over all the earth.
3 He subdued peoples under us,
   and nations under our feet.
4 He chose our heritage for us,
   the pride of Jacob whom he loves.
5 God has gone up with a shout,
   the LORD with the sound of a trumpet.
6 Sing praises to God, sing praises!
   Sing praises to our King, sing praises!
7 For God is the King of all the earth;
   sing praises with a psalm!
Psalm 47 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading)

Ezra 5:1-17 - Revelation 4:1-11 - Matthew 13:1-9

James of Jerusalem

Grant, O God, that following the example of your servant James the Just, brother of our Lord, your Church may give itself continually to prayer and to the reconciliation of all who are at variance and enmity; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and ever.

1 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
   nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
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
   that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither.
   In all that he does, he prospers.
4 The wicked are not so,
   but are like chaff that the wind drives away.
5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
   nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;
6 for the LORD knows the way of the righteous,
   but the way of the wicked will perish.
Psalm 1 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading)
Zechariah 1:7-17 - Revelation 1:4-20 - Matthew 12:43-50

Father, I see the wonder of Your creation in all of its complexity, and I bow before You in humble adoration. When I study the world You have created, I cannot but admire how the complex parts work together as a simple whole.
When I read the Bible and study Your Word, it is at first a complex story that spans the ages. But then I see Your guiding hand behind the events that brought Jesus into this world, and I see how His death and resurrection give salvation to those who simply accept You by faith. I admire and honor You for giving me a simple salvation plan, one that I can comprehend. Amen.
(From "Prayers and Promises")

7 Praise the LORD from the earth,
   you great sea creatures and all deeps,
8 fire and hail, snow and mist,
   stormy wind fulfilling his word!
9 Mountains and all hills,
   fruit trees and all cedars!
10 Beasts and all livestock,
   creeping things and flying birds!
11 Kings of the earth and all peoples,
   princes and all rulers of the earth!
12 Young men and maidens together,
   old men and children!
13 Let them praise the name of the LORD,
   for his name alone is exalted;
   his majesty is above earth and heaven.
Psalm 148 – New Revised Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading)

Ezra 3:1-13 - 1 Corinthians 16:10-24 - Matthew 12:22-32

O my Divine Savior, transform me into yourself. May my hands be the hands of Jesus. May my tongue be the tongue of Jesus. Grant that every faculty of my body may serve only to glorify you.Above all, transform my soul and all its powers, that my memory, my will and my affections may be the memory, the will and the affections of Jesus. I pray you to destroy in me all that is not you. Grant that I may live but in you and for you, and that I may truly say with St. Paul: "I live, now not I, but Christ lives in me"
(John Gabriel Perboyre)

1 Do not fret because of the wicked;
   do not be envious of wrongdoers,
2 for they will soon fade like the grass,
   and wither like the green herb.
3 Trust in the Lord, and do good;
   so you will live in the land, and enjoy security.
4 Take delight in the Lord,
   and he will give you the desires of your heart.
5 Commit your way to the Lord;
   trust in him, and he will act.
6 He will make your vindication shine like the light,
   and the justice of your cause like the noonday.
Psalm 37 – New Revised Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading)

Ezra 1:1-11 - 1 Corinthians 16:1-9 - Matthew 12:15-21

Almighty and everlasting God, in Christ you have revealed your glory among the nations: Preserve the works of your mercy, that your Church throughout the world may persevere with steadfast faith in the confession of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.


1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures.
   He leads me beside still waters.
3 He restores my soul.
   He leads me in paths of righteousness
   for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
   I will fear no evil, for you are with me;
   your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
   you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
   all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD
   forever.
Psalm 23 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading)
Lamentations 2:8-15 - 1 Corinthians 15:51-58  - Matthew 12:1-14

St Luke, Evangelist

Almighty God, who inspired your servant Luke the physician to declare in the Gospel the love and healing power of your Son: Graciously continue in your Church the same love and power to heal, to the praise and glory of your Name; through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen
(Book of Common Prayer LBW, ELW)

1 Praise the LORD! For it is good to sing praises to our God;
   for it is pleasant, and a song of praise is fitting.
2 The LORD builds up Jerusalem;
   he gathers the outcasts of Israel.
3 He heals the brokenhearted
   and binds up their wounds.
4 He determines the number of the stars;
   he gives to all of them their names.
5 Great is our Lord, and abundant in power;
   his understanding is beyond measure.
6 The LORD lifts up the humble;
   he casts the wicked to the ground.
Psalm 147 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading)

Lamentations 1:1-12 - 1 Corinthians 15:41-50 - Matthew 11:25-30

Ignatius, Bishop of Antioch, Martyr

Almighty God, we praise you for your bishop and martyr Ignatius of Antioch, who offered himself as grain to be ground by the teeth of wild beasts that he might present to you the pure bread of sacrifice. Accept the willing tribute of our lives, and give us a share in the pure and spotless offering of your Son Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen
(Lesser Feasts and Fasts)

1 I love the LORD, because he has heard
   my voice and my pleas for mercy.
2 Because he inclined his ear to me,
   therefore I will call on him as long as I live.
3 The snares of death encompassed me;
   the pangs of Sheol laid hold on me;
   I suffered distress and anguish.
4 Then I called on the name of the LORD:
   "O LORD, I pray, deliver my soul!"
5 Gracious is the LORD, and righteous;
   our God is merciful.
6 The LORD preserves the simple;
   when I was brought low, he saved me.
7 Return, O my soul, to your rest;
   for the LORD has dealt bountifully with you.
Psalm 116 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading)

Jeremiah 44:1-14 - 1 Corinthians 15:30-41 - Matthew 11:16-24

O God, my Father, how often I dishonor you by supposing that I may find joy and contentment in the world, apart from you!
Show me again the field where lies hidden the treasure of immense worth. Counsel me to trade all my worthless baubles for the matchless pearl of great price. Bring to my mind the rust and moths and subtle thieves who steal away all earthly delights. Lead me to Christ, my eternal treasure!

1 Protect me, O God, for in you I take refuge.
2 I say to the Lord, ‘You are my Lord;
   I have no good apart from you.’
3 As for the holy ones in the land, they are the noble,
   in whom is all my delight.
4 Those who choose another god multiply their sorrows;
   their drink-offerings of blood I will not pour out
   or take their names upon my lips.
5 The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup;
   you hold my lot.
6 The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
   I have a goodly heritage.
Psalm 16 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading)
Jeremiah 38:14-28 - 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 - Matthew 11:1-6

Elizabeth Fry, Renewer of Society

O God, your Son came among us to serve and not to be served, and to give life his life for the life of the world. Lead us by his love to serve all those to whom the world offers no comfort and little help. Through us give hope to the hopeless, love to the unloved, peace to the troubled, and rest to the weary, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, one God, now and forever. Amen.
(Evangelical Lutheran Worship)

9 He who planted the ear, does he not hear?
   He who formed the eye, does he not see?
10 He who disciplines the nations, does he not rebuke?
    He who teaches man knowledge—
11 the LORD—knows the thoughts of man,
     that they are but a breath.
12 Blessed is the man whom you discipline, O LORD,
     and whom you teach out of your law,
13 to give him rest from days of trouble,
     until a pit is dug for the wicked.
14 For the LORD will not forsake his people;
     he will not abandon his heritage;
Psalm 94 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading)

Jeremiah 38:1-13 - 1 Corinthians 14:26-33,37-40 - Matthew 10:34-42

We give you thanks, most gracious God, for the beauty of earth and sky and sea; for the richness of mountains, plains, and rivers; for the songs of birds and the loveliness of flowers. We praise you for these good gifts, and pray that we may safeguard them for our posterity. Grant that we may continue to grow in our grateful enjoyment of your abundant creation, to the honor and glory of your Name, now and for ever. Amen.


1 Blessed are those whose way is blameless,
   who walk in the law of the LORD!
2 Blessed are those who keep his testimonies,
   who seek him with their whole heart,
3 who also do no wrong,
   but walk in his ways!
4 You have commanded your precepts
   to be kept diligently.
5 Oh that my ways may be steadfast
   in keeping your statutes!
6 Then I shall not be put to shame,
   having my eyes fixed on all your commandments.
7 I will praise you with an upright heart,
   when I learn your righteous rules.
Psalm 119 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading)

Jeremiah 37:3-12 - 1 Corinthians 14:13-25 - Matthew 10:24-33

Philip, Deacon and Evangelist

Holy God, no one is excluded from your love; and your truth transforms the minds of all who seek you: As your servant Philip was led to embrace the fullness of your salvation and to bring the stranger to Baptism, so give us all the grace to be heralds of the Gospel, proclaiming your love in Jesus Christ our Savior, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

1 May God be gracious to us and bless us
   and make his face to shine upon us,
2 that your way may be known on earth,
   your saving power among all nations.
3 Let the peoples praise you, O God;
   let all the peoples praise you!
4 Let the nations be glad and sing for joy,
   for you judge the peoples with equity
   and guide the nations upon earth.
5 Let the peoples praise you, O God;
   let all the peoples praise you!
6 The earth has yielded its increase;
   God, our God, shall bless us.
Psalm 67 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading)

Jeremiah 36:27-37:2  - 1 Corinthians 14:1-12 - Matthew 10:16-23

Lord, we pray that your grace may always precede and follow us, that we may continually be given to good works; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.


5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens!
   Let your glory be over all the earth!
6 They set a net for my steps; my soul was bowed down.
   They dug a pit in my way, but they have fallen into it themselves.
7 My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast!
   I will sing and make melody!
8 Awake, my glory! Awake, O harp and lyre!
   I will awake the dawn!
9 I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples;
   I will sing praises to you among the nations.
10 For your steadfast love is great to the heavens,
   your faithfulness to the clouds.
Psalm 57 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading)

Jeremiah 36:11-26 - 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 - Matthew 10:5-15

Henry Melchior Muhlenberg

Loving God, Shepherd of your people, we thank you for the ministry of Henry Melchior Muhlenberg, who left his native land to care for the German and Scandinavian pioneers in North America; and we pray that, following the teaching and example of his life, we may grow into the full stature of Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

1 How lovely is your dwelling place,
   O LORD of hosts!
2 My soul longs, yes, faints
   for the courts of the LORD;
   my heart and flesh sing for joy
   to the living God.
3 Even the sparrow finds a home,
   and the swallow a nest for herself,
   where she may lay her young,
   at your altars, O LORD of hosts,
   my King and my God.
4 Blessed are those who dwell in your house,
   ever singing your praise!
5 Blessed are those whose strength is in you,
   in whose heart are the highways to Zion.
Psalm 84 – New Living Translation

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading)

2 Kings 23:36-24:17 - 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 - Matthew 9:27-34

William Tyndale

Almighty God, you planted in the heart of your servants William Tyndale a consuming passion to bring the Scriptures to people in their native tongue, and endowed them with the gift of powerful and graceful expression and with strength to persevere against all obstacles: Reveal to us your saving Word, as we read and study the Scriptures, and hear them calling us to repentance and life; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

1 Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked,
   or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers.
2 But they delight in the law of the Lord,
   meditating on it day and night.
3 They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season.
   Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.
4 But not the wicked!
   They are like worthless chaff, scattered by the wind.
5 They will be condemned at the time of judgment.
   Sinners will have no place among the godly.
6 For the Lord watches over the path of the godly,
   but the path of the wicked leads to destruction.
Psalm 1 – New Living Translation

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading)
2 Kings 23:4-25 - 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 - Matthew 9:18-26

Jesus, You were never unfaithful. You were never rushed. You gladly took time with people. They were Your agenda.
Jesus, in my thinking, in my speaking, in the decisions I make, in my reactions to others, when I am inconvenienced, when I am under pressure, flavor my life with Your love. Keep me in You, and at peace in You. Jesus, flavor my life with Your love. Amen.
(From "Simple Prayers" by Ken Bible)

145 With my whole heart I cry; answer me, O Lord.
        I will keep your statutes.
146 I cry to you; save me,
       that I may observe your decrees.
147 I rise before dawn and cry for help;
       I put my hope in your words.
148 My eyes are awake before each watch of the night,
       that I may meditate on your promise.
149 In your steadfast love hear my voice;
       O Lord, in your justice preserve my life.
150 Those who persecute me with evil purpose draw near;
        they are far from your law.
151 Yet you are near, O Lord,
       and all your commandments are true.
152 Long ago I learned from your decrees
       that you have established them for ever.
Psalm 119 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading)

2 Kings 22:14-23:3 - 1 Corinthians 11:23-34 - Matthew 9:9-17

Almighty and everlasting God, you are always more ready to hear than we to pray, and to give more than we either desire or deserve: Pour upon us the abundance of your mercy, forgiving us those things of which our conscience is afraid, and giving us those good things for which we are not worthy to ask, except through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ our Savior; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

1 To you I lift up my eyes,
   O you who are enthroned in the heavens!
2 Behold, as the eyes of servants
   look to the hand of their master,
   as the eyes of a maidservant
   to the hand of her mistress,
   so our eyes look to the LORD our God,
   till he has mercy upon us.
3 Have mercy upon us, O LORD, have mercy upon us,
   for we have had more than enough of contempt.
4 Our soul has had more than enough
   of the scorn of those who are at ease,
   of the contempt of the proud.
Psalm 123 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading)

2 Kings 21:1-18 - 1 Corinthians 10:14-11:1 - Matthew 8:28-34