Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Andrew the Apostle

Almighty God, who gave such grace to your apostle Andrew that he readily obeyed the call of your Son Jesus Christ, and brought his brother with him: Give unto us, who are called by your Word, grace to follow him without delay, and to bring those near to us into his gracious presence; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen
(BCP, ELW)

1 The heavens declare the glory of God,
   and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.
2 Day to day pours out speech,
   and night to night reveals knowledge.
3 There is no speech, nor are there words,
   whose voice is not heard.
4 Their voice goes out through all the earth,
   and their words to the end of the world.
   In them he has set a tent for the sun,
5 which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber,
   and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy.
6 Its rising is from the end of the heavens,
   and its circuit to the end of them,
   and there is nothing hidden from its heat.
Psalm 19 – English Standard Version

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

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.


1 As a deer pants for flowing streams,
   so pants my soul for you, O God.
2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
   When shall I come and appear before God?
3 My tears have been my food day and night,
   while they say to me all the day long, "Where is your God?"
4 These things I remember, as I pour out my soul:
   how I would go with the throng and lead them in procession to the house of God
   with glad shouts and songs of praise, a multitude keeping festival.
5 Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me?
   Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation 6 and my God.
   My soul is cast down within me; therefore I remember you
   from the land of Jordan and of Hermon, from Mount Mizar.
7 Deep calls to deep at the roar of your waterfalls;
   all your breakers and your waves have gone over me
Psalm 42 – English Standard Version

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

Monday, November 28, 2011

Silent Night, In the midst of all the frantic activity that surrounds me these hectic Advent days, perhaps I need a little silence, Lord, some time to contemplate, to meditate ... time to listen for your voice in the voices of the angels ... and that infant Voice which, in the beginning, brought all things into existence. When I am tempted to babble, to complain, or to fill the air with noise for its own sake (or for mine), give me the gift you gave to Your prophet Elijah once in the midst of all his turmoil. Grant me, for at least a few moments each day this Advent, the gift of silence. Amen.
(Arden W. Mead)

1 Give ear to my words, O LORD;
   consider my groaning.
2 Give attention to the sound of my cry,
   my King and my God, for to you do I pray.
3 O LORD, in the morning you hear my voice;
   in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for you and watch.
4 For you are not a God who delights in wickedness;
   evil may not dwell with you.
5 The boastful shall not stand before your eyes;
   you hate all evildoers.
6 You destroy those who speak lies;
   the LORD abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man.
Psalm 5 – English Standard Version

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

Friday, November 25, 2011

Isaac Watts

O God, whom saints and angels delight to worship in heaven: be with us, we pray. Grant that what we sing with our lips we may believe in our hearts, and what we believe in our hearts we may practice in our lives, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen

1 Oh sing to the LORD a new song;
   sing to the LORD, all the earth!
2 Sing to the LORD, bless his name;
   tell of his salvation from day to day.
3 Declare his glory among the nations,
   his marvelous works among all the peoples!
4 For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised;
   he is to be feared above all gods.
5 For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols,
   but the LORD made the heavens.
6 Splendor and majesty are before him;
   strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.
7 Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the peoples,
   ascribe to the LORD glory and strength!
Psalm 96 – English Standard Version

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

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Thanksgiving Day

Almighty and gracious Father, we give you thanks for the fruits of the earth in their season and for the labors of those who harvest them. Make us, we pray, faithful stewards of your great bounty, for the provision of our necessities and the relief of all who are in need, to the glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

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.
7 Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving;
   make melody to our God on the lyre!
8 He covers the heavens with clouds;
   he prepares rain for the earth;
   he makes grass grow on the hills.
9 He gives to the beasts their food,
   and to the young ravens that cry.
10 His delight is not in the strength of the horse,
   nor his pleasure in the legs of a man,
11 but the LORD takes pleasure in those who fear him,
   in those who hope in his steadfast love.
Psalm 147 – English Standard Version

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

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Clement of Rome

O Lord, in every age you write names in your Book of Life and lead the meek of the earth to be followers of the Lamb of God: Raise up for us teachers like your servant Clement, the disciple of your first apostles, who by their writings may instruct the Church without thought of self, and open to us the healing fountains of repentance, peace, and love; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen
(The English Liturgy)

2 I will open my mouth in a parable;
   I will utter dark sayings from of old,
3 things that we have heard and known,
   that our fathers have told us.
4 We will not hide them from their children,
   but tell to the coming generation
   the glorious deeds of the LORD, and his might,
   and the wonders that he has done.
5 He established a testimony in Jacob
   and appointed a law in Israel,
   which he commanded our fathers
   to teach to their children,
6 that the next generation might know them,
   the children yet unborn,
   and arise and tell them to their children,
7 so that they should set their hope in God
   and not forget the works of God,
   but keep his commandments.
Psalm 78 – English Standard Version

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

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

C S Lewis

O God of searing truth and surpassing beauty, we give you thanks for Clive Staples Lewis whose sanctified imagination lights fires of faith in young and old alike; Surprise us also with your joy and draw us into that new and abundant life which is ours in Christ Jesus, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
(Lesser Feasts and Fasts)

1 O LORD, you have searched me and known me!
2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
   you discern my thoughts from afar.
3 You search out my path and my lying down
   and are acquainted with all my ways.
4 Even before a word is on my tongue,
   behold, O LORD, you know it altogether.
5 You hem me in, behind and before,
   and lay your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
   it is high; I cannot attain it.
7 Where shall I go from your Spirit?
   Or where shall I flee from your presence?
13 For you formed my inward parts;
   you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.
Psalm 139 – English Standard Version

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

Monday, November 21, 2011

Almighty and everlasting God, whose will it is to restore all things to your beloved Son, whom you anointed priest forever and king of all creation: Grant that all the people of the earth, now divided by the power of sin, may be united under the glorious and gentle rule of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
(Lutheran Book of Worship)

1 Praise the LORD! Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good,
   for his steadfast love endures forever!
2 Who can utter the mighty deeds of the LORD,
   or declare all his praise?
3 Blessed are they who observe justice,
   who do righteousness at all times!
4 Remember me, O LORD, when you show favor to your people;
   help me when you save them,
5 that I may look upon the prosperity of your chosen ones,
   that I may rejoice in the gladness of your nation,
   that I may glory with your inheritance.
6 Both we and our fathers have sinned;
   we have committed iniquity; we have done wickedness.
Psalm 106 – English Standard Version

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

Friday, November 18, 2011

Hilda of Whitby

O God of peace, by whose grace the abbess Hilda was endowed with gifts of justice, prudence, and strength to rule as a wise mother over the nuns and monks of her household, and to become a trusted and reconciling friend to leaders of the Church: Give us the grace to respect and love our fellow Christians with whom we disagree, that our common life may be enriched and your gracious will be done, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
(Lesser Feasts and Fasts)

1 Shout for joy in the LORD, O you righteous!
   Praise befits the upright.
2 Give thanks to the LORD with the lyre;
   make melody to him with the harp of ten strings!
3 Sing to him a new song;
   play skillfully on the strings, with loud shouts.
4 For the word of the LORD is upright,
   and all his work is done in faithfulness.
5 He loves righteousness and justice;
   the earth is full of the steadfast love of the LORD.
20 Our soul waits for the LORD;
   he is our help and our shield.
21 For our heart is glad in him,
   because we trust in his holy name.
Psalm 33 – English Standard Version

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

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Hugh of Lincoln

O holy God, who endowed your servant and bishop Hugh of Lincoln With wise and cheerful boldness, and taught him to commend the discipline of holy life to kings and princes: Grant that we also, rejoicing in the Good News of your mercy, and fearing nothing but the loss of you, may be bold to speak the truth in love, in the name of Jesus Christ our Redeemer, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

1 O LORD, who shall sojourn in your tent?
   Who shall dwell on your holy hill?
2 He who walks blamelessly and does what is right
   and speaks truth in his heart;
3 who does not slander with his tongue
   and does no evil to his neighbor,
   nor takes up a reproach against his friend;
4 in whose eyes a vile person is despised,
   but who honors those who fear the LORD;
   who swears to his own hurt and does not change;
5 who does not put out his money at interest
   and does not take a bribe against the innocent.
   He who does these things shall never be moved.
Psalm 15 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading)
1 Maccabees 4:1-25 - Revelation 21:22-22:5 - Matthew 18:1-9

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Dear God, I pray for my friends and family. Please protect them and help them to grow closer to You each day. I pray this for myself, also, Lord. I want to communicate with You continually, sharing from my heart, then quietly and patiently waiting for Your voice. Thank You, Father, for listening to my prayer. Amen.

(From the "Light for My Path" series)

1 Help, O Lord, for there is no longer anyone who is godly;
   the faithful have disappeared from humankind.
2 They utter lies to each other;
   with flattering lips and a double heart they speak.
3 May the Lord cut off all flattering lips,
   the tongue that makes great boasts,
4 those who say, ‘With our tongues we will prevail;
   our lips are our own—who is our master?’
5 ‘Because the poor are despoiled, because the needy groan,
   I will now rise up,’ says the Lord;
  ‘I will place them in the safety for which they long.’
6 The promises of the Lord are promises that are pure,
   silver refined in a furnace on the ground,
   purified seven times.
Psalm 12 New Revised Standard Version

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

Monday, November 14, 2011

Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.


1 I will sing of your steadfast love, O Lord, for ever;
   with my mouth I will proclaim your faithfulness to all generations.
2 I declare that your steadfast love is established for ever;
   your faithfulness is as firm as the heavens.
3 You 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.” ’
5 Let the heavens praise your wonders, O Lord,
   your faithfulness in the assembly of the holy ones.
6 For 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)

Friday, November 11, 2011

Martin of Tours
Lord God of hosts, who clothed your servant Martin the soldier with the spirit of sacrifice, and set him as a bishop in your Church to be a defender of the catholic faith: Give us grace to follow in his holy steps, that at the last we may be found clothed with righteousness in the dwellings of peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen
(From Lesser Feasts and Fasts)

1 O LORD, who shall sojourn in your tent?
   Who shall dwell on your holy hill?
2 He who walks blamelessly and does what is right
   and speaks truth in his heart;
3 who does not slander with his tongue
   and does no evil to his neighbor,
   nor takes up a reproach against his friend;
4 in whose eyes a vile person is despised,
   but who honors those who fear the LORD;
   who swears to his own hurt and does not change;
5 who does not put out his money at interest
   and does not take a bribe against the innocent.
   He who does these things shall never be moved.
Psalm 15 – English Standard Version

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

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Leo the Great

O Lord our God, you strengthened your servant Leo of Rome through turbulent times: Let your perpetual mercy ever accompany your church; that while it is placed among the storms of this world it may be both refreshed with present gladness and behold the brightness of eternal bliss; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen
(From the Leonine Sacramentary)

11 I will remember the deeds of the LORD;
   yes, I will remember your wonders of old.
12 I will ponder all your work,
   and meditate on your mighty deeds.
13 Your way, O God, is holy.
   What god is great like our God?
14 You are the God who works wonders;
   you have made known your might among the peoples.
15 You with your arm redeemed your people,
   the children of Jacob and Joseph.
Psalm 77 – English Standard Version

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

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

O God, whose blessed Son came into the world that he might destroy the works of the devil and make us children of God and heirs of eternal life: Grant that, having this hope, we may purify ourselves as he is pure; that, when he comes again with power and great glory, we may be made like him in his eternal and glorious kingdom; where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.


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

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

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

John Christian Frederick Heyer, 1873

Almighty and everlasting God, you blessed your servant John Christian Frederick Heyer with a passion for the gospel, inexhaustible energy, and a keen awareness of the need of the world for your saving word: Ever give to your church such clear minded and dauntless servants who rejoice to spend themselves in your service, that your people may be fed with living food and know the inexhaustible riches of our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen
(Philip H. Pfatteicher)

1 Great is the LORD and greatly to be praised
    in the city of our God!
   His holy mountain, 2 beautiful in elevation,
   is the joy of all the earth,
   Mount Zion, in the far north,
   the city of the great King.
8 As we have heard, so have we seen
   in the city of the LORD of hosts,
   in the city of our God,
   which God will establish forever.
9 We have thought on your steadfast love, O God,
   in the midst of your temple.
10 As your name, O God,
   so your praise reaches to the ends of the earth.
   Your right hand is filled with righteousness.
11 Let Mount Zion be glad!
   Let the daughters of Judah rejoice
   because of your judgments!
Psalm 48 – English Standard Version

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

Monday, November 7, 2011

Willibrord of Utrecht, 739

O Lord our God, who call whom you will and send them where you choose: We thank you for sending your servant Willibrord to be an apostle to the Low Countries, to turn them from the worship of idols to serve you, the living God; and we entreat you to preserve us from the temptation to exchange the perfect freedom of your service for servitude to false gods and to idols of our own devising; 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)

9 O Israel, trust in the LORD!
   He is their help and their shield.
10 O house of Aaron, trust in the LORD!
    He is their help and their shield.
11 You who fear the LORD, trust in the LORD!
    He is their help and their shield.
12 The LORD has remembered 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 the small and the great.
14 May the LORD give you increase,
    you and your children!
15 May you be blessed by the LORD,
    who made heaven and earth!
Psalm 115 – English Standard Version

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

Friday, November 4, 2011

Heavenly Father, giver of life and health: Comfort and relieve your sick servants, and give your power of healing to those who minister to their needs, that those for whom our prayers are offered may be strengthened in their weakness and have confidence in your loving care; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.


29 But I am afflicted and in pain;
     let your salvation, O God, set me on high!
30 I will praise the name of God with a song;
     I will magnify him with thanksgiving.
31 This will please the LORD more than an ox
     or a bull with horns and hoofs.
32 When the humble see it they will be glad;
     you who seek God, let your hearts revive.
33 For the LORD hears the needy
     and does not despise his own people who are prisoners.
34 Let heaven and earth praise him,
     the seas and everything that moves in them.
Psalm 69 – English Standard Version

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

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Richard Hooker

O God of truth and peace, who raised up your servant Richard Hooker in a day of bitter controversy to defend with sound reasoning and great charity the catholic and reformed religion: Grant that we may maintain that middle way, not as a compromise for the sake of peace, but as a comprehension for the sake of truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
(Lesser Feasts and Fasts)

3 Trust in the LORD, and do good;
   dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.
4 Delight yourself 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 bring forth your righteousness as the light,
   and your justice as the noonday.
32The wicked watches for the righteous
   and seeks to put him to death.
33 The LORD will not abandon him to his power
   or let him be condemned when he is brought to trial.
Psalm 37– English Standard Version

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

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

All Saints Day

O Almighty God, who have knit together your elect in one communion and fellowship, in the mystical body of your Son Christ our Lord: Give us grace so to follow your blessed saints in all virtuous and godly living, that we may come to those indescribable joys which you have prepared for those who truly love you: through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen
(BCP, LBW, ELW)

1 Praise the LORD! Sing to the LORD a new song,
   his praise in the assembly of the godly!
2 Let Israel be glad in his Maker;
   let the children of Zion rejoice in their King!
3 Let them praise his name with dancing,
   making melody to him with tambourine and lyre!
4 For the LORD takes pleasure in his people;
   he adorns the humble with salvation.
5 Let the godly exult in glory;
   let them sing for joy on their beds.
6 Let the high praises of God be in their throats
   and two-edged swords in their hands,
7 to execute vengeance on the nations
   and punishments on the peoples,
8 to bind their kings with chains
   and their nobles with fetters of iron,
9 to execute on them the judgment written!
   This is honor for all his godly ones.
   Praise the LORD!
Psalm 149 – English Standard Version

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