Thomas a Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury

Almighty God, you granted your martyr Thomas the grace to give his life for the cause of justice: Guide the shepherds of your people, strengthen the defenders of your church, and make us all, for the sake of Christ, willing to renounce our life in this world so that we may find the unending life of heaven; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

1 Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion,
   which cannot be moved, but abides forever.
2 As the mountains surround Jerusalem,
   so the LORD surrounds his people,
   from this time forth and forevermore.
3 For the scepter of wickedness shall not rest
   on the land allotted to the righteous,
   lest the righteous stretch out their hands to do wrong.
4 Do good, O LORD, to those who are good,
   and to those who are upright in their hearts!
5 But those who turn aside to their crooked ways
   the LORD will lead away with evildoers!
   Peace be upon Israel!
Psalm 125 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
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2 Samuel 23:13-17 - 2 John 1 - Matthew 10:16-22

The Holy Innocents, Martyrs

We remember today, O God, the slaughter of the holy innocents of Bethlehem by King Herod. Receive, we pray, into the arms of your mercy all innocent victims; and by your great might frustrate the designs of evil tyrants and establish your rule of justice, love, and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
( BCP, LBW, ELW)

1 If it had not been the LORD who was on our side—
   let Israel now say—
3 then they would have swallowed us up alive,
   when their anger was kindled against us;
4 then the flood would have swept us away,
   the torrent would have gone over us;
5 then over us would have gone
   the raging waters.
6 Blessed be the LORD, who has not given us
   as prey to their teeth!
7 We have escaped like a bird from the snare of the fowlers;
   the snare is broken, and we have escaped!
8 Our help is in the name of the LORD,
   who made heaven and earth.
Psalm 124 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
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Isaiah 49:13-23 - Isaiah 54:1-13 - Matthew 18:1-14

John, Apostle and Evangelist
Shed upon your Church, O Lord, the brightness of your light; that we, being illumined by the teaching of your apostle and evangelist John, may so walk in the light of your truth, that at length we may attain to the fullness of eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
(Roman Sacramentary, BCP, LBW, ELW)

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.
5 The mountains melt like wax before the LORD,
   before the Lord of all the earth.
6 The heavens proclaim his righteousness,
   and all the peoples see his glory.
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
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Proverbs 8:22-30 - 1 John 5:1-12 - John 13:20-35

Stephen, Deacon and Martyr

We give you thanks, O Lord of glory, for the example of the first martyr Stephen, who looked up to heaven and prayed for his persecutors to your Son Jesus Christ, who stands at your right hand: where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

1 In you, O LORD, do I take refuge;
   let me never be put to shame; in your righteousness deliver me!
2 Incline your ear to me; rescue me speedily!
   Be a rock of refuge for me, a strong fortress to save me!
3 For you are my rock and my fortress;
   and for your name's sake you lead me and guide me;
4 you take me out of the net they have hidden for me,
   for you are my refuge.
5 Into your hand I commit my spirit;
   you have redeemed me, O LORD, faithful God.
23 Love the LORD, all you his saints!
   The LORD preserves the faithful
   but abundantly repays the one who acts in pride.
24 Be strong, and let your heart take courage,
   all you who wait for the LORD!
Psalm 31 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
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Wisdom 4:7-15 - Acts 6:1-7 - Matthew 10:17-22

God our redeemer, who prepared the Blessed Virgin Mary to be the mother of your Son: grant that, as she looked for his coming as our savior, so we may be ready to greet him when he comes again as our judge; who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. 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.
Psalm 96 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
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Jeremiah 31:10-14 - Galatians 3:15-22 - Luke 1:67-80

O MOST loving Father, it is your will that we give thanks for all things, to dread nothing but the loss of you, and to cast all our care on you, who cares for us; Preserve us from faithless fears and worldly anxieties, and grant that no clouds of this mortal life may hide from us the light of that love which is immortal, and which you have manifested to us in your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
(Book of Common Prayer 1928)

1 I love you, O LORD, my strength.
2 The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,
   my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,
   my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
3 I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised,
   and I am saved from my enemies.
4 The cords of death encompassed me;
   the torrents of destruction assailed me;
5 the cords of Sheol entangled me;
   the snares of death confronted me.
6 In my distress I called upon the LORD; to my God I cried for help.
   From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry to him reached his ears.
Psalm 18 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
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2 Samuel 7:18-29 - Galatians 3:1-14 - Luke 1:39-48

St Thomas, Apostle

Almighty and everliving God, who strengthened your apostle Thomas with sure and certain faith in your Son's resurrection: Grant us so perfectly and without doubt to believe in Jesus Christ, our Lord and our God, that our faith may never be found wanting in your sight; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

1 When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion,
   we were like those who dream.
2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy;
   then they said among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them."
3 The LORD has done great things for us;
   we are glad.
4 Restore our fortunes, O LORD,
   like streams in the Negeb!
5 Those who sow in tears
   shall reap with shouts of joy!
6 He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing,
   shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.
Psalm 126 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
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2 Samuel 7:1-17 - Titus 2:11-3:8 - Luke 1:39-48

Katharina von Bora Luther

Almighty God, we praise you for your servant Katharina von Bora Luther, through whom you have called the church to its tasks and renewed its life. Raise up in our own day teachers and prophets inspired by your Spirit, whose voices will give strength to your church and proclaim the reality of your reign, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, 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.
7 God shall bless us;
   let all the ends of the earth fear him!
Psalm 67 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
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1 Samuel 2:1b-10 - Titus 2:1-10 - Luke 1:26-38

Purify our conscience, Almighty God, by your daily visitation, that your Son Jesus Christ, at his coming, may find in us a mansion prepared for himself; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.


3 Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised,
   and his greatness is unsearchable.
4 One generation shall commend your works to another,
   and shall declare your mighty acts.
5 On the glorious splendor of your majesty,
   and on your wondrous works, I will meditate.
6 They shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds,
   and I will declare your greatness.
7 They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness
   and shall sing aloud of your righteousness.
8 The LORD is gracious and merciful,
   slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
9 The LORD is good to all,
   and his mercy is over all that he has made.
Psalm 145 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
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Zephaniah 3:14-20  - Titus 1:1-16 - Luke 1:1-25

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.


1 LORD, do not rebuke me in your anger
   or discipline me in your wrath.
2 Have mercy on me, LORD, for I am faint;
   heal me, LORD, for my bones are in agony.
3 My soul is in deep anguish.
   How long, LORD, how long?
4 Turn, LORD, and deliver me;
   save me because of your unfailing love.
8 Away from me, all you who do evil,
   for the LORD has heard my weeping.
9 The LORD has heard my cry for mercy;
   the LORD accepts my prayer.
Psalm 6 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
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Zechariah 7:8-8:8 - Revelation 5:6-14 - Matthew 25:14-30

Heavenly Father, in your Word you have given us a vision of that holy City to which the nations of the world bring their glory: Behold and visit, we pray, the cities of the earth. Renew the ties of mutual regard which form our civic life. Send us honest and able leaders. Enable us to eliminate poverty, prejudice and oppression, that peace may prevail with righteousness, and justice with order, and that men and women from different cultures and with differing talents may find with one another the fulfillment of their humanity; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.


1 Hear my prayer, O LORD; give ear to my pleas for mercy!
   In your faithfulness answer me, in your righteousness!
2 Enter not into judgment with your servant,
   for no one living is righteous before you.
3 For the enemy has pursued my soul; he has crushed my life to the ground;
   he has made me sit in darkness like those long dead.
4 Therefore my spirit faints within me;
   my heart within me is appalled.
5 I remember the days of old; I meditate on all that you have done;
   I ponder the work of your hands.
6 I stretch out my hands to you;
   my soul thirsts for you like a parched land.
Psalm 143 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
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Zechariah 4:1-14 - Revelation 4:9-5:5 - Matthew 25:1-13

John of the Cross, 1591

Almighty God, you taught John of the Cross to find you in trials and hardships, to adore you in the darkness, and to tell of your love in his poems: Grant that, when all is dark, we may wait patiently for the light, and in silence listen for your voice, and in all things trust your promises in Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
L.W. Copwie and J.S. Gummer, The Christian Calendar

1 I lift up my eyes to the hills.
   From where does my help come?
2 My help comes from the LORD,
   who made heaven and earth.
3 He will not let your foot be moved;
   he who keeps you will not slumber.
4 Behold, he who keeps Israel
   will neither slumber nor sleep.
7 The LORD will keep you from all evil;
   he will keep your life.
8 The LORD will keep your going out and your coming in
   from this time forth and forevermore.
Psalm 121 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
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Zechariah 3:1-10 - Revelation 4:1-8 - Matthew 24:45-51

Lucy, Martyr at Syracuse, ca. 304

God of love and source of all life, we pray that as we celebrate the entrance of your servant Lucy into eternal glory, you may so strengthen our witness to you in this world that we may at last share her blessedness in your kingdom of everlasting light; through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen

1 My heart overflows with a pleasing theme;
   I address my verses to the king;
   my tongue is like the pen of a ready scribe.
6 Your throne, O God, is forever and ever.
   The scepter of your kingdom is a scepter of uprightness;
7 you have loved righteousness and hated wickedness.
   Therefore God, your God, has anointed you
   with the oil of gladness beyond your companions;
8 your robes are all fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia.
   From ivory palaces stringed instruments make you glad;
9 daughters of kings are among your ladies of honor;
   at your right hand stands the queen in gold of Ophir.
17 I will cause your name to be remembered in all generations;
   therefore nations will praise you forever and ever.
Psalm 45 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
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Zechariah 2:1-13 - Revelation 3:14-22 - Matthew 24:32-44

Lars Olsen Skrefsrud -- Missionary to India

Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.

4My soul is in the midst of lions; I lie down amid fiery beasts—
   the children of man, whose teeth are spears and arrows,
   whose tongues are sharp swords.
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.
Psalm 57 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
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Zechariah 1:7-17 - Revelation 3:7-13 - Matthew 24:15-31

Stir up you power, O Lord, and come; that by your protection we may be rescued from the threatening perils of our sins and saved by your mighty deliverance; for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen
(From the Gregorian Sacramentary)

16 For the LORD builds up Zion;
    he appears in his glory;
17 he regards the prayer of the destitute
    and does not despise their prayer.
18 Let this be recorded for a generation to come,
    so that a people yet to be created may praise the LORD:
19 that he looked down from his holy height;
    from heaven the LORD looked at the earth,
20 to hear the groans of the prisoners,
    to set free those who were doomed to die,
21 that they may declare in Zion the name of the LORD,
    and in Jerusalem his praise,
22 when peoples gather together,
    and kingdoms, to worship the LORD.
Psalm 102 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
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Haggai 1:1-15 - Revelation 2:18-29  - Matthew 23:27-39

Merciful God, who sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.


1 I love you, O LORD, my strength.
2 The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,
   my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,
   my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
3 I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised,
   and I am saved from my enemies.
4 The cords of death encompassed me;
   the torrents of destruction assailed me;
5 the cords of Sheol entangled me;
   the snares of death confronted me.
6 In my distress I called upon the LORD; to my God I cried for help.
   From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry to him reached his ears.
Psalm 18 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
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Amos 9:1-10 - Revelation 2:8-17 - Matthew 23:13-26

Ambrose of Milan (ca 397)

O God, you enabled your servant Ambrose to humble the pride of princes, to win the learned, and to teach the simple: Grant that we in our turn may walk humbly before you and resist iniquity in high places, glad to sing your praises before the whole assembly of your people; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns in you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen
(Horace Finn Tucker / Philip H. Pfatteicher)

5 For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble;
   he will conceal me under the cover of his tent;
   he will lift me high upon a rock.
6 And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me,
   and I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy;
   I will sing and make melody to the LORD.
7 Hear, O LORD, when I cry aloud;
   be gracious to me and answer me!
8 You have said, "Seek my face."My heart says to you,
   "Your face, LORD, do I seek."
9 Hide not your face from me.
   Turn not your servant away in anger, O you who have been my help.
   Cast me not off; forsake me not, O God of my salvation!
10 For my father and my mother have forsaken me,
   but the LORD will take me in.
11 Teach me your way, O LORD, and lead me on a level path
   because of my enemies.
Psalm 27 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
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Amos 8:1-14 - Revelation 1:17-2:7 - Matthew 23:1-12

Nicholas of Myra (ca 342)

Almighty God, in your love you gave to your servant Nicholas of Myra a perpetual name for deeds of kindness on land and sea: Grant, we pray, that your Church may never cease to work for the happiness of children, the safety of sailors, the relief of the poor, and the help of those tossed by tempests of doubt or grief; 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)

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
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Amos 7:10-17 - Revelation 1:9-16 - Matthew 22:34-46

Clement of Alexandria (ca 210)

O Lord, the Savior and Guardian of those who fear you, turn away from your Church the deceitful allurements of this world’s wisdom; that under the teaching of your Spirit, we may find pleasure in the prophetic oracles and the apostolic instructions, lest the vanity of falsehoods deceive those whom the truth illuminates; through Jesus Christ our Lord who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen
(From the Gelasian Sacramentary)

13 As a father shows compassion to his children,
   so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him.
14 For he knows our frame;
   he remembers that we are dust.
15 As for man, his days are like grass;
   he flourishes like a flower of the field;
16 for the wind passes over it, and it is gone,
   and its place knows it no more.
17 But the steadfast love of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting
   on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children’s children,
18 to those who keep his covenant
   and remember to do his commandments.
Psalm 103 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
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Amos 7:1-9 - Revelation 1:1-8 - Matthew 22:23-33

Almighty God, whose most dear Son went not up to joy but first he suffered pain, and entered not into glory before he was crucified: Mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Amen.


10 Create in me a pure heart, O God,
   and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
11 Do not cast me from your presence
   or take your Holy Spirit from me.
12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation
   and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
   so that sinners will turn back to you.
14 Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God,
   you who are God my Savior,
   and my tongue will sing of your righteousness.
15 Open my lips, Lord,
   and my mouth will declare your praise.
16 You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it;
   you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.
17 My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit;
   a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.
Psalm 51 – New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
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Amos 5:1-17 - Jude 1-16 - Matthew 22:1-14

Nicholas Ferrar

Lord God, make us so reflect your perfect love; that, with your deacon Nicholas Ferrar and his household, we may rule ourselves according to your Word, and serve you with our whole heart; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. 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
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Amos 4:6-13 - 2 Peter 3:11-18 - Matthew 21:33-46