Almighty and everlasting God, you have given your Church the great joy of the resurrection of Jesus Christ: Give us also the greater joy of the kingdom of your elect, when the flock of your Son will share in the final victory of its Shepherd, 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 I will exalt you, my God the King;
   I will praise your name for ever and ever.
2 Every day I will praise you
   and extol your name for ever and ever.
3 Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise;
   his greatness no one can fathom.
4 One generation commends your works to another;
   they tell of your mighty acts.
5 They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty—
   and I will meditate on your wonderful works.
6 They tell of the power of your awesome works—
   and I will proclaim your great deeds.
Psalm 145 – English Standard Version

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

Exodus 32:1-20 - Colossians 3:18-4:6 - Matthew 5:1-10

Grant, we pray, almighty God, that we, who have come to know the grace of the Lord’s Resurrection, may through the love of the Spirit, ourselves rise to newness of life.Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. – Amen.
(From Lesser Feasts and Fasts)

1 Praise the Lord!
   Praise the Lord from the heavens;
   praise him in the heights!
2 Praise him, all his angels;
   praise him, all his hosts!
3 Praise him, sun and moon,
   praise him, all you shining stars!
4 Praise him, you highest heavens,
   and you waters above the heavens!
5 Let them praise the name of the Lord!
   For he commanded and they were created.
6 And he established them forever and ever;
   he gave a decree, and it shall not pass away.
Psalm 148 – English Standard Version

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

Exodus 24:1-18 - Colossians 2:8-23 - Matthew 4:12-17

Almighty and everlasting God, who at this joyful Eastertide made known to us the depth of your love: Open wide our hearts to welcome your great love, and as you have delivered us from the night of error and sin, help us to cling more firmly to your word of truth, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord; who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
(From the Gelasian Sacramentary)

1 God shall arise, his enemies shall be scattered;
   and those who hate him shall flee before him!
2 As smoke is driven away, so you shall drive them away;
   as wax melts before fire, so the wicked shall perish before God!
3 But the righteous shall be glad;
   they shall exult before God; they shall be jubilant with joy!
4 Sing to God, sing praises to his name;
   lift up a song to him who rides through the deserts;
   his name is the Lord; exult before him!
5 Father of the fatherless and protector of widows
   is God in his holy habitation.
6 God settles the solitary in a home; he leads out the prisoners to prosperity,
   but the rebellious dwell in a parched land.
Psalm 68 – English Standard Version

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

Exodus 20:1-21 - Colossians 1:24-2:7 - Matthew 4:1-11

St Mark the Evangelist

Almighty God, who by the hand of Mark the evangelist have given to your Church the Gospel of Jesus Christ the Son of God: We thank you for this witness, and pray that we may be firmly grounded in its truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
(from The Gregorian Sacramentary)

1 Why do the nations rage
   and the peoples plot in vain?
2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together,
   against the Lord and against his Anointed, saying,
3 “Let us burst their bonds apart
   and cast away their cords from us.”
7 I will tell of the decree:
   The Lord said to me, “You are my Son;
   today I have begotten you.
8 Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage,
   and the ends of the earth your possession.
9 You shall break them with a rod of iron
   and dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.”
10 Now therefore, O kings, be wise;
   be warned, O rulers of the earth.
Psalm 2 – English Standard Version

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

Exodus 19:16-25 - Colossians 1:15-23 - Matthew 3:13-17

O Lord, you open the portals of your kingdom to those who have been reborn by water and the Spirit: Increase the grace you have given to your children, that those whom you have cleansed from sin may attain to all your promises; 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 Shout for joy to God, all the earth;
2 sing the glory of his name;
   give to him glorious praise!
3 Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds!
   So great is your power that your enemies come cringing to you.
4 All the earth worships you and sings praises to you;
   they sing praises to your name.”
5 Come and see what God has done:
   he is awesome in his deeds toward the children of man.
6 He turned the sea into dry land; they passed through the river on foot.
   There did we rejoice in him,
7 who rules by his might forever, whose eyes keep watch on the nations—
   let not the rebellious exalt themselves.
Psalm 66 – English Standard Version

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

Exodus 19:1-16 - Colossians 1:1-14 - Matthew 3:7-12

Toyohiko Kagawa

We bless your Name, O God, for the witness of Toyohiko Kagawa, reformer and teacher, who was persecuted for his pacifist principles and went on to lead a movement for democracy in Japan; and we pray that you would strengthen and protect all who suffer for their fidelity to Jesus Christ; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

1 O Lord, God of vengeance,
   O God of vengeance, shine forth!
2 Rise up, O judge of the earth;
   repay to the proud what they deserve!
3 O Lord, how long shall the wicked,
   how long shall the wicked exult?
4 They pour out their arrogant words;
   all the evildoers boast.
5 They crush your people, O Lord,
   and afflict your heritage.
6 They kill the widow and the sojourner,
   and murder the fatherless;
7 and they say, “The Lord does not see;
   the God of Jacob does not perceive.”
Psalm 94 – English Standard Version

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

Exodus 18:13-27 - 1 Peter 5:1-14 - Matthew 3:1-6

For our sake, O God, you willed that your Son should undergo the shame of the cross to drive from us the power of the enemy: Grant that we may come to share the grace and power of the resurrection of the same Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen
(From the Gelasian Sacramentary)

7 Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples,
   ascribe to the Lord glory and strength!
8 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;
   bring an offering, and come into his courts!
9 Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness;
   tremble before him, all the earth!
10 Say among the nations, “The Lord reigns!
   Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved;
   he will judge the peoples with equity.”
11 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice;
   let the sea roar, and all that fills it;
   let the field exult, and everything in it!
12 Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy
   before the Lord, for he comes, for he comes to judge the earth.
13 He will judge the world in righteousness,
   and the peoples in his faithfulness.
Psalm 96 – English Standard Version

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

Exodus 16:23-36 - 1 Peter 3:13-4:6  - John 16:1-15

Grant, Almighty God, that the commemoration of our Lord’s death and resurrection may continually transform our lives and be manifested in our deeds; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
(From the Gelasian Sacramentary)

12 Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem!
   Praise your God, O Zion!
13 For he strengthens the bars of your gates;
   he blesses your children within you.
14 He makes peace in your borders;
   he fills you with the finest of the wheat.
15 He sends out his command to the earth;
   his word runs swiftly.
19 He declares his word to Jacob,
   his statutes and rules to Israel.
20 He has not dealt thus with any other nation;
   they do not know his rules.
   Praise the Lord!
Psalm 147 – English Standard Version

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

Exodus 16:10-22 - 1 Peter 2:11-3:12 - John 15:12-27

O Lord, as year by year we recall the mysteries by which humanity was restored to its original dignity and granted the hope of resurrection, we humbly entreat your mercy that what we call to mind in faith we may take to heart in abiding love; 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)

7 Sing to the LORD with grateful praise;
   make music to our God on the harp.
8 He covers the sky with clouds;
   he supplies the earth with rain
   and makes grass grow on the hills.
9 He provides food for the cattle
   and for the young ravens when they call.
10 His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse,
   nor his delight in the legs of the warrior;
11 the LORD delights in those who fear him,
   who put their hope in his unfailing love.
12 Extol the LORD, Jerusalem;
   praise your God, Zion.
Psalm 147 – English Standard Version

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

Exodus 15:22-16:10 - 1 Peter 2:1-10 - John 15:1-11

Almighty God, enable us to proclaim the power of Christ the Lord, who has risen to life and vanquished death, so that we who acknowledge this pledge of his great love may share in the riches that it foreshadows. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen


1 Praise the Lord!
   Praise the Lord, O my soul!
2 I will praise the Lord as long as I live;
   I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.
3 Put not your trust in princes,
   in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation.
4 When his breath departs, he returns to the earth;
   on that very day his plans perish.
5 Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob,
   whose hope is in the Lord his God,
6 who made heaven and earth,
   the sea, and all that is in them, who keeps faith forever;
7 who executes justice for the oppressed,
   who gives food to the hungry.
Psalm 146 – English Standard Version

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

Exodus 15:1-21 - 1 Peter 1:13-25 - John 14:1-17

Almighty and everlasting God, with boldness and confidence we dare to call you Father: Fulfill and make perfect in our hearts the work of your Holy Spirit, through whom we have become your adopted children, so that we may be found worthy to enter upon the glorious inheritance you have promised to us in Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen
(From the Bergamo 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.
3 Fire goes before him
   and burns up his adversaries all around.
4 His lightnings light up the world;
   the earth sees and trembles.
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.
Psalm 57 – English Standard Version

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

Exodus 14:21-31 - 1 Peter 1:1-12 - John 14:1-17

Bright Friday

Almighty and everlasting God, in the paschal mystery you have established with all humanity the new covenant of reconciliation: Grant that all who have been reborn into the fellowship of Christ’s body may show forth in their lives the faith they profess with their lips; through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen
(From the Gregorian Sacramentary)

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
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading)

Exodus 13:1-2, 11-16 - 1 Corinthians 15:51-58 - Luke 24:1-12

Bright Thursday

O God, you have made many nations, peoples and races one in the confession of your name: Grant that all who have been born again in the waters of Baptism may be united in faith and holiness of life; through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen
(From the Gregorian Sacramentary)

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. Selah
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)

Exodus 13:3-10 - 1 Corinthians 15:41-50 - Matthew 28:16-20

Bright Wednesday

O God, you gladden our hearts by the annual celebration of the resurrection of our Lord: In your mercy grant that we, who now celebrate these joyous days on earth, may at length attain the eternal Easter in heaven; through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen
(From the Gelesian Sacramentary)

1 The Lord reigns; let the peoples tremble!
   He sits enthroned upon the cherubim; let the earth quake!
2 The Lord is great in Zion;
   he is exalted over all the peoples.
3 Let them praise your great and awesome name!
   Holy is he!
4 The King in his might loves justice.
   You have established equity; you have executed justice
   and righteousness in Jacob.
5 Exalt the Lord our God; worship at his footstool!
   Holy is he!
6 Moses and Aaron were among his priests,
   Samuel also was among those who called upon his name.
   They called to the Lord, and he answered them.
7 In the pillar of the cloud he spoke to them;
   they kept his testimonies and the statute that he gave them.
Psalm 99 – English Standard Version

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

Exodus 12:40-51 - 1 Corinthians 15:30-41 - Matthew 28:1-16

– Bright Tuesday
– Mikael Agricola - Bishop of Turku -1557
   also Paavali Juusten, Paavo Henrik Ruotsalainen

Almighty God, we praise you for the men and women you have sent To call the Church to its tasks and renew its life, such as your servants Mikael Agricola, Paavali Juusten, Paavo Henrik Ruotsalainen, and Lars Levi Laestadius, whom you called to preach to the peoples of Finland. 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 kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen

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,
   though the mountains tremble at its swelling.
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)

Exodus 12:28-39 - 1 Corinthians 15:12-28 - Mark 16:9-20

Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Teacher, Martyr, 1945

O God, early in the morning I cry to you. Help me to pray and to concentrate my thoughts on you: I cannot do this alone. In me there is darkness, but with you there is light; I am lonely, but you do not leave me; I am feeble in heart, but with you there is help; I am restless, but with you there is peace. In me there is bitterness, but with you there is patience; I do not understand your ways, but you know the way for me…Restore me to liberty, and enable me to live now That I may answer before you and before me. Lord, whatever this day may bring, Your name be praised.
–Dietrich Bonhoeffer, 1906-1945

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.
95 The wicked lie in wait to destroy me,
   but I consider your testimonies.
96 I have seen a limit to all perfection,
   but your commandment is exceedingly broad.
Psalm 119 – English Standard Version

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

Exodus 12:14-27 - 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 - Mark 16:1-8

Good Friday

Almighty God, we pray you graciously to behold this your family, for which our Lord Jesus Christ was willing to be betrayed, and given up into the hands of sinners, and to suffer death upon the cross; who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen
(From the Gregorian Sacramentary, SBH, LBW)

1 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
   Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning?
2 O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer,
   and by night, but I find no rest.
3 Yet you are holy,
   enthroned on the praises of Israel.
4 In you our fathers trusted;
   they trusted, and you delivered them.
5 To you they cried and were rescued;
   in you they trusted and were not put to shame.
6 But I am a worm and not a man,
   scorned by mankind and despised by the people.
7 All who see me mock me;
   they make mouths at me; they wag their heads;
8 “He trusts in the Lord; let him deliver him;
   let him rescue him, for he delights in him!”
Psalm 22 – English Standard Version

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

Lamentations 3:1-33 - 1 Peter 1:10-20 - John 13:36-38

Maundy Thursday

O Lord God, in a wonderful sacrament you have left us a memorial of your Passion: Deepen our reverence for the sacred mysteries of your Body & Blood, that we may ever perceive within ourselves the fruit of your redemption; who live and reign with you and the Holy Spirit, One God now and forever. Amen
(Thomas Aquinas, SBH, LBW)

1 With my voice I cry out to the Lord;
   with my voice I plead for mercy to the Lord.
2 I pour out my complaint before him;
   I tell my trouble before him.
3 When my spirit faints within me, you know my way!
   In the path where I walk they have hidden a trap for me.
4 Look to the right and see: there is none who takes notice of me;
   no refuge remains to me; no one cares for my soul.
5 I cry to you, O Lord; I say, “You are my refuge,
   my portion in the land of the living.”
6 Attend to my cry, for I am brought very low!
   Deliver me from my persecutors,
   for they are too strong for me!
7 Bring me out of prison, that I may give thanks to your name!
   The righteous will surround me,
   for you will deal bountifully with me.
Psalm 142 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading)

Lamentations 2:10-18 - 1 Corinthians 10:14-11:32 - Mark 14:12-25

Wednesday of Holy Week

Almighty and everlasting God, it was your will that your Son should bear for us the pains of the cross so that you might free us from the power of the enemy: Help us so to remember and give thanks for our Lord’s Passion that we may obtain remission of sin and redemption from everlasting death; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, One God now and forever. Amen
(From the Gregorian Sacramentary)

1 Hear my voice, O God, in my complaint;
   preserve my life from dread of the enemy.
2 Hide me from the secret plots of the wicked,
   from the throng of evildoers,
3 who whet their tongues like swords,
   who aim bitter words like arrows,
8 They are brought to ruin, with their own tongues turned against them;
   all who see them will wag their heads.
9 Then all mankind fears;
   they tell what God has brought about
   and ponder what he has done.
10 Let the righteous one rejoice in the Lord and take refuge in him!
   Let all the upright in heart exult!
Psalm 64 – English Standard Version

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

Lamentations 2:1-9 - 2 Corinthians 1:23-2:11 - Mark 12:1-11

Tuesday of Holy Week

Almighty and everlasting God, grant us grace so to contemplate the Passion of our Lord that we may find therein forgiveness for our sins; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, One God now and forever. Amen
(From the Gregorian Sacramentary)

1 The Mighty One, God the Lord, speaks and summons the earth
   from the rising of the sun to its setting.
2 Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty,
   God shines forth.
3 Our God comes; he does not keep silence;[a]
   before him is a devouring fire,
   around him a mighty tempest.
4 He calls to the heavens above
   and to the earth, that he may judge his people:
5 “Gather to me my faithful ones,
   who made a covenant with me by sacrifice!”
6 The heavens declare his righteousness,
   for God himself is judge!
Psalm 50 – English Standard Version

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

Lamentations 1:17-22 - 2 Corinthians 1:8-22 - Mark 11:27-33

Monday of Holy Week

Grant, we beseech you, Almighty God, that we, who in our times of trial often grow weak and falter, may take heart again and find new strength, seeing that Christ in His passion has offered for us the obedience we are too frail to offer you; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, One God now and forever. Amen
(From the Gregorian Sacramentary)

1 I waited patiently for the Lord;
   he inclined to me and heard my cry.
2 He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog,
   and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure.
3 He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God.
   Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord.
4 Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust,
   who does not turn to the proud, to those who go astray after a lie!
5 You have multiplied, O Lord my God,
   your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us;
   none can compare with you!
   I will proclaim and tell of them, yet they are more than can be told.
6 In sacrifice and offering you have not delighted,
   but you have given me an open ear.
   Burnt offering and sin offering you have not required.
Psalm 40 – English Standard Version

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

Lamentations 1:1-12 - 2 Corinthians 1:1-7 - Mark 11:12-25