Eternal God, you draw near to us in Christ and make yourself our guest. Amid the cares of our daily lives, make us attentive to your voice and alert to your presence, that we may treasure your word above all else. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever  Amen

7 On God rests my salvation and my glory;

    my mighty rock, my refuge is God.

8 Trust in him at all times, O people;

    pour out your heart before him;

    God is a refuge for us. Selah

9 Those of low estate are but a breath;

    those of high estate are a delusion;

    in the balances they go up;

    they are together lighter than a breath.

10 Put no trust in extortion;

    set no vain hopes on robbery;

    if riches increase, set not your heart on them.

11 Once God has spoken; twice have I heard this:

     that power belongs to God,

12 and that to you, O Lord, belongs steadfast love.

    For you will render to a man according to his work.

Psalm 62 English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

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

2 Kings 5:1-19 – 1 Corinthians 4:8-21  – Matthew 5:21-26

Father, Lord of heaven and earth, by whose gracious will the mysteries of the kingdom are revealed to the childlike, make us learn from your Son humility of heart, that in shouldering his yoke we may find refreshment and rest. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen

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)

2 Kings 1:2-17 – 1 Corinthians 3:16-23  – Matthew 5:11-16

Theodore of Tarsus

Almighty God, who called your servant Theodore of Tarsus from Rome to the see of Canterbury, and gave him gifts of grace and wisdom to establish unity where there had been division, and order where there had been chaos: Create in thy Church, we pray, by the operation of the Holy Spirit, such godly union and concord that it may proclaim, both by word and example, the Gospel of the Prince of Peace; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.  Amen

9 Oh, fear the Lord, you his saints,

    for those who fear him have no lack!

10 The young lions suffer want and hunger;

    but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.

11 Come, O children, listen to me;

    I will teach you the fear of the Lord.

12 What man is there who desires life

    and loves many days, that he may see good?

13 Keep your tongue from evil

    and your lips from speaking deceit.

14 Turn away from evil and do good;

    seek peace and pursue it.

Psalm 34 English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

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

1 Kings 22:29-45 – 1 Corinthians 2:14-3:15  – Matthew 5:1-10

Dag Hammarskjold, Peacemaker

Almighty God, kindle, we pray, in every heart the true love of peace, and guide with your wisdom those who take counsel for the nations of the earth, that in tranquility your dominion may increase until the earth is filled with the knowledge of your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
(From, the Book of Common Prayer)

1 Lord, you were favorable to your land;

    you restored the fortunes of Jacob.

2 You forgave the iniquity of your people;

    you covered all their sin. Selah

3 You withdrew all your wrath;

    you turned from your hot anger.

4 Restore us again, O God of our salvation,

    and put away your indignation toward us!

5 Will you be angry with us forever?

    Will you prolong your anger to all generations?

6 Will you not revive us again,

    that your people may rejoice in you?

7 Show us your steadfast love, O Lord,

    and grant us your salvation

Psalm 85 English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

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

1 Kings 22:1-28 – 1 Corinthians 2:1-13  – Matthew 4:18-25

Hildegard of Bingen

O God, by whose grace your servant Hildegard, kindled with the fire of your love, became a burning and shining light in your Church: Grant that we also may be aflame with the spirit of love and discipline, and walk before you as children of light; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.  Amen

25 Yonder is the sea, great and wide, creeping things innumerable are there,

    living things both small and great.

26 There go the ships,

    and Leviathan that you formed to sport in it.

27 These all look to you

    to give them their food in due season;

28 when you give to them, they gather it up;

    when you open your hand, they are filled with good things.

29 When you hide your face, they are dismayed;

    when you take away their breath, they die and return to their dust.

30 When you send forth your spirit, they are created;

    and you renew the face of the ground.

31 May the glory of the Lord endure forever;

    may the Lord rejoice in his works—

32 who looks on the earth and it trembles,

    who touches the mountains and they smoke.

33 I will sing to the Lord as long as I live;

    I will sing praise to my God while I have being.

34 May my meditation be pleasing to him,

    for I rejoice in the Lord.

Psalm 104 New Revised Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

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

1 Kings 21:17-29 – 1 Corinthians 1:20-31  – Matthew 4:12-17

Cyprian of Carthage

O God, Shepherd of your church, your servant Cyprian strengthened your people by his ministry and by the witness of his suffering: By his example give us courage boldly to confess your Name, to endure suffering for the gospel, and ever work for the unity of your church; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

( P. Pfatteicher after Roman Sacramentary)

10 I believed, even when I spoke,

    "I am greatly afflicted";

11 I said in my alarm,

     "All mankind are liars."

12 What shall I render to the LORD

      for all his benefits to me?

13 I will lift up the cup of salvation

     and call on the name of the LORD,

14 I will pay my vows to the LORD

     in the presence of all his people.

15 Precious in the sight of the LORD

     is the death of his saints.

16 O LORD, I am your servant;

     I am your servant, the son of your maidservant.

    You have loosed my bonds.

17 I will offer to you the sacrifice of thanksgiving

    and call on the name of the LORD

Psalm 116 English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

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

1 Kings 21:1-16 – 1 Corinthians 1:1-19  – Matthew 4:1-11

John Chrysostom

O God, who gave to your servant John Chrysostom grace eloquently to proclaim your righteousness in the great congregation, and fearlessly to bear reproach for the honor of your Name: Mercifully grant to all bishops and pastors such excellency in preaching, and fidelity in ministering your Word, that your people shall be partakers with them of the glory that shall be revealed; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.  Amen

1 Hear this, all peoples!

    Give ear, all inhabitants of the world,

2 both low and high,

    rich and poor together!

3 My mouth shall speak wisdom;

    the meditation of my heart shall be understanding.

4 I will incline my ear to a proverb;

    I will solve my riddle to the music of the lyre.

5 Why should I fear in times of trouble,

    when the iniquity of those who cheat me surrounds me,

6 those who trust in their wealth

    and boast of the abundance of their riches?

7 Truly no man can ransom another,

    or give to God the price of his life,

8 for the ransom of their life is costly

    and can never suffice,

Psalm 49 English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

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

1 Kings 18:20-40 – Philippians 3:1-16  – Matthew 3:1-12

Confirm, O God, in unity and truth the Church you gather in Christ. Encourage the fervent, enlighten the doubtful, and bring back the wayward. Bind us together in mutual love, that our prayer in Christ’s name may be pleasing to you. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen

1 Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock.

    You who are enthroned upon the cherubim, shine forth.

2 Before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh,

    stir up your might and come to save us!

3 Restore us, O God;

    let your face shine, that we may be saved!

4 O Lord God of hosts,

    how long will you be angry with your people's prayers?

5 You have fed them with the bread of tears

    and given them tears to drink in full measure.

6 You make us an object of contention for our neighbors,

    and our enemies laugh among themselves.

7 Restore us, O God of hosts;

    let your face shine, that we may be saved!

                         

Psalm 48 English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

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

1 Kings 18:1-19 – Philippians 2:12-30  – Matthew 2:13-23

O God, from whose own abundance all gifts and skills are lavishly bestowed, encourage us to use our talents as generously as you have allotted them, so that, being faithful to your purpose, we may become sharers in your glory. We make our prayer through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.

Amen

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!

12 Walk about Zion, go around her,

    number her towers,

13 consider well her ramparts,  go through her citadels,

    that you may tell the next generation

14 that this is God, our God forever and ever.

    He will guide us forever.

                         

Psalm 48 English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

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

1 Kings 17:1-24 – Philippians 2:1-11  – Matthew 2:1-12

As we remember the attack on the United States that happened on this day in 2001, we also remember those who lost loved ones in this strike and give thanks for those who lost their lives in the attempt to help others.

Compassionate God, from far and near you gather your Church into one. Safeguard the unity of your flock through the teaching of Christ the Shepherd, that all your scattered children may find in him the guidance and nourishment they seek. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen

2 O Lord my God, I cried to you for help,

    and you have healed me.

3 O Lord, you have brought up my soul from Sheol;

    you restored me to life from among those who go down to the pit.

4 Sing praises to the Lord, O you his saints,

    and give thanks to his holy name.

5 For his anger is but for a moment,

    and his favor is for a lifetime.

Weeping may tarry for the night,

    but joy comes with the morning.

6 As for me, I said in my prosperity,

    “I shall never be moved.”

7 By your favor, O Lord, you made my mountain stand strong;

   you hid your face; I was dismayed.

                         

Psalm 30 English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

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

1 Kings 16:23-34 – Philippians 1:12-30  – Mark 16:1-20

Peter Claver

God of mercy and love, you offer all peoples the dignity of sharing in your life. By the example and prayers of your servant Peter Claver, strengthen us to overcome all racial hatreds and to love each other as brothers and sisters. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

1 Happy are those

    who do not follow the advice of the wicked,

    or take the path that sinners tread,

    or sit in the seat of scoffers;

2 but their delight is in the law of the Lord,

    and on his law they meditate day and night.

3 They are like trees planted by streams of water,

   which yield their fruit in its season,

   and their leaves do not wither.

   In all that they do, they prosper.

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 watches over the way of the righteous,

    but the way of the wicked will perish.

                         

Psalm 1 New Revised Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

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

1 Kings 13:1-10 – Philippians 1:1-11 – Mark 15:40-47

O God, our teacher and judge, hear our prayer as we gather at the table of your word. Enrich our hearts with the goodness of your wisdom and renew us from within, that all our actions, all our words, may bear the fruit of your transforming grace. We make our prayer through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen

7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;

    wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

8 Let me hear joy and gladness;

    let the bones that you have broken rejoice.

9 Hide your face from my sins,

    and blot out all my iniquities.

10 Create in me a clean heart, O God,

    and renew a right spirit within me.

11 Cast me not away from your presence,

    and take not your Holy Spirit from me.

12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation,

    and uphold me with a willing spirit.

                         

Psalm 51 English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

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

1 Kings 11:26-43 – James 4:13-5:6 – Mark 15:22-32

Mother Teresa of Calcutta

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.

Where there is hatred, let me sow love.

Where there is injury, pardon.

Where there is doubt, faith.

Where there is despair, hope.

Where there is darkness, light.

Where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled, as to console;

to be understood, as to understand; to be loved, as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive.

It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,

and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.

Amen.

1 God has taken his place in the divine council;

    in the midst of the gods he holds judgment:

2 “How long will you judge unjustly

    and show partiality to the wicked? Selah

3 Give justice to the weak and the fatherless;

    maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute.

4 Rescue the weak and the needy;

    deliver them from the hand of the wicked.”

5 They have neither knowledge nor understanding,

    they walk about in darkness;

    all the foundations of the earth are shaken.

6 I said, “You are gods,

    sons of the Most High, all of you;

7 nevertheless, like men you shall die,

    and fall like any prince.”

8 Arise, O God, judge the earth;

    for you shall inherit all the nations!

                         

Psalm 82 English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

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

1 Kings 11:1-13 – James 3:13-4:12 – Mark 15:12-21

Albert Schweitzer, Theologian, Physician, and Missionary

Heavenly Father, whose Son Jesus Christ came, not to be served But to serve: Give us the grace to follow in his footsteps, and to show forth your love by loving and serving our neighbors, and coming, as did Albert Schweitzer, to the rescue of those in need; for the sake of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen

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)

1 Kings 9:24-10:13 – James 3:1-12 – Mark 15:1-11

God of justice, God of salvation, from every land you call a people to yourself. Yours is the work we do, yours the message we carry. Keep your Church single-minded and faithful to you.

Let failure not discourage us nor success beguile our hearts, as you send us to proclaim the gospel. We make our prayer through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

1 In you, O Lord, do I take refuge;

    let me never be put to shame!

2 In your righteousness deliver me and rescue me;

    incline your ear to me, and save me!

3 Be to me a rock of refuge,

    to which I may continually come;

you have given the command to save me,

    for you are my rock and my fortress.

4 Rescue me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked,

    from the grasp of the unjust and cruel man.

5 For you, O Lord, are my hope,

    my trust, O Lord, from my youth.

6 Upon you I have leaned from before my birth;

    you are he who took me from my mother's womb.

  My praise is continually of you.

                         

Psalm 71 English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

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

1 Kings 8:65-9:9 – James 2:14-26 – Mark 14:66-72

The Martyrs of Papua New Guinea

Almighty God, we remember before you this day the blessed martyrs of New Guinea, who, following the example of their Savior, laid down their lives for their friends; and we pray that we, who honor their memory, may imitate their loyalty and faith; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

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.

8 For you have delivered my soul from death,

   my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling;

                         

Psalm 116 English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

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

2 Chronicles 6:32-7:7 – James 2:1-13 – Mark 14:53-65