All-powerful God, we are born under the ancient yoke of sin; grant that the birth of your only Son according to the flesh may deliver us and set us free. 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 The Lord reigns; he is robed in majesty;

    the Lord is robed; he has put on strength as his belt.

   Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved.

2 Your throne is established from of old;

    you are from everlasting.

3 The floods have lifted up, O Lord,

    the floods have lifted up their voice;

    the floods lift up their roaring.

4 Mightier than the thunders of many waters,

    mightier than the waves of the sea,

    the Lord on high is mighty!

5 Your decrees are very trustworthy;

    holiness befits your house,

    O Lord, forevermore.

Psalm 93 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

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

1 Kings 17:17-24 – 3 John 1-15 – John 4:46-54

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, for ever and ever. Amen

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

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

Proverbs 8:22-30 – 1 John 5:1-12 – John 13:20-35

St. 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

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

Wisdom 4:7-15 – Acts 7:59-8:8 – Matthew 10:17-22

Christmas Eve

O God, You gladden us with the yearly expectation of our redemption. Grant that we, who now joyfully receive Your only-begotten Son as our Redeemer, may also behold Him without fear when He comes to be our judge; who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

1 The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof,

    the world and those who dwell therein,

2 for he has founded it upon the seas

    and established it upon the rivers.

3 Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord?

    And who shall stand in his holy place?

4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart,

    who does not lift up his soul to what is false and does not swear deceitfully.

5 He will receive blessing from the Lord

    and righteousness from the God of his salvation.

6 Such is the generation of those who seek him,

    who seek the face of the God of Jacob.[b] Selah

7 Lift up your heads, O gates!

    And be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.

8 Who is this King of glory?

    The Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord, mighty in battle!

9 Lift up your heads, O gates!

    And lift them up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.

10 Who is this King of glory?

    The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory! Selah

Psalm 24 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

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

Isaiah 59:15-21 – Philippians 2:5-11 – Matt 1:18-25

O Emmanuel

"O Emmanuel, our king and our Lord,

 The anointed for the nations and their Savior:

Come and save us, O Lord our God."

Relevant verse in Veni, Veni Emmanuel:

O come, O come, Emmanuel

And ransom captive Israel

That mourns in lonely exile here

Until the Son of God appear

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel

Shall come to thee, O Israel.

1 Lord, you have been our dwelling place

    in all generations.

2 Before the mountains were brought forth,

    or ever you had formed the earth and the world,

    from everlasting to everlasting you are God.

3 You return man to dust

    and say, “Return, O children of man!”

4 For a thousand years in your sight

    are but as yesterday when it is past,

    or as a watch in the night.

5 You sweep them away as with a flood; they are like a dream,

    like grass that is renewed in the morning:

6 in the morning it flourishes and is renewed;

    in the evening it fades and withers.

12 So teach us to number our days

    that we may get a heart of wisdom.

Psalm 90 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

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

Jeremiah 31:10-14 – Galatians 3:15-22 – Luke 1:67-80

O Clavis David (O Key of David)

"O Key of David and scepter of the house of Israel, 

 You open and no one can close, You close and no one can open:  

Come and rescue the prisoners who are in darkness and in the shadow of death."

Relevant verse in Veni, Veni Emmanuel:

Oh, come, O Key of David, come,
And open wide our heav'nly home;
Make safe the way that leads on high,
And close the path to misery.

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 Samuel 2: 1-10 – Titus 2:1-10 – Luke 1:26-38

O Radix Jesse (O Root of Jesse)

O Root of Jesse, standing as a sign among the peoples;

before you kings will shut their mouths,

to you the nations will make their prayer:

Come and deliver us, and delay no longer.

Relevant verse in Veni, Veni Emmanuel:

O come, O Root of Jesse free,

Thine own from Satan’s tyranny;

From depths of hell Thy people save,

And give them victory o’er the grave.

11 Lord, don’t hold back your tender mercies from me.

    Let your unfailing love and faithfulness always protect me.

12 For troubles surround me—  too many to count!

    My sins pile up so high I can’t see my way out.

   They outnumber the hairs on my head. I have lost all courage.

13 Please, Lord, rescue me!

    Come quickly, Lord, and help me.

14 May those who try to destroy me be humiliated and put to shame.

    May those who take delight in my trouble be turned back in disgrace.

15 Let them be horrified by their shame,

    for they said, “Aha! We’ve got him now!”

16 But may all who search for you be filled with joy and gladness in you.

    May those who love your salvation repeatedly shout, “The Lord is great!”

17 As for me, since I am poor and needy, let the Lord keep me in his thoughts.

   You are my helper and my savior.  O my God, do not delay.

Psalm 40 – New Living Translation

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

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

Zephaniah 3:14-20 – Titus 1:1-16 – Luke 1:1-25

O Adonai

O Adonai, and leader of the House of Israel,

who appeared to Moses in the fire of the burning bush

and gave him the law on Sinai:

Come and redeem us with an outstretched arm.

Relevant verse in Veni, Veni Emmanuel:

O come, O come, thou Lord of might,

Who to Thy tribes on Sinai's height

In ancient times didst give the law

In cloud and majesty, and awe.

1 May God be gracious to us and bless us

    and make his face to shine upon us, Selah

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. Selah

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

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

Genesis 3:8-15 – Revelation 12:1-10 – John 3:16-21

O Sapientia

O Wisdom, coming forth from the mouth of the Most High,

reaching from one end to the other mightily,

and sweetly ordering all things:

Come and teach us the way of prudence

O Love of God, descend into my heart;

Enlighten the dark corners of this neglected dwelling, And scatter there Your cheerful beams. Dwell in the soul that longs to be Your temple; Water that barren soil overrun with weeds and briars And lost for lack of cultivating. Make it fruitful with Your dew.

Morning Prayer — St. Augustine

1 Praise the Lord!

   Praise God in his sanctuary;

    praise him in his mighty heavens!

2 Praise him for his mighty deeds;

    praise him according to his excellent greatness!

3 Praise him with trumpet sound;

    praise him with lute and harp!

4 Praise him with tambourine and dance;

    praise him with strings and pipe!

5 Praise him with sounding cymbals;

    praise him with loud clashing cymbals!

6 Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!

Praise the Lord!

Psalm 150 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

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

Zechariah 2:1-13 – Revelation 3:14-22 – Matthew 24:32-44

God of mercy, open your ears to our cries and light up the dark places of our hearts with the grace of your Son, who will visit us and set us free. 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 I waited patiently for the Lord to help me,

    and he turned to me and heard my cry.

2 He lifted me out of the pit of despair,

    out of the mud and the mire.

He set my feet on solid ground

    and steadied me as I walked along.

3 He has given me a new song to sing,

    a hymn of praise to our God.

Many will see what he has done and be amazed.

    They will put their trust in the Lord.

4 Oh, the joys of those who trust the Lord,

    who have no confidence in the proud

    or in those who worship idols.

5 O Lord my God, you have performed many wonders for us.

    Your plans for us are too numerous to list.

    You have no equal.

If I tried to recite all your wonderful deeds,

    I would never come to the end of them.

6 You take no delight in sacrifices or offerings.

    Now that you have made me listen, I finally understand

Psalm 40 – New Living Translation

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

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

Zechariah 1:7-17 – Revelation 3:7-13 – Matthew 24:15-31

Lucy,  Martyr

Loving God, for the salvation of all you gave Jesus Christ as light to a world in darkness: Illumine us, with your daughter Lucy, with the light of Christ, that by the merits of his passion we may be led to eternal life; through the same Jesus Christ, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

1 O Lord, my heart is not lifted up;

    my eyes are not raised too high;

   I do not occupy myself with things

    too great and too marvelous for me.

2 But I have calmed and quieted my soul,

    like a weaned child with its mother;

    like a weaned child is my soul within me.

3 O Israel, hope in the Lord

    from this time forth and forevermore.

Psalm 131 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

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

Haggai 1:1-15 – Revelation 2:18-29 – Matthew 23:27-39

Stir up our hearts, O Lord, to prepare the way for your only Son, that his coming may purify our minds and make us worthy to serve you. 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.

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

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

Amos 9:1-10 – Revelation 2:8-17 – Matthew 23:13-26

Lars Olsen Skrefsrud, Missionary

Merciful God, you look with compassion on all who by their addictions are in bondage, and you call them to recovery and purpose: We thank you for releasing your servant Lars Olsen Skrefsrud from his captivity and for leading him to the Santal  people  to preach the gospel of peace and to build their church; and we pray that you would strengthen us by his example to work for the salvation of  all whom the world or the church overlooks or ignores, that your Name may be glorified throughout the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

Philip H. Pfatteicher

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;

12 let the field exult, and everything in it!

    Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy

13 before the Lord, for he comes,

    for he comes to judge the earth.

    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)

Amos 8:1-14 – Revelation 1:17-2:7 – Matthew 23:1-12

Karl Barth

Almighty God, source of justice beyond human knowledge: We thank you for inspiring Karl Barth to resist tyranny and exalt your saving grace, without which we cannot apprehend your will. Teach us, like him, to live by faith, and even in chaotic and perilous times to perceive the light of your eternal glory, Jesus Christ our Redeemer; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, ever one God, throughout all ages. Amen.

7 But you, you are to be feared!

    Who can stand before you

    when once your anger is roused?

8 From the heavens you uttered judgment;

    the earth feared and was still,

9 when God arose to establish judgment,

    to save all the humble of the earth. Selah

10 Surely the wrath of man shall praise you;

    the remnant[a] of wrath you will put on like a belt.

11 Make your vows to the Lord your God and perform them;

    let all around him bring gifts

    to him who is to be feared,

12 who cuts off the spirit of princes,

    who is to be feared by the kings of the earth.

Psalm 76 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

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

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

Let the prayer of your servants rise before you, O Lord, that with pure and undivided hearts

we may celebrate the great mystery of the incarnation of your only-begotten Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen

1 I was glad when they said to me,

    “Let us go to the house of the Lord!”

2 Our feet have been standing

    within your gates, O Jerusalem!

3 Jerusalem—built as a city

    that is bound firmly together,

4 to which the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord,

   as was decreed for Israel, to give thanks to the name of the Lord.

5 There thrones for judgment were set,

    the thrones of the house of David.

6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!

    “May they be secure who love you!

7 Peace be within your walls

    and security within your towers!”

8 For my brothers and companions' sake

    I will say, “Peace be within you!”

9 For the sake of the house of the Lord our God,

    I will seek your good.

Psalm 122 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

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

Amos 7:1-9 – Revelation 1:1-8 – Matthew 22:23-33

Nicholas of Myra

Almighty God, who in your love 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

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 34 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

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

Amos 5:1-17 – Jude 1-16 – Matthew 22:1-14

Clement of Alexandria

O Lord, who called your servant Clement of Alexandria from the errors of ancient philosophy that he might learn and teach the saving Gospel of Christ: Turn your Church from the conceits of worldly wisdom and, by the Spirit of truth, guide it into all truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, 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)

Amos 4:6-13 – 2 Peter 3:11-18 – Matthew 21:33-46

John of Damascus

Confirm our minds, O Lord, in the mysteries of the true faith, set forth with power by your servant John of Damscus; that we, with him, confessing Jesus to be true God and true Man, and singing the praises of the risen Lord, may, by the power of the resurrection, attain to eternal joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for evermore. Amen.

14 The Lord is my strength and my song;

    he has become my salvation.

15 Glad songs of salvation

    are in the tents of the righteous:

“The right hand of the Lord does valiantly,

16     the right hand of the Lord exalts,

    the right hand of the Lord does valiantly!”

17 I shall not die, but I shall live,

    and recount the deeds of the Lord.

18 The Lord has disciplined me severely,

    but he has not given me over to death.

19 Open to me the gates of righteousness,

    that I may enter through them

    and give thanks to the Lord.

20 This is the gate of the Lord;

    the righteous shall enter through it.

21 I thank you that you have answered me

    and have become my salvation.

Psalm 118 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

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

Amos 3:12-4:5 – 2 Peter 3:1-10 – Matthew 21:23-32

Francis Xavier

O God, eternal Father, through the preaching and holy life of your servant Francis you brought many nations to yourself: Give his zeal for the faith, we pray, to all who believe in you, that your Church may rejoice in continued growth throughout the world; through Jesus Christ our Lord , who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever, 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. Selah

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)

Amos 3:1-11 – 2 Peter 1:12-21 – Matthew 21:12-22

Lord our God, keep your servants alert and watchful as we await the return of Christ your Son, so that when he comes and knocks at the door he may find us vigilant in prayer, with songs of praise on our lips. 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 The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.”

    They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds,

    there is none who does good.

2 The Lord looks down from heaven on the children of man,

    to see if there are any who understand,

    who seek after God.

3 They have all turned aside; together they have become corrupt;

    there is none who does good, not even one.

4 Have they no knowledge, all the evildoers

    who eat up my people as they eat bread

    and do not call upon the Lord?

5 There they are in great terror,

    for God is with the generation of the righteous.

6 You would shame the plans of the poor,

    but the Lord is his refuge.

Psalm 70 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

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

Amos 2:6-16 – 2 Peter 1:1-11 – Matthew 21:1-11