Merciful God, you willed that by the grace of adoption we should become children of light; grant that we not be cloaked in the darkness of error but rather stand forth in the splendor of truth. 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 O Lord, God of my salvation;

    I cry out day and night before you.

2 Let my prayer come before you;

    incline your ear to my cry!

3 For my soul is full of troubles,

    and my life draws near to Sheol.

4 I am counted among those who go down to the pit;

    I am a man who has no strength,

5 like one set loose among the dead,

    like the slain that lie in the grave,

like those whom you remember no more,

    for they are cut off from your hand.

6 You have put me in the depths of the pit,

    in the regions dark and deep.

7 Your wrath lies heavy upon me,

    and you overwhelm me with all your waves.

Psalm 88 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

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

Genesis 16:15-17:14 – Hebrews 10:11-25 – John 6:1-15

God of holiness, increase within us your gifts of faith, hope, and love, and enable us to cherish whatever you command, that we may come to possess all that you promise. 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 will sing of steadfast love and justice;

    to you, O Lord, I will make music.

2 I will ponder the way that is blameless.

    Oh when will you come to me?

    I will walk with integrity of heart within my house;

3 I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless.

   I hate the work of those who fall away; it shall not cling to me.

4 A perverse heart shall be far from me;

    I will know nothing of evil.

5 Whoever slanders his neighbor secretly I will destroy.

   Whoever has a haughty look and an arrogant heart I will not endure.

6 I will look with favor on the faithful in the land,

    that they may dwell with me;

he who walks in the way that is blameless

    shall minister to me.

Psalm 62 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

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

Genesis 16:15-17:14 – Hebrews 10:1-10 – John 5:30-47

Andrei Rublev

Holy God, we bless you for the gift of your monk and icon writer Andrei Rublev, who, inspired by the Holy Spirit, provided a window into heaven for generations to come, revealing the majesty and mystery of the holy and blessed Trinity; who lives and reigns through ages of ages. Amen.

1 For God alone my soul waits in silence;

    from him comes my salvation.

2 He alone is my rock and my salvation,

    my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken.

5 For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence,

    for my hope is from him.

6 He only is my rock and my salvation,

    my fortress; I shall not be shaken.

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.

Psalm 62 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

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

Genesis 16:1-14 – Hebrews 9:15-28 – John 5:19-29

Thomas Aquinas

Almighty God, you have enriched your Church with the singular learning and holiness of your servant Thomas Aquinas: Enlighten us more and more, we pray, by the disciplined thinking and teaching of Christian scholars, and deepen our devotion by the example of saintly lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.  Amen.

Pfatteicher, Roman Sacramentary & Lesser Feasts and Fasts

97 Oh how I love your law!

    It is my meditation all the day.

98 Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies,

    for it is ever with me.

99 I have more understanding than all my teachers,

    for your testimonies are my meditation.

100 I understand more than the aged,

    for I keep your precepts.

101 I hold back my feet from every evil way,

    in order to keep your word.

102 I do not turn aside from your rules,

    for you have taught me.

103 How sweet are your words to my taste,

    sweeter than honey to my mouth!

104 Through your precepts I get understanding;

    therefore I hate every false way.

Psalm 119 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

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

Genesis 15:1-11,17-21 – Hebrews 9:1-14 – John 5:1-18

Lydia, Dorcas and Phoebe

Filled with your Holy Spirit, gracious God, your earliest disciples served you with the gifts each had been given: Lydia in business and stewardship, Dorcas in a life of charity and Phoebe as a deacon who served many. Inspire us today to build up your Church with our gifts in hospitality, charity and bold witness to the Gospel of Christ; who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

1 Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked,

    or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers.

2 But they delight in the law of the Lord,

    meditating on it day and night.

3 They are like trees planted along the riverbank,

    bearing fruit each season.

Their leaves never wither,

    and they prosper in all they do.

4 But not the wicked!

    They are like worthless chaff, scattered by the wind.

5 They will be condemned at the time of judgment.

    Sinners will have no place among the godly.

6 For the Lord watches over the path of the godly,

    but the path of the wicked leads to destruction.

Psalm 1 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

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

Genesis 14:1-24 – Hebrews 8:1-13 – John 4:43-54

Francis de Sales, 1622

O God, you gave your blessed bishop Francis de Sales the spirit of compassion to befriend all on the way to salvation. By his example, lead us to show your gentle love in the service of our fellow men. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

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.”

8 Understand, O dullest of the people!

    Fools, when will you be wise?

9 He who planted the ear, does he not hear?

   He who formed the eye, does he not see?

14 For the Lord will not forsake his people;

    he will not abandon his heritage;

Psalm 94 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

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

Genesis 11:27-12:8 – Hebrews 7:1-17 – John 4:16-26

Phillips Brooks, 1893

O everlasting God, who revealed truth to your servant Phillips Brooks, and so formed and molded his mind and heart that he was able to mediate that truth with grace and power: Grant, we pray, that all those whom you call to preach the Gospel may steep themselves in your word, and conform their lives to your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen

7 They go from strength to strength;

    each one appears before God in Zion.

8 O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer;

    give ear, O God of Jacob! Selah

9 Behold our shield, O God;

    look on the face of your anointed!

10 For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere.

    I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God

    than dwell in the tents of wickedness.

11 For the Lord God is a sun and shield;

     the Lord bestows favor and honor.

    No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly.

12 O Lord of hosts,

    blessed is the one who trusts in you!

Psalm 84 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

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

Genesis 11:1-9 – Hebrews 6:13-20 – John 4:1-15

Vincent of Saragossa, 304

Almighty God, whose deacon Vincent, upheld by you, was not terrified by threats nor overcome by torments: Strengthen us to endure all adversity with invincible and steadfast faith; through Jesus Christ our Lord, 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;

    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.

Psalm 31 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

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

Genesis 9:18-29 – Hebrews 6:1-12 – John 3:22-36

Fabian, Bishop and Martyr

Almighty God, you called Fabian to be a faithful pastor and servant of your people, and to lay down his life in witness to your Son: Grant that we, strengthened by his example and aided by his prayers, may in times of trial and persecution remain steadfast in faith and endurance, for the sake of him who laid down his life for us all, Jesus Christ our Savior; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and 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 91 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

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

Genesis 8:6-22 – Hebrews 4:14-5:6 – John 2:23-3:15

Antony, Abbot in Egypt

O God, by your Holy Spirit you called Antony to renounce the world and to serve you in the solitude of the desert, withstanding the temptations of the world, the flesh and the devil: Grant us grace to learn by his example to deny ourselves, to love you above all things, and, with pure hearts and minds to follow you, the only God; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen

(Pfatteicher, Roman Sacramentary & Lesser Feasts and Fasts)

9 Because you have made the LORD your dwelling place—

   the Most High, who is my refuge—

10 no evil shall be allowed to befall you,

   no plague come near your tent.

11 For he will command his angels concerning you

   to guard you in all your ways.

12 On their hands they will bear you up,

   lest you strike your foot against a stone.

13 You will tread on the lion and the adder;

   the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot.

14 “Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him;

   I will protect him, because he knows my name.

15 When he calls to me, I will answer him;

   I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him.

16 With long life I will satisfy him

   and show him my salvation.”

Psalm 91 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

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

Genesis 6:1-8 – Hebrews 3:12-19 – John 2:1-12

George Fox and William Penn

O God, your Son came among us to serve and not to be served, and to give life his life for the life of the world. Lead us by his love to serve all those to whom the world offers no comfort and little help. Through us give hope to the hopeless, love to the unloved, peace to the troubled, and rest to the weary, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, one God, now and forever. Amen.

(Evangelical Lutheran Worship)

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.”

14 the LORD will not forsake his people;

   he will not abandon his heritage;

15 for justice will return to the righteous,

   and all the upright in heart will follow it.

Psalm 94 – New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

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

Genesis 4:17-26 – Hebrews 3:1-11 – John 1:43-51

Show favor to your servants, O Lord, and shower upon us the gifts of your grace, that, eager in faith, in hope, and in love, we may always be watchful in keeping your commandments. 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 Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent?

    Who may live on your holy mountain?

2 The one whose walk is blameless,

    who does what is righteous,

    who speaks the truth from their heart;

3 whose tongue utters no slander,

    who does no wrong to a neighbor,

    and casts no slur on others;

4 who despises a vile person

    but honors those who fear the Lord;

    who keeps an oath even when it hurts,

    and does not change their mind;

5 who lends money to the poor without interest;

    who does not accept a bribe against the innocent.

   Whoever does these things will never be shaken

Psalm 84 – New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

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

Genesis 4:1-16 – Hebrews 2:11-18 – John 1:29-42

Eivind Josef Berggrav

Mighty God, you gave your servant Eivind Berggrav, together with the bishops and faithful priests of Norway, strength  and courage to resist tyranny, to defend your ancient people, the Jews, and to uphold the rights of your church: So strengthen our faith by their witness, we pray, that we in our generation may serve you faithfully and confess your Name before the world; through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

Philip H. Pfatteicher

1 How lovely is your dwelling place,

    O Lord of hosts!

2 My soul longs, yes, faints  for the courts of the Lord;

   my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God.

3 Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest for herself,

    where she may lay her young,

    at your altars, O Lord of hosts, my King and my God.

4 Blessed are those who dwell in your house,

    ever singing your praise! Selah

5 Blessed are those whose strength is in you,

    in whose heart are the highways to Zion.

6 As they go through the Valley of Baca

    they make it a place of springs;

    the early rain also covers it with pools.

7 They go from strength to strength;

    each one appears before God in Zion.

Psalm 84 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

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

Genesis 3:1-24 – Hebrews 2:1-10 – John 1:19-28

Hilary of Poitiers

Almighty God, your servant Hilary defended the divinity of Christ Your Son: give us a deeper understanding of this mystery and help us to profess it in all truth. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

(Pfatteicher, Roman Sacramentary & Lesser Feasts and Fasts)

3 Trust in the LORD, and do good;

   dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.

4 Delight yourself in the LORD,

   and he will give you the desires of your heart.

5 Commit your way to the LORD;

   trust in him, and he will act.

6 He will bring forth your righteousness as the light,

   and your justice as the noonday.

32 The wicked watches for the righteous

   and seeks to put him to death.

33 The LORD will not abandon him to his power

   or let him be condemned when he is brought to trial.

Psalm 37 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

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

Genesis 2:4-25 – Hebrews 1:1-14 – John 1:1-18

God of nations, by the guidance of a star you made known the birth of Christ, the Savior of the world. Reveal to our hearts more fully each day the mystery of his coming. 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 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)

Jeremiah 23:1-8 – Colossians 2:8-23 – John 10:7-17

Merciful God, in your Son Jesus Christ you raised up an unfailing light for all the nations to see. Grant that your people may know and confess the full splendor of their Redeemer and, by his grace, enter into light everlasting. 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 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.”

4 He who sits in the heavens laughs;

    the Lord holds them in derision.

5 Then he will speak to them in his wrath,

    and terrify them in his fury, saying,

6 “As for me, I have set my King

    on Zion, my holy hill.”

Psalm 2 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

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

Isaiah 45:14-19 – Colossians 1:24-2:7 – John 8:12-19

O God, the light of all the nations, bless the peoples of the earth with lasting peace, and pour into our hearts that bright radiance by which you guided our ancestors in faith. 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

I will bless the Lord at all times;

    his praise shall continually be in my mouth.

2 My soul makes its boast in the Lord;

    let the humble hear and be glad.

3 Oh, magnify the Lord with me,

    and let us exalt his name together!

4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me

    and delivered me from all my fears.

5 Those who look to him are radiant,

    and their faces shall never be ashamed.

6 This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him

    and saved him out of all his troubles.

7 The angel of the Lord encamps

    around those who fear him, and delivers them.

Psalm 34 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

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

Exodus 17:1-7 – Colossians 1:15-23 – John 7:37-52

O God, your only-begotten Son has appeared in human flesh; grant that he, whose outward form is like our own, may reshape us inwardly by his grace. 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 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.

Psalm 116 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

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

Deuteronomy 8:1-3 – Colossians 1:1-14 – John 6:30-33,48-51

The Feast of the Epiphany

O God, who by the leading of a star manifested your only Son to the Peoples of the earth: Lead us, who know you now by faith, to your presence, where we may see your glory face to face; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

1 Give the king your justice, O God,

    and your righteousness to the royal son!

2 May he judge your people with righteousness,

    and your poor with justice!

3 Let the mountains bear prosperity for the people,

    and the hills, in righteousness!

4 May he defend the cause of the poor of the people,

    give deliverance to the children of the needy,

    and crush the oppressor!

5 May they fear you while the sun endures,

    and as long as the moon, throughout all generations!

6 May he be like rain that falls on the mown grass,

    like showers that water the earth!

7 In his days may the righteous flourish,

    and peace abound, till the moon be no more!

Psalm 72 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

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

Isaiah 49:1-7 – Revelation 21:22-27 – Matthew 12:14-21

Charles Porterfield Krauth

Almighty God, source of knowledge, wisdom and faith: We praise you for the gifts you richly bestowed on your servant Charles Porterfield Krauth: and we pray that by his teaching and example , we may honor the tradition that has been entrusted to us, cherish it, and hand it on in its fullness to generations after us ; through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

(Philip H. Pfatteicher “New Book of Festivals and Commemorations”)

97 Oh how I love your law!

    It is my meditation all the day.

98 Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies,

    for it is ever with me.

99 I have more understanding than all my teachers,

    for your testimonies are my meditation.

100 I understand more than the aged,

    for I keep your precepts.

101 I hold back my feet from every evil way,

    in order to keep your word.

102 I do not turn aside from your rules,

    for you have taught me.

103 How sweet are your words to my taste,

    sweeter than honey to my mouth!

104 Through your precepts I get understanding;

    therefore I hate every false way.

Psalm 119 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

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

1 Kings 19:9-18 – Ephesians 4:17-32 – John 6:15-27

Johann Konrad Wilhelm Löhe

Everlasting, gracious heavenly Father, you have given to your church the holy ministry of Word and Sacrament: Grant that the pastors of your church, following the example of Wilhelm Löhe, may fearlessly proclaim your word against every error, false doctrine, and abuse; and may so minister your divine mysteries in all their purity and fullness, that your people may be strengthened to serve those in need wherever they may be, for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

(Philip Pfatteicher “New Book of Festivals and Commemorations” adapted from Löhe)

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.

6 The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;

    he utters his voice, the earth melts.

7 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)

1 Kings 19:1-8 – Ephesians 4:1-16 – John 6:1-14

The Holy Name Of Jesus

Eternal Father, who gave to your incarnate Son the holy name of Jesus to be the sign of our salvation: Plant in every heart, we pray, the love of him who is the Savior of the world, our Lord Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

1 O Lord, our Lord,

   how majestic is your name in all the earth!

  You have set your glory above the heavens.

2 Out of the mouth of babies and infants,

    you have established strength because of your foes,

    to still the enemy and the avenger.

3 When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,

    the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,

4 what is man that you are mindful of him,

    and the son of man that you care for him?

5 Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings[b]

    and crowned him with glory and honor.

6 You have given him dominion over the works of your hands;

    you have put all things under his feet,

7 all sheep and oxen,

    and also the beasts of the field,

8 the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea,

    whatever passes along the paths of the seas.

9 O Lord, our Lord,

    how majestic is your name in all the earth!

Psalm 8 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

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

Isaiah 62:1-5,10-12 – Revelation 19:11-16 – Matthew 1:18-25