God of wisdom, throughout these forty days you instruct your people and nourish them with your word of life. Teach us through self-denial to bind our hearts to your service and make us one through constant prayer. 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 But I, through the abundance of your steadfast love, will enter your house.

   I will bow down toward your holy temple in the fear of you.

8 Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness because of my enemies;

    make your way straight before me.

9 For there is no truth in their mouth; their inmost self is destruction;

   their throat is an open grave; they flatter with their tongue.

10 Make them bear their guilt, O God; let them fall by their own counsels;

    because of the abundance of their transgressions cast them out,

    for they have rebelled against you.

11 But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy,

    and spread your protection over them,

    that those who love your name may exult in you.

12 For you bless the righteous, O Lord;

    you cover him with favor as with a shield.

Psalm 5 –English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

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

Genesis 45:1-15 – 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 – Mark 6:13-29