God our Creator, each year we recall those Easter mysteries by which human nature is restored to a dignity once lost, and we are given the hope of rising again. Grant in your mercy that we may grasp and cherish always the mysteries we recall 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

9 How can young people keep their way pure?

   By guarding it according to your word.

10 With my whole heart I seek you;

   do not let me stray from your commandments.

11 I treasure your word in my heart,

   so that I may not sin against you.

12 Blessed are you, O Lord;

   teach me your statutes.

13 With my lips I declare

   all the ordinances of your mouth.

14 I delight in the way of your decrees

   as much as in all riches.

15 I will meditate on your precepts,

   and fix my eyes on your ways.

16 I will delight in your statutes;

   I will not forget your word.

Psalm 119 - 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

Catherine of Siena

Everlasting God, who so kindled the flame of holy love in the heart of blessed Catherine of Siena, as she meditated on the passion of your Son our Savior, that she devoted her life to the poor and the sick, and to the peace and unity of the Church: Grant that we also may share in the mystery of Christ's death, and rejoice in the revelation of His Glory, who lives and reigns with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen

5 Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens,

    your faithfulness to the clouds.

6 Your righteousness is like the mountains of God;

    your judgments are like the great deep;

    man and beast you save, O Lord.

7 How precious is your steadfast love, O God!

    The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings.

8 They feast on the abundance of your house,

    and you give them drink from the river of your delights.

9 For with you is the fountain of life;

    in your light do we see light.

10 Oh, continue your steadfast love to those who know you,

    and your righteousness to the upright of heart!

Psalm 36 - 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 14:18-31

Mark the Evangelist (transferred from 4/25)

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, for ever and ever. Amen

6 “As for me, I have set my King

    on Zion, my holy hill.”

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[b] 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.

11 Serve the Lord with fear,

    and rejoice with trembling.

Psalm 2 - 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

Easter (Bright) Friday

Almighty and eternal God, in the paschal mystery of Christ your Son you have established with all peoples a new covenant of reconciliation and peace. Grant that we may show forth in our lives the mystery of faith we so joyfully proclaim. 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 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

Easter (Bright) Thursday

Lord God, who gathered together from the ends of the earth a diversity of nations to profess your holy name, grant that all who have been reborn in the waters of baptism may be united in faith and in holiness of life. 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 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

Easter (Bright) Tuesday

Lord God, through this Easter mystery you have touched our lives with the healing power of your grace. Continue to bless your people, so that, possessed of perfect freedom, we may experience in heaven the joy we now taste on earth. 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 Oh sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things!

   His right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him.

2 The Lord has made known his salvation;

    he has revealed his righteousness in the sight of the nations.

3 He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness

    to the house of Israel.

   All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

4 Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth;

    break forth into joyous song and sing praises!

5 Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre,

    with the lyre and the sound of melody!

6 With trumpets and the sound of the horn

    make a joyful noise before the King, the Lord!

7 Let the sea roar, and all that fills it;

    the world and those who dwell in it!

8 Let the rivers clap their hands;

    let the hills sing for joy together

9 before the Lord, for he comes to judge the earth.

   He will judge the world with righteousness,

    and the peoples with equity.

Psalm 98 - 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

Easter (Bright) Monday

Lord God, you constantly add new children to the family of your Church. Grant that all your people may express in their lives the richness of the sacrament they have received 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

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.

7 All worshipers of images are put to shame,

    who make their boast in worthless idols;

    worship him, all you gods!

Psalm 97 - 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

Maundy Thursday

Almighty Father, whose dear Son, on the night before he suffered, instituted the Sacrament of his Body and Blood: Mercifully grant that we may receive it thankfully in remembrance of Jesus Christ our Lord, who in these holy mysteries gives us a pledge of eternal life; and who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens!

    Let your glory be over all the earth!

6 They set a net for my steps; my soul was bowed down.

   They dug a pit in my way,

    but they have fallen into it themselves. Selah

7 My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast!

   I will sing and make melody!

8 Awake, my glory! Awake, O harp and lyre!

    I will awake the dawn!

9 I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples;

    I will sing praises to you among the nations.

10 For your steadfast love is great to the heavens,

    your faithfulness to the clouds.

11 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens!

    Let your glory be over all the earth!

Psalm 57 - 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 10:14-17, 11:27-32 – Mark 14:12-25

Wednesday of Holy Week

For our sake, O God, you willed that your Son should climb the scaffold of the cross to lift from our shoulders the dark yoke of Satan. Grant that we may come to share the grace and power of Christ’s resurrection. 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 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,

4 shooting from ambush at the blameless,

    shooting at him suddenly and without fear.

5 They hold fast to their evil purpose;

    they talk of laying snares secretly,

thinking, “Who can see them?”

6     They search out injustice,

saying, “We have accomplished a diligent search.”

    For the inward mind and heart of a man are deep.

7 But God shoots his arrow at them;

    they are wounded suddenly.

8 They are brought to ruin, with their own tongues turned against them

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

All-powerful and ever-living God, enable us to celebrate worthily the mysteries of the Lord’s passion and death and so experience the grace of your tender pardon. 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 “Hear, O my people, and I will speak;

    O Israel, I will testify against you.

    I am God, your God.

8 Not for your sacrifices do I rebuke you;

    your burnt offerings are continually before me.

9 I will not accept a bull from your house

    or goats from your folds.

10 For every beast of the forest is mine,

    the cattle on a thousand hills.

11 I know all the birds of the hills,

    and all that moves in the field is mine.

12 “If I were hungry, I would not tell you,

    for the world and its fullness are mine.

13 Do I eat the flesh of bulls

    or drink the blood of goats?

14 Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving,

    and perform your vows to the Most High,

15 and call upon me in the day of trouble;

    I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.”

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

All-powerful God, as often as we grow faint through human weakness, grant us new life and breath through the passion and death of your beloved Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever 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.

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

George Augustus Selwyn

Almighty and everlasting God, we thank you for your servant George Augustus Selwyn, whom you called to preach the Gospel to the peoples of New Zealand and Melanesia, and to lay a firm foundation for the growth of your Church in many nations. Raise up in this and every land evangelists and heralds of your kingdom, that your Church may proclaim the unsearchable riches of our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen

1 To you, O Lord, I call; my rock, be not deaf to me,

   lest, if you be silent to me, I become like those who go down to the pit.

2 Hear the voice of my pleas for mercy, when I cry to you for help,

   when I lift up my hands toward your most holy sanctuary.

3 Do not drag me off with the wicked, with the workers of evil,

   who speak peace with their neighbors while evil is in their hearts.

6 Blessed be the Lord!

    For he has heard the voice of my pleas for mercy.

7 The Lord is my strength and my shield;

    in him my heart trusts, and I am helped;

   my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.

8 The Lord is the strength of his people;

    he is the saving refuge of his anointed.

9 Oh, save your people and bless your heritage!

    Be their shepherd and carry them forever.

Psalm 28 - English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

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

Exodus 9:13-35 – 2 Corinthians 4:1-12 – Mark 10:32-45

William Law

O God, by whose grace your servant William Law, 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 may ever 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

1 Bless the Lord, O my soul,

    and all that is within me, bless his holy name!

2 Bless the Lord, O my soul,

    and forget not all his benefits,

3 who forgives all your iniquity,

    who heals all your diseases,

4 who redeems your life from the pit,

    who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,

13 As a father shows compassion to his children,

    so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.

14 For he knows our frame;

    he remembers that we are dust.

17 But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him,

    and his righteousness to children's children,

18 to those who keep his covenant

    and remember to do his commandments.

Psalm 103 - English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

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

Exodus 7:25-8:19 – 2 Corinthians 3:7-18 – Mark 10:17-31

Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Gracious Lord, the Christian faith of your servant Dietrich Bonhoeffer impelled him to defy the forces of darkness, to protest the evil of anti-Semitism, and finally, fearing not death  but the greater evil of tolerating oppression, to lay down his life in witness to your rule: Grant us the same Spirit of courage  to resist tyranny in all its forms and the strength to follow Christ into unfamiliar places, knowing that, whether we live or die, we are with you; through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord who lives and reigns  with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

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 7:8-24 – 2 Corinthians 2:14-3:6 – Mark 10:1-16

William Augustus Muhlenberg

God of justice and truth, do not let your Church close its eyes to the plight of the poor and neglected, the homeless and destitute, the old and the sick, the lonely and those who have none to care for them. Give us that vision and compassion with which you so richly endowed William Augustus Muhlenberg that we may labor tirelessly to heal those who are broken in body or spirit, and to turn their sorrow into joy; through Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

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)

Exodus 5:1-6:1 – 1 Corinthians 14:20-33, 39-40 – Mark 9:42-50

God of surpassing love, you enrich us with every blessing; grant that, by setting aside our former ways for a life that is new, we may be ready for the glory of your kingdom. 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

73 Your hands have made and fashioned me;

    give me understanding that I may learn your commandments.

74 Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice,

    because I have hoped in your word.

75 I know, O Lord, that your rules are righteous,

    and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.

76 Let your steadfast love comfort me

    according to your promise to your servant.

77 Let your mercy come to me, that I may live;

    for your law is my delight.

78 Let the insolent be put to shame,

    because they have wronged me with falsehood;

    as for me, I will meditate on your precepts.

79 Let those who fear you turn to me,

    that they may know your testimonies.

80 May my heart be blameless in your statutes,

    that I may not be put to shame!

Psalm 119 - English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

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

Exodus 4:10-31 – 1 Corinthians 14:1-19 – Mark 9:30-41

Martin Luther King, Jr

Almighty God, by the hand of Moses your servant you led your people out of slavery, and made them free at last: Grant that your Church, following the example of your prophet Martin Luther King, may resist oppression in the name of your love, and may secure for all your children the blessed liberty of the Gospel of Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. 

11 I will remember the deeds of the Lord;

    yes, I will remember your wonders of old.

12 I will ponder all your work,

    and meditate on your mighty deeds.

13 Your way, O God, is holy.

    What god is great like our God?

14 You are the God who works wonders;

    you have made known your might among the peoples.

15 You with your arm redeemed your people,

    the children of Jacob and Joseph. Selah

19 Your way was through the sea,

    your path through the great waters;

    yet your footprints were unseen.

20 You led your people like a flock

    by the hand of Moses and Aaron.

Psalm 77 - English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

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

Exodus 2:1-22 – 1 Corinthians 12:27-13:3 – Mark 9:2-13

Richard, Bishop of Chichester

We thank you, Lord God, for all the benefits you have given us in your Son Jesus Christ, our most merciful Redeemer, Friend, and Brother, and for all the pains and insults he has borne for us; and we pray that, following the example of your saintly bishop Richard of Chichester, we may see Christ more clearly, love him more dearly, and follow him more nearly; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen

1 O Lord, how many are my foes!

    Many are rising against me;

2 many are saying of my soul,

    there is no salvation for him in God. Selah

3 But you, O Lord, are a shield about me,

    my glory, and the lifter of my head.

4 I cried aloud to the Lord,

    and he answered me from his holy hill. Selah

5 I lay down and slept;

    I woke again, for the Lord sustained me.

6 I will not be afraid of many thousands of people

    who have set themselves against me all around.

7 Arise, O Lord! Save me, O my God!

   For you strike all my enemies on the cheek;

    you break the teeth of the wicked.

8 Salvation belongs to the Lord;

    your blessing be on your people!

Psalm 3 - English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

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

Exodus 1:6-22 – 1 Corinthians 12:12-26 – Mark 8:27-9:1

God of mercy, you reward the just for the good they do and forgive repentant sinners; take pity on us and answer our prayer, that as we confess our guilt we may hear the voice of your  pardon. 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 By the waters of Babylon,

    there we sat down and wept, when we remembered Zion.

2 On the willows there

    we hung up our lyres.

3 For there our captors required of us songs,

   and our tormentors, mirth, saying,

    “Sing us one of the songs of Zion!”

4 How shall we sing the Lord's song

    in a foreign land?

5 If I forget you, O Jerusalem,

    let my right hand forget its skill!

6 Let my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth,

    if I do not remember you,

if I do not set Jerusalem

    above my highest joy!

Psalm 137 - English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

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

Genesis 50:15-26 – 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 – Mark 8:11-26

Frederick Denison Maurice

Almighty God, who restored our human nature to heavenly glory through the perfect obedience of our Savior Jesus Christ: Keep alive in your Church, we pray, a passion for justice and truth; that, like your servant Federick Denison Maurice, we may work and pray for the triumph of the kingdom of your Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.  Amen

11 May all kings fall down before him,

    all nations serve him!

12 For he delivers the needy when he calls,

    the poor and him who has no helper.

13 He has pity on the weak and the needy,

    and saves the lives of the needy.

14 From oppression and violence he redeems their life,

    and precious is their blood in his sight.

15 Long may he live; may gold of Sheba be given to him!

   May prayer be made for him continually,

   and blessings invoked for him all the day!

16 May there be abundance of grain in the land;

    on the tops of the mountains may it wave;

    may its fruit be like Lebanon;

   and may people blossom in the cities like the grass of the field!

17 May his name endure forever, his fame continue as long as the sun!

   May people be blessed in him, all nations call him blessed!

Psalm 72 - English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

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

Genesis 49:29-50:14 – 1 Corinthians 11:17-34 – Mark 8:1-10