When my courage seems so small and slips away, when sin seeks to pull me from Your path, Lord, remind me that I need only trust in You, the One who keeps me safe and brings good things into my life. You reward my feeble efforts and multiply them through Your strength as I simply love You and respond to You in faith.
I want to be strong -- in You and for You. Give me courage each day. When evil seems to abound and sin distracts me from Your way, thank You that Your love abounds still more. Amen.
(From "Light for My Path - Prayers & Promises")

1 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
Why are you so far from saving me,
so far from the words of my groaning?
2 O my God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer,
by night, and am not silent.
3 Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One;
you are the praise of Israel.
4 In you our fathers put their trust;
they trusted and you delivered them.
5 They cried to you and were saved;
in you they trusted and were not disappointed.
Psalm 119 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Deuteronomy 7:12-16 – Titus 2:1-15 – John 1:35-42

Giver of forgiveness and life, thank you for your willingness to forgive even when I feel unforgivable. Lord, I confess that I have sinned and fallen short of deserving your grace. Yet, you come to me and forgive my sins, which are many. Thank you for such a awesome gift. May I live my life as one who forgives. Amen.
(From "Daily Texts")

1 Contend, O LORD, with those who contend with me;
fight against those who fight against me.
2 Take up shield and buckler;
arise and come to my aid.
3 Brandish spear and javelin against those who pursue me.
Say to my soul, "I am your salvation."
4 May those who seek my life be disgraced and put to shame;
may those who plot my ruinbe turned back in dismay.
5 May they be like chaff before the wind,
with the angel of the LORD driving them away;
6 may their path be dark and slippery,
with the angel of the LORD pursuing them.
Psalm 119 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Deuteronomy 7:6-11 – Titus 1:1-16 – John 1:29-34

Ash Wednesday

God of the desert,
as we follow Jesus into the unknown,
may we recognize the tempter when he comes;
let it be Your bread we eat,
Your world we serve
and You alone we worship.

3 In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice;
in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.
4 You are not a God who takes pleasure in evil;
with you the wicked cannot dwell.
5 The arrogant cannot stand in your presence;
you hate all who do wrong.
6 You destroy those who tell lies;
bloodthirsty and deceitful men the LORD abhors.
7 But I, by your great mercy, will come into your house;
in reverence will I bow down toward your holy temple.
8 Lead me, O LORD, in your righteousness because of my enemies—
make straight your way before me.
Psalm 119 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Jonah 3:1-4:1 - Hebrews 12:1-14 – Luke 18:9-14

Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna, Martyr (156)

Father,
You call me to be a peacemaker.
Petty arguments, grudges, gossip, anger, and jealousy -- all of these create a war in my heart. How easy it is to take up weapons against other people, putting pride before compassion. Thank You, Lord, for commanding me to disarm, to help the peaceable kingdom come. As I make my peace with You, bring inner peace to all my relationships. Give me a peaceful heart with which to conquer the world with love. Amen.
(From "Everyday Prayers for Everyday Cares")

41 May your unfailing love come to me, O LORD,
your salvation according to your promise;
42 then I will answer the one who taunts me,
for I trust in your word.
43 Do not snatch the word of truth from my mouth,
for I have put my hope in your laws.
44 I will always obey your law,
for ever and ever.
45 I will walk about in freedom,
for I have sought out your precepts.
48 I lift up my hands to your commands, which I love,
and I meditate on your decrees.
Psalm 119 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Deuteronomy 6:1-15 – Hebrews 1:1-14 – John 1:1-18

Rasmus Jensen, First Lutheran Pastor in North America

Almighty God, you have risen up for me indeed, in the new and glorious body of Christ crucified. Fill me with your spirit, so that my faithless fears may be banished in the certain knowledge of your steadfast love. Help me recognize your power in the gentle rule of Jesus, in whose name I offer you thanks and praise. Amen.
(From "Daily Texts")

33 Teach me, O LORD, to follow your decrees;
then I will keep them to the end.
34 Give me understanding, and I will keep your law
and obey it with all my heart.
35 Direct me in the path of your commands,
for there I find delight.
36 Turn my heart toward your statutes
and not toward selfish gain.
37 Turn my eyes away from worthless things;
preserve my life according to your word. [a]
38 Fulfill your promise to your servant,
so that you may be feared.
39 Take away the disgrace I dread,
for your laws are good.
40 How I long for your precepts!
Preserve my life in your righteousness.
Psalm 119 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading): Isaiah 65:17-25 – 1 Timothy 5:1-25 - Mark 12:28-34

Lord, thank you for all that witnesses to your love. Just as the rain comes down from heaven and makes the weary earth sing, so let it be with me. Clear my foggy vision and open my cloudy perspective. Shine on me, in me, and through me with the witness of your steadfast love; through your creating love. Amen.
(From "Daily Texts")

17 Be good to your servant, that I may live and obey your word. 18 Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions.
21 You rebuke the arrogant; those who wander from your commands are cursed. 22 Don’t let them scorn and insult me, for I have obeyed your laws. 23 Even princes sit and speak against me, but I will meditate on your decrees. 24 Your laws please me; they give me wise advice.
Psalm 119 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Isaiah 65:1-12 – 1 Timothy 4:1-16 - Mark 12:13-27

Martin Luther, Renewer of the Church, 1546

God, our refuge and our strength: You raised up your servant Martin Luther to reform and renew your Church in the light of your Word. Defend and purify the church in our own day and grant that, through faith, we may boldly proclaim the riches and grace which you have made known in Jesus Christ our Savior, who with you and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, now and forever. Amen
(From Lesser Feasts and Festivals)

11 I have hidden your word in my heart
that I might not sin against you.
12 Praise be to you, O LORD;
teach me your decrees.
13 With my lips I recount
all the laws that come from your mouth.
14 I rejoice in following your statutes
as one rejoices in great riches.
15 I meditate on your precepts
and consider your ways.
16 I delight in your decrees;
I will not neglect your word.
Psalm 119 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Isaiah 63:15-64:9 – 1 Timothy 3:1-16 - Mark 11:27-12:12