William Augustus Muhlenberg

Do not let your Church close its eyes, O Lord, to the plight of The poor and neglected, the homeless and the destitute, the old and the sick, the lonely and those who have no one to care for them. Give us the vision and compassion with which you so richly endowed your servant 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 our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Amen

(Lesser Feasts and Fasts)

1How lovely is your dwelling place,

O LORD of hosts!

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

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

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

where she may lay her young, your altars, O LORD of hosts, my King and my God.

4 Blessed are those who dwell in your house,

ever singing your praise!

5Blessed are those whose strength is in you,

in whose heart are the highways to Zion.

6As they go through the Valley of Baca they make it a place of springs;

the early rain also covers it with pools.

Psalm 84 English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

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

Jeremiah 23:1-8 - Romans 8:28-39 - John 6:52-59

O God, the protector of all that trust in You, without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy; Increase and multiply upon us Your mercy; that, You being our ruler and guide, we may so pass through things temporal, that we finally lose not the things eternal. Grant this, O heavenly Father, for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

8 Hear my prayer, O LORD God Almighty;
listen to me, O God of Jacob.
9 Look upon our shield, O God;
look with favor on your anointed one.
10 Better is one day in your courts
than a thousand elsewhere;
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
than dwell in the tents of the wicked.
11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield;
the LORD bestows favor and honor;
no good thing does he withhold
from those whose walk is blameless.
12 O LORD Almighty,
blessed is the man who trusts in you.
Psalm 84 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Jeremiah 7:1-15 – Romans 4:1-12 - John 7:14-36

Augustine, Bishop of Hippo, Teacher – click underlined section for more info

Eternal God,
The light of the minds that you know,
The joy of the hearts that love you,
The strength of the wills that serve you:
Help us to know you that we may truly love you,
So to love you that we may gladly serve you,
In the glory of you holy Name
Augustine, Bishop of Hippo

7 They go from strength to strength,
till each appears before God in Zion.
8 Hear my prayer, O LORD God Almighty;
listen to me, O God of Jacob.
9 Look upon our shield, O God;
look with favor on your anointed one.
10 Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere;
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
than dwell in the tents of the wicked.
11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield;
the LORD bestows favor and honor;
no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.
12 O LORD Almighty,
blessed is the man who trusts in you.
Psalm 84 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading)
2 Samuel 12:1-14 – Acts 19:21-41 – Mark 9:14-29

Henry Muhlenberg, Patriarch of American Lutherans

Loving God, Shepherd of your people, we thank you for the ministry of Henry Melchior Muhlenberg, who left his native land to care for the German and Scandinavian pioneers in North America; and we pray that, following the teaching and example of his life, we may grow into the full stature of Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

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.

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)

2 Kings 21:1-18 – 1 Corinthians 10:14-11:1 – Matthew 8:28-34

John XXIII, Bishop of Rome, Renewer of the Church

Heavenly Father, shepherd of your people, it is your will it is to heal all division and discord among those who call upon the name of your Son: We thank you for the good will shown in your servant John, and we pray that we may always be ready to hear our fellow Christians with humility and a willingness to learn, and may also speak the truth in love, to the healing of faction and the renewed witness of your people; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and ever.

1 How lovely is your dwelling place,
O Lord of hosts!
2 My soul longs, indeed it faints for the courts of the Lord;
my heart and my 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 Happy are those who live in your house,
ever singing your praise.
5Happy are those whose strength is in you,
in whose heart are the highways to Zion.*
Psalm 84 New Revised Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading)
Ecclesiastes 5:1-7 - Galatians 3:15-22 - Matthew 14:22-36

John XXIII, Renewer of the Church

Lord of all truth and peace, you raised up your bishop John to be servant of the servants of God and gave him wisdom to call for the work of renewing your Church: Grant that, following his example, we may reach out to other Christians to clasp them with the love of your Son, and labor throughout the nations of the world to kindle a desire for justice and peace; through Jesus Christ, who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for 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.

8 O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer;

    give ear, O God of Jacob!

Psalm 84 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

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

Isaiah 4:2-6 – Ephesians 4:1-16 – Matthew 8:28-34

Henry Melchior Muhlenberg

Loving God, Shepherd of your people, we thank you for the ministry of Henry Melchior Muhlenberg, who left his native land to care for the German and Scandinavian pioneers in North America; and we pray that, following the teaching and example of his life, we may grow into the full stature of 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!
5 Blessed are those whose strength is in you,
   in whose heart are the highways to Zion.
Psalm 84 – New Living Translation

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading)

2 Kings 23:36-24:17 - 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 - Matthew 9:27-34

We beseech thee, Master, to be our helper and protector.
Save the afflicted among us; have mercy on the lowly;
raise up the fallen; appear to the needy; heal the ungodly;
restore the wanderers of thy people;
feed the hungry; ransom our prisoners;
raise up the sick; comfort the faint-hearted.
Clement of Rome

8 Hear my prayer, O LORD God Almighty;
listen to me, O God of Jacob.
9 Look upon our shield, [c] O God;
look with favor on your anointed one.
10 Better is one day in your courts
than a thousand elsewhere;
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
than dwell in the tents of the wicked.
11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield;
the LORD bestows favor and honor;
no good thing does he withhold
from those whose walk is blameless.
12 O LORD Almighty,
blessed is the man who trusts in you.
Psalm 84 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
1 Kings 13:1-10 – Philippians 1:1-11 - Mark 15:40-47

Almighty God,you have created the heavens and the earth and made us in your own image: teach us to discern your hand in all your works and your likeness in all your children; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit reigns supreme over all things, now and for ever. Amen

1 How lovely is your dwelling place,
LORD Almighty!
2 My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the LORD;
my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.
3 Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself,
where she may have her young— a place near your altar,
LORD Almighty, my King and my God.
4 Blessed are those who dwell in your house;
they are ever praising you.
10 Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere;
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
than dwell in the tents of the wicked.
11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield;
the LORD bestows favor and honor;
no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.
Psalm 84 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading)
Deuteronomy 5:1-22 - 2 Corinthians 12:11-21 - Matthew 7:1-12

Nathan Söderblom

Almighty God, we bless your Name for the life and work of Nathan Söderblom,

Archbishop of Uppsala, who helped to inspire the modern liturgical revival and worked tirelessly for cooperation among Christians. Inspire us by his example, that we may ever strive for the renewal of your Church in life and worship, for the glory of your Name; who with Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, 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!

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 – New Living Translation

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

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

Deuteronomy 3:18-28 - Romans 9:19-33 - Matthew 24:1-14

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

Feast of the Presentation of our Lord Jesus Christ

Almighty and ever-living God, we humbly pray that, as your only-begotten Son was this day presented in the temple, so we may be presented to you with pure and clean hearts by Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen
(Gregorian Sacramentary)

8 O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer;
give ear, O God of Jacob!
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 live in the tents of wickedness.
11 For the Lord God is a sun and shield;
he bestows favor and honor.
No good thing does the Lord withhold
from those who walk uprightly.
12 O Lord of hosts,
happy is everyone who trusts in you.
Psalm 84 New Revised Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading)
Isaiah 52:13-53:12 - Galatians 4:21-31 - Mark 8:11-26

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

John XXIII (Angelo Guiseppe Roncalli)

Lord of all truth and peace, you raised up your bishop John to be servant of the servants of God and gave him wisdom to call for the work of renewing your Church: Grant that, following his example, we may reach out to other Christians to clasp them with the love of your Son, and labor throughout the nations of the world to kindle a desire for justice and peace; through Jesus Christ, who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. 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!

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)

Proverbs 10:1-12 - 1 Timothy 1:1-17 - Matthew 12:22-32

William A. Muhlenberg

Do not let your Church close its eyes, O Lord, to the plight of the poor and neglected, the homeless and the destitute, the old and the sick, the lonely and those who have no one to care for them. Give us the vision and compassion with which you so richly endowed your servant 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 our Lord, 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)

Daniel 1:1-21 – 1 John 1:1-10 - John 17:1-11

Heavenly Father, I seek Your will in the unknowns of my life. I want to be listening for Your still, small voice. Quiet me, so that I can focus on Your direction. Amen.
(From the "Light for My Path" series)

1 How lovely is your dwelling place,
O Lord of Heaven’s Armies.
2 I long, yes, I faint with longing
to enter the courts of the Lord.
With my whole being, body and soul,
I will shout joyfully to the living God.
3 Even the sparrow finds a home,
and the swallow builds her nest and raises her young
at a place near your altar,
O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, my King and my God!
4 What joy for those who can live in your house,
always singing your praises.
5 What joy for those whose strength comes from the Lord,
who have set their minds on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem.
6 When they walk through the Valley of Weeping,
it will become a place of refreshing springs.
The autumn rains will clothe it with blessings.
Psalm 84:1-6 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
1 Samuel 2:27-36 – Acts 2:22-26 - Luke 20:41-21:4

Augustine of Hippo

Lord God, the light of the minds that know you, the life of the souls that love you, and the strength of the hearts that serve you: Help us, following the example of your servant Augustine of Hippo, so to know you that we may truly love you, and so to love you that we may fully serve you, whom to serve is perfect freedom; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

8 O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer;
give ear, O God of Jacob!
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 live in the tents of wickedness.
11 For the Lord God is a sun and shield;
he bestows favor and honor.
No good thing does the Lord withhold
from those who walk uprightly.
12 O Lord of hosts,
happy is everyone who trusts in you.
Psalm 84 New Revised Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading)
Judges 14:20-15:20 - Acts 7:17-29 - John 4:43-54

Justus Falckner, First Lutheran Pastor Ordained in North America

Most gracious God, we thank you for your servant Justus Falckner and all other ministers who have accompanied Christians travelling to distant, desolate, or perilous places, seeking to minister to those they accompanied and to those they met, sharing their hardships in the name of him who humbled himself to share ours, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

8 O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer;
give ear, O God of Jacob!
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 live in the tents of wickedness.
11 For the Lord God is a sun and shield;
he bestows favor and honor.
No good thing does the Lord withhold
from those who walk uprightly.
12 O Lord of hosts,
happy is everyone who trusts in you.
Psalm 84 New Revised Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading)
Job 29:1,30:1-2,16-31 - Acts 14:19-28 - John 11:1-16

Chad of Lichfield, 672

Almighty God, whose servant Chad, for the peace of the Church, relinquished cheerfully the honors that had been thrust upon him, only to be rewarded with equal responsibility: Keep us, we pray, from thinking of ourselves more highly than we ought to think, and ready at all times to step aside for others, (in honor preferring one another,) that the cause of Christ may be advanced; in the name of him who washed his disciples' feet, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
(From Lesser Feasts and Fasts)

7They go from strength to strength;
each one appears before God in Zion.
8O LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer;
give ear, O God of Jacob!
9 Behold our shield, O God;
look on the face of your anointed!
10For 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.
11For 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.
12O 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)
Deuteronomy 4:25-31 - 2 Corinthians 11:21b-33 - Matthew 6:24-34