Heavenly Father, we pray You to cradle our nation in Your arms as You did in its infancy. Only by living in the spirit of Your laws can we reach true liberty and maturity. Guide and foster leaders of integrity and righteousness with the vision and courage of our forefathers.
We pray You to till the soil of our nation with true ecumenism and renewal that all men will find the freedom and happiness that exists only through Your grace.
Amen.

1 How joyful are those who fear the Lord—
all who follow his ways!
2 You will enjoy the fruit of your labor.
How joyful and prosperous you will be!
3 Your wife will be like a fruitful grapevine,
flourishing within your home.
Your children will be like vigorous young olive trees
as they sit around your table.
4 That is the Lord’s blessing
for those who fear him.
5 May the Lord continually bless you from Zion.
May you see Jerusalem prosper as long as you live.
6 May you live to enjoy your grandchildren.
May Israel have peace!
Psalm 128 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Job 31:1-23 – Acts 15:1-11 – John 11:17-29