Heavenly Father, because I live in your righteousness, my life can open up in love instead of shutting down in fear. Help me to rejoice in this freedom from the need to make a defense for myself. Show me how to share the power of your saving grace with my neighbor. Amen.
(From "Daily Texts")

1 May the LORD answer you when you are in distress;
may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.
2 May he send you help from the sanctuary
and grant you support from Zion.
3 May he remember all your sacrifices
and accept your burnt offerings.
4 May he give you the desire of your heart
and make all your plans succeed.
5 We will shout for joy when you are victorious
and will lift up our banners in the name of our God.
May the LORD grant all your requests.
6 Now I know that the LORD saves his anointed;
he answers him from his holy heaven with the saving power of his right hand.
Psalm 20 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Isaiah 63:1-5 – Revelation 2:18-29 – John 5:1-15