William Wilberforce, Renewer of Society

Let your continual mercy, O Lord, enkindle in your Church the Never-failing gift of love, that, following the example of your servant William Wilberforce, we may have grace to defend the children of the poor, and maintain the cause of those who have no helper; for the sake of him who gave his life for us, your Son our Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

2 I will praise the Lord as long as I live;
I will sing praises to my God all my life long.
3 Do not put your trust in princes,
in mortals, in whom there is no help.
4 When their breath departs, they return to the earth;
on that very day their plans perish.
5 Happy are those whose help is the God of Jacob,
whose hope is in the Lord their God,
6 who made heaven and earth,
the sea, and all that is in them;
who keeps faith for ever;
7 who executes justice for the oppressed;
who gives food to the hungry.
Psalm 146 New Revised Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading)
Joshua 4:19-5:1, 5:10-15 - Romans 12:9-21 - Matthew 26:17-25

Mary, Martha and Lazarus of Bethany

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, whose Son blessed by his Presence the home of Lazarus and Mary and Martha in Bethany: grant that, like Martha, we may serve Christ faithfully in the person of our brothers and sisters; and that, like Mary, we may feed on his Word and grow in his love and grace; and that, like Lazarus, we may be brought forth from death to new life in him; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

5 Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens,
your faithfulness to the clouds.
6 Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains,
your judgments are like the great deep;
you save humans and animals alike, O Lord.
7 How precious is your steadfast love, O God!
All people may 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 we see light.
10 O continue your steadfast love to those who know you,
and your salvation to the upright of heart!
Psalm 36 New Revised Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading)
Joshua 3:14-4:7 - Romans 12:1-8 - Matthew 26:1-16

Johann Sebastian Bach, George Frederick Handel, Heinrich Schütz

Almighty God, beautiful in majesty and majestic in holiness, Who have taught us in Holy Scripture to sing your praises, and who have given to your servants Johann Sebastian Bach, George Frederick Handel, and Heinrich Schütz grace to show forth your glory in their music: Be with all your servants who write and make music for your people, that with joy we on earth may glimpse your beauty, and at length may know the inexhaustible richness of your new creation in Jesus Christ our Lord.

1 Praise the Lord!
O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
for his steadfast love endures for ever.
2 Who can utter the mighty doings of the Lord,
or declare all his praise?
3 Happy are those who observe justice,
who do righteousness at all times.
4 Remember me, O Lord, when you show favour to your people;
help me when you deliver them;
5 that I may see the prosperity of your chosen ones,
that I may rejoice in the gladness of your nation,
that I may glory in your heritage.
Psalm 106 New Revised Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading)
Joshua 3:1-13 - Romans 11:25-36 - Matthew 25:31-46

Almighty God, my Eternal Father, from the fullness of my soul I adore You.
I am deeply grateful that You have made me in Your image and likeness, and that You ever hold me in Your loving embrace. Direct me to love You with all my heart, with all my soul, and with my whole mind. Direct me to love all Your children as I love myself. O, my Father, my soul longs to be united to You, and to rest in You forever. Have the Holy Spirit touch my soul
so that I may love You as He does, and as Your Beloved Son Jesus does. Amen.

1 To you, O Lord, I call; my rock, do not refuse to hear me,
for if you are silent to me, I shall be like those who go down to the Pit.
2 Hear the voice of my supplication, as I cry to you for help,
as I lift up my hands towards your most holy sanctuary.*
3 Do not drag me away with the wicked, with those who are workers of evil,
who speak peace with their neighbors, while mischief is in their hearts.
6 Blessed be the Lord,
for he has heard the sound of my pleadings.
7 The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts;
so I am helped, and my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.
Psalm 28 New Revised Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading)
Joshua 2:15-24 - Romans 11:13-24 - Matthew 25:14-30

Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Almighty God, heavenly Father, we remember in thanksgiving this day the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary; and we pray that we all may be made one in the heavenly family of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever.

11 The Lord swore to David a sure oath from which he will not turn back:
One of the sons of your body I will set on your throne.
12 If your sons keep my covenant and my decrees that I shall teach them,
their sons also, for evermore, shall sit on your throne.’
13 For the Lord has chosen Zion;
he has desired it for his habitation:
14 ‘This is my resting-place for ever;
here I will reside, for I have desired it.
15 I will abundantly bless its provisions;
I will satisfy its poor with bread.
16 Its priests I will clothe with salvation,
and its faithful will shout for joy.
Psalm 132 New Revised Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading)
Joshua 2:1-14 - Romans 11:1-12 - Matthew 25:1-13

Birgitta of Sweden, Renewer of the Church

O God, who by your Holy Spirit give to some the word of wisdom, to others the word of knowledge, and to others the word of faith: We praise your Name for the gifts of grace manifested in your servant Birgitta, and we pray that your Church may never be destitute of such gifts; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

1 I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart;
I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.
2 I will be glad and exult in you;
I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.
3 When my enemies turned back,
they stumbled and perished before you.
4 For you have maintained my just cause;
you have sat on the throne giving righteous judgment.
7 But the Lord sits enthroned for ever,
he has established his throne for judgment.
8 He judges the world with righteousness;
he judges the peoples with equity.
Psalm 9 New Revised Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading)
Deuteronomy 31:7-13, 31:24-32:4 - Romans 10:1-13 - Matthew 24:15-31

Jesus, help my eyes to see all the good you send to me.Jesus, help my ears to hear calls for help from far and near.Jesus, help my feet to go in the way that you will show.Jesus, help my hands to do, all things loving, kind, and true.Jesus, may I helpful be, growing every day like Thee. Amen

1 Deliver me, O Lord, from evildoers;
protect me from those who are violent,
2 who plan evil things in their minds
and stir up wars continually.
3 They make their tongue sharp as a snake’s,
and under their lips is the venom of vipers.
4 Guard me, O Lord, from the hands of the wicked;
protect me from the violent who have planned my downfall.
6 I say to the Lord, ‘You are my God;
give ear, O Lord, to the voice of my supplications.’
7 O Lord, my Lord, my strong deliverer,
you have covered my head in the day of battle.
Psalm 140 New Revised Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading)
Numbers 24:1-13 - Romans 8:12-17 - Matthew 22:15-22

Olga, Princess of Kiev, 969; Vladimir, 1st Christian Ruler of Russia 1015

I thank Thee, Lord, for sleep and rest, for all the things that I love best, now guide me through another day and bless my work and bless my play. Lord, make me strong for noble ends, protect and bless my loving friends; Of all humankind good Christians make. All this I ask for Jesus' sake. Amen.

3 When my enemies turned back,
they stumbled and perished before you.
4 For you have maintained my just cause;
you have sat on the throne giving righteous judgment.
5 You have rebuked the nations, you have destroyed the wicked;
you have blotted out their name for ever and ever.
6 The enemies have vanished in everlasting ruins;
their cities you have rooted out;
the very memory of them has perished.
7 But the Lord sits enthroned for ever,
he has established his throne for judgment.
8 He judges the world with righteousness;
he judges the peoples with equity.
Psalm 9 New Revised Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading)
Numbers 23:11-26 - Romans 8:1-11 - Matthew 22:1-14

O Lord, Make us have perpetual love and reverence for your holy name, for you never fail to help and govern those whom you have set upon the sure foundation of your loving-kindness; through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen
(From the Gelasian Sacramentary)

147 I rise before dawn and cry for help;
I put my hope in your words.
148 My eyes are awake before each watch of the night,
that I may meditate on your promise.
149 In your steadfast love hear my voice;
O Lord, in your justice preserve my life.
150 Those who persecute me with evil purpose draw near;
they are far from your law.
151 Yet you are near, O Lord,
and all your commandments are true.
152 Long ago I learned from your decrees
that you have established them for ever.
Psalm 119 New Revised Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading)
Numbers 22:41-23:12 - Romans 7:13-25 - Matthew 21:12-22

Dear Lord, our healer, thank you for acts of healing that appear impossible! The elderly, the young, the weak, and the strong are all touched by your healing power. I sometimes despair as I wait for your help, fearing that you have forgotten me. Forgive my waning faith and lead me back to your Word of truth and promise. Amen.
(From "Daily Texts")

1 Praise the Lord!
O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
for his steadfast love endures for ever.
2 Who can utter the mighty doings of the Lord,
or declare all his praise?
3 Happy are those who observe justice,
who do righteousness at all times.
4 Remember me, O Lord, when you show favor to your people;
help me when you deliver them;
5 that I may see the prosperity of your chosen ones,
that I may rejoice in the gladness of your nation,
that I may glory in your heritage.
Psalm 106 New Revised Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading)
Numbers 22:1-21 - Romans 6:12-23 - Matthew 21:12-22

Show us your mercy, O Lord; and grant us your salvation. Clothe your ministers with righteousness; let your people sing with joy. Give peace, O Lord, in all the world; for only in you can we live in safety. Lord, keep this nation under your care; And guide us in the way of justice and truth. Let your way be known upon earth; Your saving health among all nations. Let not the needy, O Lord, be forgotten; nor the hope of the poor be taken away. Create in us clean hearts, O God; and sustain us by your Holy Spirit.
Book of Common Prayer 1979

1 Hear my prayer, O Lord;
let my cry come to you.
2 Do not hide your face from me on the day of my distress.
Incline your ear to me; answer me speedily on the day when I call.
3 For my days pass away like smoke,
and my bones burn like a furnace.
4 My heart is stricken and withered like grass;
I am too wasted to eat my bread.
12 But you, O Lord, are enthroned for ever;
your name endures to all generations.
13 You will rise up and have compassion on Zion,
for it is time to favour it;
the appointed time has come.
Psalm 102 New Revised Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading)
Numbers 20:1-13 - Romans 5:12-21 - Matthew 20:29-34

Lord, put courage into my heart, and take away all that may hinder me serving you.
Free my tongue to proclaim your goodness, that all may understand me.
Give me friends to advise and help me, that by working together our efforts may bear abundant fruit.
And, above all, let me constantly remember that all my actions are in vain unless they are guided by your hand.
The Royal Military College of Canada

1 O give thanks to the Lord, call on his name,
make known his deeds among the peoples.
2 Sing to him, sing praises to him;
tell of all his wonderful works.
3 Glory in his holy name;
let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.
4 Seek the Lord and his strength;
seek his presence continually.
5 Remember the wonderful works he has done,
his miracles, and the judgments he has uttered,
7 He is the Lord our God;
his judgments are in all the earth.
Psalm 101 New Revised Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading)
Numbers 17:1-11 - Romans 5:1-11- Matthew 20:17-28

Father,
You promise to guide me.
You order my steps and guide me in the way I should go. You teach me Your ways and pick me up when I stumble. Your Word is like a lantern guiding my feet one step at a time down the path of life. Thank You, Lord, for providing the answer I need and showing me which way to turn. I praise You for being my trustworthy Guide and helper. Amen.
(From "Everyday Prayers for Everyday Cares")

1 I will sing of loyalty and of justice;
to you, O Lord, I will sing.
2 I will study the way that is blameless. When shall I attain it?
I will walk with integrity of heart within my house;
3 I will not set before my eyes anything that is base.
I hate the work of those who fall away; it shall not cling to me.
4 Perverseness of heart shall be far from me;
I will know nothing of evil.
5 One who secretly slanders a neighbor I will destroy.
A haughty look and an arrogant heart I will not tolerate.
6 I will look with favor on the faithful in the land, so that they may live with me;
whoever walks in the way that is blameless shall minister to me.
Psalm 101 New Revised Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading)
Numbers 16:36-50 - Romans 4:13-25 - Matthew 20:1-16

Jan Hus, Martyr, 1415

Almighty God, who gave to your servant Jan Huss boldness to confess the Name of our Savior
Jesus Christ before the rulers of this world, and courage to die for this faith: Grant that we may always be ready to give a reason for the hope that is in us, and to suffer gladly for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

1 Give ear to my words, O Lord;
give heed to my sighing.
2 Listen to the sound of my cry,
my King and my God, for to you I pray.
3 O Lord, in the morning you hear my voice;
in the morning I plead my case to you, and watch.
4 For you are not a God who delights in wickedness;
evil will not sojourn with you.
5 The boastful will not stand before your eyes;
you hate all evildoers.
6 You destroy those who speak lies;
the Lord abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful.
Psalm 89 New Revised Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading)
Numbers 16:20-35 - Romans 4:1-12 - Matthew 19:23-30

Father,
I find my contentment in You.
You are my Peace, Lord. You are my Source of true joy. When I am frustrated, struggling with the circumstances of life, You come to me, still my restless spirit, and take time to listen. Only a few moments in Your presence reminds me that I have all I need. Your love and care are more than enough. Thank You for providing all I need to live a peaceful and contented life. Amen.
(From "Everyday Prayers for Everyday Cares")

1 O Lord, God of my salvation,
when, at night, I cry out in your presence,
2 let my prayer come before you;
incline your ear to my cry.
3 For my soul is full of troubles,
and my life draws near to Sheol.
4 I am counted among those who go down to the Pit;
I am like those who have no help,
5 like those forsaken among the dead,
like the slain that lie in the grave,
like those whom you remember no more,
for they are cut off from your hand.
Psalm 88 New Revised Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading)
Numbers 13:1-3, 21-30 - Romans 2:25-3:8 - Matthew 18:21-35

Savior Jesus, through your death and resurrection you have set me free and saved me from the power of sin, death, and the devil. Thank you! I can find no other hope than in you. Lord, lift me up when I fall, strengthen me, forgive me, renew me, and save me, for I am yours. Amen.
(From "Daily Texts")

1 O God, do not keep silence;
do not hold your peace or be still, O God!
2 Even now your enemies are in tumult;
those who hate you have raised their heads.
3 They lay crafty plans against your people;
they consult together against those you protect.
13 O my God, make them like whirling dust,*
like chaff before the wind.
14 As fire consumes the forest,
as the flame sets the mountains ablaze,
15 so pursue them with your tempest
and terrify them with your hurricane.
Psalm 83 New Revised Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading)
Numbers 12:1-16 - Romans 2:12-24 - Matthew 18:10-20