Lord God the creator of all things, Your Spirit moved over the face of the waters at the dawn of creation You gather the seas into their places and direct the courses of the rivers. We praise you for the gift of water Now our land is dry and barren, thirsting for life-giving rain. Send rain upon the earth so that it will bring forth life May we use only the water we each need and let us take care of and give encouragement to all those whose livelihood depends on the produce of the land.

Amen

(From the Rev. Joseph Grech)

1Contend, O LORD, with those who contend with me;

fight against those who fight against me!

2Take hold of shield and buckler

and rise for my help!

3Draw the spear and javelin against my pursuers!

Say to my soul, "I am your salvation!"

4 Let them be put to shame and dishonor who seek after my life!

Let them be turned back and disappointed who devise evil against me!

5Let them be like chaff before the wind,

with the angel of the LORD driving them away!

6Let their way be dark and slippery,

with the angel of the LORD pursuing them!

Psalm 35 English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

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

Jeremiah 22:13-23 - Romans 8:12-27 - John 6:41-51