We give you thanks, most gracious God, for the beauty of earth and sky and sea; for the richness of mountains, plains, and rivers; for the songs of birds and the loveliness of flowers. We praise you for these good gifts, and pray that we may safeguard them for our posterity. Grant that we may continue to grow in our grateful enjoyment of your abundant creation, to the honor and glory of your Name, now and for ever. Amen.


1 Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked,
   or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers.
2 But they delight in the law of the Lord,
   meditating on it day and night.
3 They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season.
   Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.
4 But not the wicked!
   They are like worthless chaff, scattered by the wind.
5 They will be condemned at the time of judgment.
   Sinners will have no place among the godly.
6 For the Lord watches over the path of the godly,
   but the path of the wicked leads to destruction.
Psalm 1 – New Living Translation

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

2 Samuel 9:1-13 - Acts 19:1-10 - Mark 8:34-9:1