All-powerful God, we are born under the ancient yoke of sin; grant that the birth of your only Son according to the flesh may deliver us and set us free. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen

1 The Lord reigns; he is robed in majesty;

    the Lord is robed; he has put on strength as his belt.

   Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved.

2 Your throne is established from of old;

    you are from everlasting.

3 The floods have lifted up, O Lord,

    the floods have lifted up their voice;

    the floods lift up their roaring.

4 Mightier than the thunders of many waters,

    mightier than the waves of the sea,

    the Lord on high is mighty!

5 Your decrees are very trustworthy;

    holiness befits your house,

    O Lord, forevermore.

Psalm 93 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

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

1 Kings 17:17-24 – 3 John 1-15 – John 4:46-54

John, Apostle and Evangelist

Shed upon your Church, O Lord, the brightness of your light; that we, being illumined by the teaching of your apostle and evangelist John, may so walk in the light of your truth, that at length we may attain to the fullness of eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen

1 The LORD reigns, let the earth rejoice;

   let the many coastlands be glad!

2 Clouds and thick darkness are all around him;

   righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.

5 The mountains melt like wax before the LORD,

   before the Lord of all the earth.

6 The heavens proclaim his righteousness,

   and all the peoples see his glory.

11 Light is sown for the righteous,

   and joy for the upright in heart.

12 Rejoice in the LORD, O you righteous,

   and give thanks to his holy name!

Psalm 97 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

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

Proverbs 8:22-30 – 1 John 5:1-12 – John 13:20-35

St. Stephen, Deacon and Martyr

We give you thanks, O Lord of glory, for the example of the first martyr Stephen, who looked up to heaven and prayed for his persecutors to your Son Jesus Christ, who stands at your right hand: where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen

1 In you, O LORD, do I take refuge;

   let me never be put to shame; in your righteousness deliver me!

2 Incline your ear to me; rescue me speedily!

   Be a rock of refuge for me, a strong fortress to save me!

3 For you are my rock and my fortress;

   and for your name's sake you lead me and guide me;

4 you take me out of the net they have hidden for me,

   for you are my refuge.

5 Into your hand I commit my spirit;

   you have redeemed me, O LORD, faithful God.

23 Love the LORD, all you his saints!

   The LORD preserves the faithful

   but abundantly repays the one who acts in pride.

24 Be strong, and let your heart take courage,

   all you who wait for the LORD!

Psalm 31 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

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

Wisdom 4:7-15 – Acts 7:59-8:8 – Matthew 10:17-22

Christmas Eve

O God, You gladden us with the yearly expectation of our redemption. Grant that we, who now joyfully receive Your only-begotten Son as our Redeemer, may also behold Him without fear when He comes to be our judge; who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

1 The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof,

    the world and those who dwell therein,

2 for he has founded it upon the seas

    and established it upon the rivers.

3 Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord?

    And who shall stand in his holy place?

4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart,

    who does not lift up his soul to what is false and does not swear deceitfully.

5 He will receive blessing from the Lord

    and righteousness from the God of his salvation.

6 Such is the generation of those who seek him,

    who seek the face of the God of Jacob.[b] Selah

7 Lift up your heads, O gates!

    And be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.

8 Who is this King of glory?

    The Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord, mighty in battle!

9 Lift up your heads, O gates!

    And lift them up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.

10 Who is this King of glory?

    The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory! Selah

Psalm 24 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

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

Isaiah 59:15-21 – Philippians 2:5-11 – Matt 1:18-25

O Emmanuel

"O Emmanuel, our king and our Lord,

 The anointed for the nations and their Savior:

Come and save us, O Lord our God."

Relevant verse in Veni, Veni Emmanuel:

O come, O come, Emmanuel

And ransom captive Israel

That mourns in lonely exile here

Until the Son of God appear

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel

Shall come to thee, O Israel.

1 Lord, you have been our dwelling place

    in all generations.

2 Before the mountains were brought forth,

    or ever you had formed the earth and the world,

    from everlasting to everlasting you are God.

3 You return man to dust

    and say, “Return, O children of man!”

4 For a thousand years in your sight

    are but as yesterday when it is past,

    or as a watch in the night.

5 You sweep them away as with a flood; they are like a dream,

    like grass that is renewed in the morning:

6 in the morning it flourishes and is renewed;

    in the evening it fades and withers.

12 So teach us to number our days

    that we may get a heart of wisdom.

Psalm 90 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

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

Jeremiah 31:10-14 – Galatians 3:15-22 – Luke 1:67-80

O Clavis David (O Key of David)

"O Key of David and scepter of the house of Israel, 

 You open and no one can close, You close and no one can open:  

Come and rescue the prisoners who are in darkness and in the shadow of death."

Relevant verse in Veni, Veni Emmanuel:

Oh, come, O Key of David, come,
And open wide our heav'nly home;
Make safe the way that leads on high,
And close the path to misery.

1 Lord, you were favorable to your land;

    you restored the fortunes of Jacob.

2 You forgave the iniquity of your people;

    you covered all their sin. Selah

3 You withdrew all your wrath;

    you turned from your hot anger.

4 Restore us again, O God of our salvation,

    and put away your indignation toward us!

5 Will you be angry with us forever?

    Will you prolong your anger to all generations?

6 Will you not revive us again,

    that your people may rejoice in you?

7 Show us your steadfast love, O Lord,

    and grant us your salvation.

Psalm 85 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

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

1 Samuel 2: 1-10 – Titus 2:1-10 – Luke 1:26-38

O Radix Jesse (O Root of Jesse)

O Root of Jesse, standing as a sign among the peoples;

before you kings will shut their mouths,

to you the nations will make their prayer:

Come and deliver us, and delay no longer.

Relevant verse in Veni, Veni Emmanuel:

O come, O Root of Jesse free,

Thine own from Satan’s tyranny;

From depths of hell Thy people save,

And give them victory o’er the grave.

11 Lord, don’t hold back your tender mercies from me.

    Let your unfailing love and faithfulness always protect me.

12 For troubles surround me—  too many to count!

    My sins pile up so high I can’t see my way out.

   They outnumber the hairs on my head. I have lost all courage.

13 Please, Lord, rescue me!

    Come quickly, Lord, and help me.

14 May those who try to destroy me be humiliated and put to shame.

    May those who take delight in my trouble be turned back in disgrace.

15 Let them be horrified by their shame,

    for they said, “Aha! We’ve got him now!”

16 But may all who search for you be filled with joy and gladness in you.

    May those who love your salvation repeatedly shout, “The Lord is great!”

17 As for me, since I am poor and needy, let the Lord keep me in his thoughts.

   You are my helper and my savior.  O my God, do not delay.

Psalm 40 – New Living Translation

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

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

Zephaniah 3:14-20 – Titus 1:1-16 – Luke 1:1-25

O Adonai

O Adonai, and leader of the House of Israel,

who appeared to Moses in the fire of the burning bush

and gave him the law on Sinai:

Come and redeem us with an outstretched arm.

Relevant verse in Veni, Veni Emmanuel:

O come, O come, thou Lord of might,

Who to Thy tribes on Sinai's height

In ancient times didst give the law

In cloud and majesty, and awe.

1 May God be gracious to us and bless us

    and make his face to shine upon us, Selah

2 that your way may be known on earth,

    your saving power among all nations.

3 Let the peoples praise you, O God;

    let all the peoples praise you!

4 Let the nations be glad and sing for joy,

    for you judge the peoples with equity

    and guide the nations upon earth. Selah

5 Let the peoples praise you, O God;

    let all the peoples praise you!

6 The earth has yielded its increase;

    God, our God, shall bless us.

7 God shall bless us;

    let all the ends of the earth fear him!

Psalm 67 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

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

Genesis 3:8-15 – Revelation 12:1-10 – John 3:16-21

O Sapientia

O Wisdom, coming forth from the mouth of the Most High,

reaching from one end to the other mightily,

and sweetly ordering all things:

Come and teach us the way of prudence

O Love of God, descend into my heart;

Enlighten the dark corners of this neglected dwelling, And scatter there Your cheerful beams. Dwell in the soul that longs to be Your temple; Water that barren soil overrun with weeds and briars And lost for lack of cultivating. Make it fruitful with Your dew.

Morning Prayer — St. Augustine

1 Praise the Lord!

   Praise God in his sanctuary;

    praise him in his mighty heavens!

2 Praise him for his mighty deeds;

    praise him according to his excellent greatness!

3 Praise him with trumpet sound;

    praise him with lute and harp!

4 Praise him with tambourine and dance;

    praise him with strings and pipe!

5 Praise him with sounding cymbals;

    praise him with loud clashing cymbals!

6 Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!

Praise the Lord!

Psalm 150 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

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

Zechariah 2:1-13 – Revelation 3:14-22 – Matthew 24:32-44

God of mercy, open your ears to our cries and light up the dark places of our hearts with the grace of your Son, who will visit us and set us free. We ask this through our Lord Jesus  Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen

1 I waited patiently for the Lord to help me,

    and he turned to me and heard my cry.

2 He lifted me out of the pit of despair,

    out of the mud and the mire.

He set my feet on solid ground

    and steadied me as I walked along.

3 He has given me a new song to sing,

    a hymn of praise to our God.

Many will see what he has done and be amazed.

    They will put their trust in the Lord.

4 Oh, the joys of those who trust the Lord,

    who have no confidence in the proud

    or in those who worship idols.

5 O Lord my God, you have performed many wonders for us.

    Your plans for us are too numerous to list.

    You have no equal.

If I tried to recite all your wonderful deeds,

    I would never come to the end of them.

6 You take no delight in sacrifices or offerings.

    Now that you have made me listen, I finally understand

Psalm 40 – New Living Translation

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

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

Zechariah 1:7-17 – Revelation 3:7-13 – Matthew 24:15-31

Lucy,  Martyr

Loving God, for the salvation of all you gave Jesus Christ as light to a world in darkness: Illumine us, with your daughter Lucy, with the light of Christ, that by the merits of his passion we may be led to eternal life; through the same Jesus Christ, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

1 O Lord, my heart is not lifted up;

    my eyes are not raised too high;

   I do not occupy myself with things

    too great and too marvelous for me.

2 But I have calmed and quieted my soul,

    like a weaned child with its mother;

    like a weaned child is my soul within me.

3 O Israel, hope in the Lord

    from this time forth and forevermore.

Psalm 131 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

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

Haggai 1:1-15 – Revelation 2:18-29 – Matthew 23:27-39

Stir up our hearts, O Lord, to prepare the way for your only Son, that his coming may purify our minds and make us worthy to serve you. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.

1 I love you, O Lord, my strength.

2 The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,

    my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,

    my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

3 I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised,

    and I am saved from my enemies.

4 The cords of death encompassed me;

    the torrents of destruction assailed me;

5 the cords of Sheol entangled me;

    the snares of death confronted me.

6 In my distress I called upon the Lord;

    to my God I cried for help.

   From his temple he heard my voice,

    and my cry to him reached his ears.

Psalm 18 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

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

Amos 9:1-10 – Revelation 2:8-17 – Matthew 23:13-26

Lars Olsen Skrefsrud, Missionary

Merciful God, you look with compassion on all who by their addictions are in bondage, and you call them to recovery and purpose: We thank you for releasing your servant Lars Olsen Skrefsrud from his captivity and for leading him to the Santal  people  to preach the gospel of peace and to build their church; and we pray that you would strengthen us by his example to work for the salvation of  all whom the world or the church overlooks or ignores, that your Name may be glorified throughout the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

Philip H. Pfatteicher

7 Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples,

    ascribe to the Lord glory and strength!

8 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;

    bring an offering, and come into his courts!

9 Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness;

    tremble before him, all the earth!

10 Say among the nations, “The Lord reigns!

    Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved;

    he will judge the peoples with equity.”

11 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice;

    let the sea roar, and all that fills it;

12 let the field exult, and everything in it!

    Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy

13 before the Lord, for he comes,

    for he comes to judge the earth.

    He will judge the world in righteousness,

    and the peoples in his faithfulness.

Psalm 96 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

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

Amos 8:1-14 – Revelation 1:17-2:7 – Matthew 23:1-12

Karl Barth

Almighty God, source of justice beyond human knowledge: We thank you for inspiring Karl Barth to resist tyranny and exalt your saving grace, without which we cannot apprehend your will. Teach us, like him, to live by faith, and even in chaotic and perilous times to perceive the light of your eternal glory, Jesus Christ our Redeemer; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, ever one God, throughout all ages. Amen.

7 But you, you are to be feared!

    Who can stand before you

    when once your anger is roused?

8 From the heavens you uttered judgment;

    the earth feared and was still,

9 when God arose to establish judgment,

    to save all the humble of the earth. Selah

10 Surely the wrath of man shall praise you;

    the remnant[a] of wrath you will put on like a belt.

11 Make your vows to the Lord your God and perform them;

    let all around him bring gifts

    to him who is to be feared,

12 who cuts off the spirit of princes,

    who is to be feared by the kings of the earth.

Psalm 76 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

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

Amos 7:10-17 – Revelation 1:9-16 – Matthew 22:34-46

Let the prayer of your servants rise before you, O Lord, that with pure and undivided hearts

we may celebrate the great mystery of the incarnation of your only-begotten Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen

1 I was glad when they said to me,

    “Let us go to the house of the Lord!”

2 Our feet have been standing

    within your gates, O Jerusalem!

3 Jerusalem—built as a city

    that is bound firmly together,

4 to which the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord,

   as was decreed for Israel, to give thanks to the name of the Lord.

5 There thrones for judgment were set,

    the thrones of the house of David.

6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!

    “May they be secure who love you!

7 Peace be within your walls

    and security within your towers!”

8 For my brothers and companions' sake

    I will say, “Peace be within you!”

9 For the sake of the house of the Lord our God,

    I will seek your good.

Psalm 122 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

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

Amos 7:1-9 – Revelation 1:1-8 – Matthew 22:23-33

Nicholas of Myra

Almighty God, who in your love gave to your servant Nicholas of Myra a perpetual name for deeds of kindness on land and sea: Grant, we pray, that your Church may never cease to work for the happiness of children, the safety of sailors, the relief of the poor, and the help of those tossed by tempests of doubt or grief; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen

2 I will open my mouth in a parable;

    I will utter dark sayings from of old,

3 things that we have heard and known,

    that our fathers have told us.

4 We will not hide them from their children,

    but tell to the coming generation

   the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might,

    and the wonders that he has done.

5 He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel,

   which he commanded our fathers to teach to their children,

6 that the next generation might know them,

    the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children,

7 so that they should set their hope in God

   and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments

Psalm 34 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

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

Amos 5:1-17 – Jude 1-16 – Matthew 22:1-14

Clement of Alexandria

O Lord, who called your servant Clement of Alexandria from the errors of ancient philosophy that he might learn and teach the saving Gospel of Christ: Turn your Church from the conceits of worldly wisdom and, by the Spirit of truth, guide it into all truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

9 Oh, fear the Lord, you his saints,

    for those who fear him have no lack!

10 The young lions suffer want and hunger;

    but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.

11 Come, O children, listen to me;

    I will teach you the fear of the Lord.

12 What man is there who desires life

    and loves many days, that he may see good?

13 Keep your tongue from evil

    and your lips from speaking deceit.

14 Turn away from evil and do good;

    seek peace and pursue it.

Psalm 34 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

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

Amos 4:6-13 – 2 Peter 3:11-18 – Matthew 21:33-46

John of Damascus

Confirm our minds, O Lord, in the mysteries of the true faith, set forth with power by your servant John of Damscus; that we, with him, confessing Jesus to be true God and true Man, and singing the praises of the risen Lord, may, by the power of the resurrection, attain to eternal joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for evermore. Amen.

14 The Lord is my strength and my song;

    he has become my salvation.

15 Glad songs of salvation

    are in the tents of the righteous:

“The right hand of the Lord does valiantly,

16     the right hand of the Lord exalts,

    the right hand of the Lord does valiantly!”

17 I shall not die, but I shall live,

    and recount the deeds of the Lord.

18 The Lord has disciplined me severely,

    but he has not given me over to death.

19 Open to me the gates of righteousness,

    that I may enter through them

    and give thanks to the Lord.

20 This is the gate of the Lord;

    the righteous shall enter through it.

21 I thank you that you have answered me

    and have become my salvation.

Psalm 118 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

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

Amos 3:12-4:5 – 2 Peter 3:1-10 – Matthew 21:23-32

Francis Xavier

O God, eternal Father, through the preaching and holy life of your servant Francis you brought many nations to yourself: Give his zeal for the faith, we pray, to all who believe in you, that your Church may rejoice in continued growth throughout the world; through Jesus Christ our Lord , who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever, Amen.

8 As we have heard, so have we seen in the city of the Lord of hosts,

   in the city of our God, which God will establish forever. Selah

9 We have thought on your steadfast love, O God,

    in the midst of your temple.

10 As your name, O God,

    so your praise reaches to the ends of the earth.

   Your right hand is filled with righteousness.

11 Let Mount Zion be glad!

   Let the daughters of Judah rejoice because of your judgments!

12 Walk about Zion, go around her,

    number her towers,

13 consider well her ramparts, go through her citadels,

   that you may tell the next generation

14 that this is God, our God forever and ever.

    He will guide us forever

Psalm 48 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

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

Amos 3:1-11 – 2 Peter 1:12-21 – Matthew 21:12-22

Lord our God, keep your servants alert and watchful as we await the return of Christ your Son, so that when he comes and knocks at the door he may find us vigilant in prayer, with songs of praise on our lips. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen

1 The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.”

    They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds,

    there is none who does good.

2 The Lord looks down from heaven on the children of man,

    to see if there are any who understand,

    who seek after God.

3 They have all turned aside; together they have become corrupt;

    there is none who does good, not even one.

4 Have they no knowledge, all the evildoers

    who eat up my people as they eat bread

    and do not call upon the Lord?

5 There they are in great terror,

    for God is with the generation of the righteous.

6 You would shame the plans of the poor,

    but the Lord is his refuge.

Psalm 70 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

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

Amos 2:6-16 – 2 Peter 1:1-11 – Matthew 21:1-11

Merciful God, you willed that by the grace of adoption we should become children of light; grant that we not be cloaked in the darkness of error but rather stand forth in the splendour of truth. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen

1 Make haste, O God, to deliver me!

    O Lord, make haste to help me!

2 Let them be put to shame and confusion

    who seek my life!

Let them be turned back and brought to dishonor

    who delight in my hurt!

3 Let them turn back because of their shame

    who say, “Aha, Aha!”

4 May all who seek you

    rejoice and be glad in you!

May those who love your salvation

    say evermore, “God is great!”

5 But I am poor and needy;

    hasten to me, O God!

You are my help and my deliverer;

    O Lord, do not delay!

Psalm 70 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

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

Isaiah 24:14-23 – 1 Peter 3:13-4:6 – Matthew 20:17-28

Thanksgiving Day

Heavenly Father, on Thanksgiving Day we bow our hearts to You and pray. We give You thanks for all You've done especially for the gift of Jesus, Your Son. For beauty in nature, Your glory we see for joy and health, friends and family, For daily provision, Your mercy and care these are the blessings You graciously share. So today we offer this response of praise with a promise to follow You all of our days. Amen

--Mary Fairchild

1   Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!

2   Serve the Lord with gladness!

    Come into his presence with singing!

3 Know that the Lord, he is God!

    It is he who made us, and we are his;

    we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving,

    and his courts with praise!

    Give thanks to him; bless his name!

5 For the Lord is good;

    his steadfast love endures forever,

    and his faithfulness to all generations.

Psalm 100 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

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

Deuteronomy 26:1-11 – Philippians 4:4-9 – John 6:25-35

God our Redeemer, in Jesus, your promised Messiah, you crushed the power of Satan. Sustain your Church in the struggle against evil, that, hearing your word and doing your will, we may be fashioned into a household of true disciples who share in the victory of the cross. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen

46 How long, O Lord? Will you hide yourself forever?

    How long will your wrath burn like fire?

47 Remember how short my time is!

    For what vanity you have created all the children of man!

48 What man can live and never see death?

    Who can deliver his soul from the power of Sheol? Selah

49 Lord, where is your steadfast love of old,

    which by your faithfulness you swore to David?

50 Remember, O Lord, how your servants are mocked,

    and how I bear in my heart the insults of all the many nations,

51 with which your enemies mock, O Lord,

    with which they mock the footsteps of your anointed.

52 Blessed be the Lord forever!

   Amen and Amen.

Psalm 89 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

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

Obadiah 15-21 – 1 Peter 1:13-25 – Matthew 19:23-30

Almighty and merciful God, drive from us whatever things are harmful and make us ready in both body and mind to accomplish your will in perfect freedom. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen

17 O God, from my youth you have taught me,

    and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds.

18 So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me,

    until I proclaim your might to another generation,

    your power to all those to come.

19 Your righteousness, O God, reaches the high heavens.

    You who have done great things, O God, who is like you?

20 You who have made me see many troubles and calamities

    will revive me again;

    from the depths of the earth you will bring me up again.

21 You will increase my greatness

    and comfort me again.

22 I will also praise you with the harp for your faithfulness, O my God;

    I will sing praises to you with the lyre, O Holy One of Israel.

23 My lips will shout for joy, when I sing praises to you;

    my soul also, which you have redeemed.

24 And my tongue will talk of your righteous help all the day long,

    for they have been put to shame and disappointed

    who sought to do me hurt.

Psalm 71 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

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

Nahum 1:1-13 – 1 Peter 1:13-25 – Matthew 19:13-22

Isaac Watts

O God, whom saints and angels delight to worship in heaven with hymns and spiritual songs of praise: Give us the wings of faith to behold the joyful glory of your saints, and to be so strengthened by the vigorous poetry of your servant Isaac Watts that we may faithfully walk in the path you have set before us and at last, through your grace, possess the land of pure delight opened to us by your Son Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
(Philip H. Pfatteicher)

1 My heart is steadfast, O God!

    I will sing and make melody with all my being!

2 Awake, O harp and lyre!

    I will awake the dawn!

3 I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples;

    I will sing praises to you among the nations.

4 For your steadfast love is great above the heavens;

    your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.

5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens!

    Let your glory be over all the earth!

6 That your beloved ones may be delivered,

    give salvation by your right hand and answer me!

Psalm 108 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

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

Joel 3:1-2, 9-17 – 1 Peter 1:1-12 – Matthew 19:1-12

C S Lewis

O God of searing truth and surpassing beauty, we give you thanks for Clive Staples Lewis whose sanctified imagination lights fires of faith in young and old alike; Surprise us also with your joy and draw us into that new and abundant life which is ours in Christ Jesus, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

1 O Lord, you have searched me and known me!

2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up;

    you discern my thoughts from afar.

3 You search out my path and my lying down

    and are acquainted with all my ways.

4 Even before a word is on my tongue,

    behold, O Lord, you know it altogether.

5 You hem me in, behind and before,

    and lay your hand upon me.

6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;

    it is high; I cannot attain it.

7 Where shall I go from your Spirit?

    Or where shall I flee from your presence?

8 If I ascend to heaven, you are there!

    If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!

9 If I take the wings of the morning

    and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,

10 even there your hand shall lead me,

    and your right hand shall hold me.

Psalm 139 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

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

1 Maccabees 4:36-59 – Revelation 22:6-13 – Matthew 18:10-20

Sovereign God, we have no father but you, no teacher but Christ. Conform our lives to the faith we profess, preserve us from arrogance and pride, and teach us in Christ the greatness of humility and service. We make our prayer through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen

1 Declare me innocent, O Lord,

    for I have acted with integrity;

    I have trusted in the Lord without wavering.

2 Put me on trial, Lord, and cross-examine me.

    Test my motives and my heart.

3 For I am always aware of your unfailing love,

    and I have lived according to your truth.

4 I do not spend time with liars

    or go along with hypocrites.

5 I hate the gatherings of those who do evil,

    and I refuse to join in with the wicked.

6 I wash my hands to declare my innocence.

    I come to your altar, O Lord,

7 singing a song of thanksgiving

    and telling of all your wonders.

Psalm 26 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

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

1 Maccabees 4:1-25 – Revelation 21:22-22:5 – Matthew 18:1-9

Edmund of East Anglia

O God of ineffable mercy, who gave grace and fortitude to blessed Edmund the king to triumph over the enemy of his people by nobly dying for your Name: Bestow on us your servants the shield of faith, with which we can withstand the assaults of our ancient enemy; through Jesus Christ our Redeemer, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

1 O Lord, in your strength the king rejoices,

    and in your salvation how greatly he exults!

2 You have given him his heart's desire

    and have not withheld the request of his lips.

3 For you meet him with rich blessings;

    you set a crown of fine gold upon his head.

4 He asked life of you; you gave it to him,

    length of days forever and ever.

5 His glory is great through your salvation;

    splendor and majesty you bestow on him.

6 For you make him most blessed forever;

    you make him glad with the joy of your presence.

7 For the king trusts in the Lord,

    and through the steadfast love of the Most High he shall not be moved.

Psalm 21 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

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

1 Maccabees 3:42-60 – Revelation 21:9-21 – Matthew 17:22-27

Mechtild of Magdeburg, Mechtild of Hackeborn,
Gertrude the Great, Renewers of the Church

Eternal God of fire and mercy, you have filled the hearts of your servants throughout the ages with visions of love and splendor: Bring your light, we pray, into the darkness of our hearts that we may know the joy of your presence and the power of your grace; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

1 God is our refuge and strength,

    a very present help in trouble.

2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,

    though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,

3 though its waters roar and foam,

    though the mountains tremble at its swelling.

4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,

    the holy habitation of the Most High.

5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;

    God will help her when morning dawns.

6 The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;

    he utters his voice, the earth melts.

7 The Lord of hosts is with us;

    the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Psalm 46 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

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

1 Maccabees 3:25-41 – Revelation 21:1-8 – Matthew 17:14-21

Hilda of Whitby

O God of peace, by whose grace the abbess Hilda was endowed with gifts of justice, prudence, and strength to rule as a wise mother over the nuns and monks of her household, and to become a trusted and reconciling friend to leaders of the Church: Give us the grace to respect and love our fellow Christians with whom we disagree, that our common life may be enriched and your gracious will be done, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen

1 I was glad when they said to me,

    “Let us go to the house of the Lord!”

2 Our feet have been standing

    within your gates, O Jerusalem!

3 Jerusalem—built as a city

    that is bound firmly together,

4 to which the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord,

   as was decreed for Israel, to give thanks to the name of the Lord.

5 There thrones for judgment were set,

    the thrones of the house of David.

6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!

    “May they be secure who love you!

7 Peace be within your walls

    and security within your towers!”

8 For my brothers and companions' sake

    I will say, “Peace be within you!”

9 For the sake of the house of the Lord our God,

    I will seek your good.

Psalm 122 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

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

1 Maccabees 3:1-24 – Revelation 20:7-15 – Matthew 17:1-13

From our earliest days, O God, you call us by name. Make our ears attentive to your voice, our spirits eager to respond, that, having heard you in Jesus your anointed one, we may draw others to be his disciples. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen

1 In the Lord I take refuge; how can you say to my soul,

    “Flee like a bird to your mountain,

2 for behold, the wicked bend the bow;

    they have fitted their arrow to the string

    to shoot in the dark at the upright in heart;

3 if the foundations are destroyed,

    what can the righteous do?”

4 The Lord is in his holy temple; the Lord's throne is in heaven;

    his eyes see, his eyelids test the children of man.

5 The Lord tests the righteous,

    but his soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence.

6 Let him rain coals on the wicked;

    fire and sulfur and a scorching wind shall be the portion of their cup.

7 For the Lord is righteous; he loves righteous deeds;

    the upright shall behold his face.

Psalm 11 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

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

1 Maccabees 1:41-63 – Revelation 19:11-16 – Matthew 16:13-20

God of power, who raised up a fallen world through the lowliness of your Son, grant to your faithful people a holy joy, so that those whom you have rescued from the slavery of sin may delight in the happiness that never ends. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen

1 Sing aloud to God our strength;

    shout for joy to the God of Jacob!

2 Raise a song; sound the tambourine,

    the sweet lyre with the harp.

3 Blow the trumpet at the new moon,

    at the full moon, on our feast day.

4 For it is a statute for Israel,

    a rule[b] of the God of Jacob.

8 Hear, O my people, while I admonish you!

    O Israel, if you would but listen to me!

9 There shall be no strange god among you;

    you shall not bow down to a foreign god.

10 I am the Lord your God,

    who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.

    Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it.

Psalm 81 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

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

1 Maccabees 1:1-28 – Revelation 19:1-10 – Matthew 16:1-12

God of the living, in whose image we have been formed with imperishable life as our destiny,

dispel from your people the fear of death and awaken within us the faith that saves. Bid us rise from the death of sin to take our place in the new creation. We make our prayer through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen

1 Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion,

    which cannot be moved, but abides forever.

2 As the mountains surround Jerusalem,

    so the Lord surrounds his people,

    from this time forth and forevermore.

3 For the scepter of wickedness shall not rest

    on the land allotted to the righteous,

lest the righteous stretch out

    their hands to do wrong.

4 Do good, O Lord, to those who are good,

    and to those who are upright in their hearts!

5 But those who turn aside to their crooked ways

    the Lord will lead away with evildoers!

    Peace be upon Israel!

Psalm 125 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

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

Nehemiah 7:73-8:18 – Revelation 18:21-24 – Matthew 15:29-39

Martin of Tours

Lord God of hosts, who clothed your servant Martin the soldier with the spirit of sacrifice, and set him as a bishop in your Church to be a defender of the catholic faith: Give us grace to follow in his holy steps, that at the last we may be found clothed with righteousness in the dwellings of peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen

1 O Lord, who shall sojourn in your tent?

    Who shall dwell on your holy hill?

2 He who walks blamelessly and does what is right

    and speaks truth in his heart;

3 who does not slander with his tongue

    and does no evil to his neighbor,

    nor takes up a reproach against his friend;

4 in whose eyes a vile person is despised,

    but who honors those who fear the Lord;

who swears to his own hurt and does not change;

5 who does not put out his money at interest

    and does not take a bribe against the innocent.

He who does these things shall never be moved.

Psalm 15 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

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

Nehemiah 9:1-25 – Revelation 18:1-8 – Matthew 15:1-20

John Christian Frederick Heyer, 1873

Almighty and everlasting God, you blessed your servant John Christian Frederick Heyer with a passion for the gospel, inexhaustible energy, and a keen awareness of the need of the world for your saving word: Ever give to your church such clear minded and dauntless servants who rejoice to spend themselves in your service, that your people may be fed with living food and know the inexhaustible riches of our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

(Philip H. Pfatteicher)

9 We have thought on your steadfast love, O God,

    in the midst of your temple.

10 As your name, O God,

    so your praise reaches to the ends of the earth.

    Your right hand is filled with righteousness.

11 Let Mount Zion be glad!

    Let the daughters of Judah rejoice

    because of your judgments!

12 Walk about Zion, go around her,

    number her towers,

13 consider well her ramparts,  go through her citadels,

    that you may tell the next generation

14     that this is God, our God forever and ever.

    He will guide us forever

Psalm 48 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

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

Ezra 7:27-28,8:21-36 – Revelation 15:1-8 – Matthew 14:13-21