Confirm, O God, in unity and truth the Church you gather in Christ. Encourage the fervent, enlighten the doubtful, and bring back the wayward. Bind us together in mutual love, that our prayer in Christ’s name may be pleasing to you. 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

1 Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock.

    You who are enthroned upon the cherubim, shine forth.

2 Before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh,

    stir up your might and come to save us!

3 Restore us, O God;

    let your face shine, that we may be saved!

4 O Lord God of hosts,

    how long will you be angry with your people's prayers?

5 You have fed them with the bread of tears

    and given them tears to drink in full measure.

6 You make us an object of contention for our neighbors,

    and our enemies laugh among themselves.

7 Restore us, O God of hosts;

    let your face shine, that we may be saved!

                         

Psalm 48 English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

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

1 Kings 18:1-19 – Philippians 2:12-30  – Matthew 2:13-23