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