All-provident God, you restored human nature to a dignity greater than that which it lost in the beginning. Watch over and cherish the work of your love, and keep safe your gifts and blessings in those who have been born again by grace. 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 God shall arise, his enemies shall be scattered;

    and those who hate him shall flee before him!

2 As smoke is driven away, so you shall drive them away;

    as wax melts before fire,

    so the wicked shall perish before God!

3 But the righteous shall be glad;

    they shall exult before God;

    they shall be jubilant with joy!

4 Sing to God, sing praises to his name;

    lift up a song to him who rides through the deserts;

    his name is the Lord; exult before him!

5 Father of the fatherless and protector of widows

    is God in his holy habitation.

6 God settles the solitary in a home;

    he leads out the prisoners to prosperity,

    but the rebellious dwell in a parched land.

Psalm 68 - English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

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

Exodus 34:1-17 – 1 Thessalonians 2:13-20 – Matthew 5:21-26