Daily Prayer, Friday, November 15, 2013

Give thanks to the Lord,

Call on God’s name (from Isaiah 12:1).

Morning

Invitatory Psalm

Psalm 118

We give thanks to you, God,

   for you are good;

your steadfast love endures forever!

….

With God on my side I do not fear.

….

This is the gate of the Lord;

   the righteous shall enter through it,

….

Psalms 76, 80

Daily Lectionary Reading, Isaiah 65:17-25

Look! I’m creating a new heaven and a new earth: past events won’t be remembered; they won’t come to mind. 18 Be glad and rejoice forever in what I’m creating, because I’m creating Jerusalem as a joy and her people as a source of gladness. 19 I will rejoice in Jerusalem and be glad about my people. No one will ever hear the sound of weeping or crying in it again. 20 No more will babies live only a few days, or the old fail to live out their days. The one who dies at a hundred will be like a young person, and the one falling short of a hundred will seem cursed. 21 They will build houses and live in them; they will plant vineyards and eat their fruit. 22 They won’t build for others to live in, nor plant for others to eat. Like the days of a tree will be the days of my people; my chosen will make full use of their handiwork. 23 They won’t labor in vain, nor bear children to a world of horrors, because they will be people blessed by the Lord, they along with their descendants. 24 Before they call, I will answer; while they are still speaking, I will hear. 25 Wolf and lamb will graze together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox, but the snake—its food will be dust. They won’t hurt or destroy at any place on my holy mountain, says the Lord.

[Common English Bible]

Prayer for Today: Lord, in times of suffering, in times of despair, in times or resentment, remind us of your promises. Strengthen us then to work with you in carrying out your wishes for this earth, to care for babies and for the old, to build and to plant, to be at peace with others. Amen.

Midday Psalm 119:121-128

I have done what is just and right;

   do not leave me to my oppressors.

Guarantee your servant’s well-being;

   do not let the godless oppress me.

My eyes fail from watching for your salvation,

   and for the fulfillment of your righteous promise.

Deal with your servant according to your steadfast love,

   and teach me your statutes.

I am your servant; give me understanding,

 so that I may know your decrees.

It is time for the Lord to act,

   for your law has been broken.

Truly I love your commandments more than gold,

   more than fine gold.

Truly I direct my steps by all your precepts;

I hate every false way.

Evening

Psalm 106