It took a year to read the Bible, then almost 9 months to read the Apocrypha. Now, I'm going to try to offer reflections on the Narrative Lectionary. But, I won't be posting daily--at least, for a while.

Thursday, November 14, 2013

Daily Prayer, Thursday, November 14, 2013

O give thanks to the Lord, 
for God is good;
God’s steadfast love endures forever! 
(Psalm 118:1)


Morning
Invitatory Psalm
Psalm 150

Daily Lectionary Reading, Psalm 118
Give thanks to the Lord because he is good, because his faithful love lasts forever. 2 Let Israel say it: “God’s faithful love lasts forever!” 3 Let the house of Aaron say it: “God’s faithful love lasts forever!” 4 Let those who honor the Lord say it: “God’s faithful love lasts forever!” 5 In tight circumstances, I cried out to the Lord. The Lord answered me with wide-open spaces. 6 The Lord is for me—I won’t be afraid. What can anyone do to me? 7 The Lord is for me—as my helper. I look in victory on those who hate me. 8 It’s far better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust any human. 9 It’s far better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust any human leader. 10 All the nations surrounded me, but I cut them down in the Lord’s name. 11 Yes, they surrounded me on every single side, but I cut them down in the Lord’s name. 12 They surrounded me like bees, but they were extinguished like burning thorns. I cut them down in the Lord’s name! 13 I was pushed so hard I nearly died, but the Lord helped me. 14 The Lord was my strength and protection; he was my saving help! 15 The sounds of joyful songs and deliverance are heard in the tents of the righteous: “The Lord’s strong hand is victorious! 16 The Lord’s strong hand is ready to strike! The Lord’s strong hand is victorious!” 17 I won’t die—no, I will live and declare what the Lord has done. 18 Yes, the Lord definitely disciplined me, but he didn’t hand me over to death. 19 Open the gates of righteousness for me so I can come in and give thanks to the Lord! 20 This is the Lord’s gate; those who are righteous enter through it. 21 I thank you because you answered me, because you were my saving help. 22 The stone rejected by the builders is now the main foundation stone! 23 This has happened because of the Lord; it is astounding in our sight! 24 This is the day the Lord acted; we will rejoice and celebrate in it! 25 Lord, please save us! Lord, please let us succeed! 26 The one who enters in the Lord’s name is blessed; we bless all of you from the Lord’s house. 27 The Lord is God! He has shined a light on us! So lead the festival offering with ropes all the way to the horns of the altar. 28 You are my God—I will give thanks to you! You are my God—I will lift you up high! 29 Give thanks to the Lord because he is good, because his faithful love lasts forever.
[Common English Bible]

Prayer for Today: Choose a prayer from Joan Stott's website Timeless Psalms

Midday Psalm 119:113-120
I hate the double-minded,
   but I love your law.
You are my hiding place and my shield;
   I hope in your word,
Go away from me, you evildoers,
   that I may keep the commandments
   of my God.
Uphold me according to your promise,
   that I may live,
and let me not be put to shame in my hope.
Hold me up, that I may be safe
   and have regard for your statutes continually.
You spurn all who go astray from from your statutes;
   for their cunning is in vain.
All the wicked of the earth you count as dross;
   therefore I love your decrees.
My flesh trembles for fear of you,
   and I am afraid of your judgments.

Evening
Psalm 105

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