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.

Sunday, December 22, 2013

Daily Prayer, Sunday, December 22, 2013

Restore us O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved (Psalm 80:2).


Morning
Invitatory Psalm 24
The earth is the LORD’s and everything in it,
the world and its inhabitants too.
Because God is the one who established it on the seas;
God set it firmly on the waters.
Who can ascend the LORD ’s mountain?
Who can stand in his holy sanctuary?
Only the one with clean hands and a pure heart;
the one who hasn’t made false promises,
the one who hasn’t sworn dishonestly.
That kind of person receives blessings from the LORD
and righteousness from the God who saves.
And that’s how things are
with the generation that seeks him—
that seeks the face of Jacob’s God. Selah
Mighty gates: lift up your heads!
Ancient doors: rise up high!
So the glorious king can enter!
Who is this glorious king?
The LORD —strong and powerful!
The LORD —powerful in battle!
Mighty gates: lift up your heads!
Ancient doors: rise up high!
So the glorious king can enter!
Who is this glorious king?
The LORD of heavenly forces—
he is the glorious king! Selah
[Common English Bible]

Psalms 147 148 149

Daily Lectionary Reading, Romans 1:1-7
From Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for God’s good news. 2-3 God promised this good news about his Son ahead of time through his prophets in the holy scriptures. His Son was descended from David. 4 He was publicly identified as God’s Son with power through his resurrection from the dead, which was based on the Spirit of holiness. This Son is Jesus Christ our Lord. 5 Through him we have received God’s grace and our appointment to be apostles. This was to bring all Gentiles to faithful obedience for his name’s sake. 6 You who are called by Jesus Christ are also included among these Gentiles. 7 To those in Rome who are dearly loved by God and called to be God’s people.
[Common English Bible]

Prayer for Today: God, your people have heard your good news through prophets. We today are grateful for their wisdom and witness through the ages. We give you thanks for the gift of your Son through whom we have received grace and a call to demonstrate your presence. Help us to recognize that although we may make distinctions between kinds of people that you are calling to your service people that we are not used to hanging out with. Amen.

Evening
Psalms 144 145

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