Sunday, August 12, 2012

Daily Devotions for Families and Individuals

These devotions follow the basic structure of the Daily Office of the Church.

When more than one person is present, the Reading and the Collect should be read by one person, and the other parts said in unison, or in some other convenient manner. (For suggestions about reading the Psalms, see page 582.)

For convenience, appropriate Psalms, Readings, and Collects are provided in each service. When desired, however, the Collect of the Day, or any of the Collects appointed in the Daily Offices, may be used instead.

The Psalms and Readings may be replaced by those appointed in

the Lectionary for Sundays, Holy Days, the Common of Saints, and Various Occasions, page 888.
the Daily Office Lectionary, page 934
some other manual of devotion which provides daily selections for the Church Year.

In the Morning

Psalm 66

^{Jubilate Deo}
¹Be joyful in God, all you lands; *
     sing the glory of his Name;
     sing the glory of his praise.
²Say to God, "How awesome are your deeds! *
     because of your great strength your enemies
     cringe before you.
³All the earth bows down before you, *
     sings to you, sings out your Name."
⁴Come now and see the works of God, *
     how wonderful he is in his doing toward all people.
⁵He turned the sea into dry land,
     so that they went through the water on foot, *
     and there we rejoiced in him.
⁶In his might he rules for ever;
     his eyes keep watch over the nations; *
     let no rebel rise up against him.
⁷Bless our God, you peoples; *
     make the voice of his praise to be heard;
⁸Who holds our souls in life, *
     and will not allow our feet to slip.
⁹For you, O God, have proved us; *
     you have tried us just as silver is tried.
¹⁰You brought us into the snare; *
     you laid heavy burdens upon our backs.
¹¹You let enemies ride over our heads;
     we went through fire and water; *
     but you brought us out into a place of refreshment.
¹²I will enter your house with burnt-offerings
     and will pay you my vows, *
     which I promised with my lips
     and spoke with my mouth when I was in trouble.
¹³I will offer you sacrifices of fat beasts
     with the smoke of rams; *
     I will give you oxen and goats.
¹⁴Come and listen, all you who fear God, *
     and I will tell you what he has done for me.
¹⁵I called out to him with my mouth, *
     and his praise was on my tongue.
¹⁶If I had found evil in my heart, *
     the Lord would not have heard me;
¹⁷But in truth God has heard me; *
     he has attended to the voice of my prayer.
¹⁸Blessed be God, who has not rejected my prayer, *
     nor withheld his love from me.

Psalm 67

^{Deus misereatur}
¹May God be merciful to us and bless us, *
     show us the light of his countenance and come to us.
²Let your ways be known upon earth, *
     your saving health among all nations.
³Let the peoples praise you, O God; *
     let all the peoples praise you.
⁴Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, *
     for you judge the peoples with equity
     and guide all the nations upon earth.
⁵Let the peoples praise you, O God; *
     let all the peoples praise you.
⁶The earth has brought forth her increase; *
     may God, our own God, give us his blessing.
⁷May God give us his blessing, *
     and may all the ends of the earth stand in awe of him.

At the end of the Psalm is sung or said

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: 
  as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
    world without end.  Amen

- OR -

From Psalm 51

Open my lips, O Lord, *
 and my mouth shall proclaim your praise. 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, *
 and renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from your presence *
 and take not your holy Spirit from me.
Give me the joy of your saving help again *
 and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *
 as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end.  Amen.

The Old Testament Reading

Reader: A Reading (Lesson) from Judges 11:1-11,29-40

Judges 11:1-11,29-40
¹Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty man of valor, but he was the son of a harlot; and Gilead begot Jephthah. ²Gilead's wife bore sons; and when his wife's sons grew up, they drove Jephthah out, and said to him, "You shall have no inheritance in our father's house, for you are the son of another woman." ³Then Jephthah fled from his brothers and dwelt in the land of Tob; and worthless men banded together with Jephthah and went out raiding with him. ⁴It came to pass after a time that the people of Ammon made war against Israel. ⁵And so it was, when the people of Ammon made war against Israel, that the elders of Gilead went to get Jephthah from the land of Tob. ⁶Then they said to Jephthah, "Come and be our commander, that we may fight against the people of Ammon." ⁷So Jephthah said to the elders of Gilead, "Did you not hate me, and expel me from my father's house? Why have you come to me now when you are in distress?" ⁸And the elders of Gilead said to Jephthah, "That is why we have turned again to you now, that you may go with us and fight against the people of Ammon, and be our head over all the inhabitants of Gilead." ⁹So Jephthah said to the elders of Gilead, "If you take me back home to fight against the people of Ammon, and the LORD delivers them to me, shall I be your head?" ¹⁰And the elders of Gilead said to Jephthah, "The LORD will be a witness between us, if we do not do according to your words." ¹¹Then Jephthah went with the elders of Gilead, and the people made him head and commander over them; and Jephthah spoke all his words before the LORD in Mizpah. ²⁹Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jephthah, and he passed through Gilead and Manasseh, and passed through Mizpah of Gilead; and from Mizpah of Gilead he advanced toward the people of Ammon. ³⁰And Jephthah made a vow to the LORD, and said, "If You will indeed deliver the people of Ammon into my hands, ³¹then it will be that whatever comes out of the doors of my house to meet me, when I return in peace from the people of Ammon, shall surely be the LORD's, and I will offer it up as a burnt offering." ³²So Jephthah advanced toward the people of Ammon to fight against them, and the LORD delivered them into his hands. ³³And he defeated them from Aroer as far as Minnith-twenty cities-and to Abel Keramim, with a very great slaughter. Thus the people of Ammon were subdued before the children of Israel. ³⁴When Jephthah came to his house at Mizpah, there was his daughter, coming out to meet him with timbrels and dancing; and she was his only child. Besides her he had neither son nor daughter. ³⁵And it came to pass, when he saw her, that he tore his clothes, and said, "Alas, my daughter! You have brought me very low! You are among those who trouble me! For I have given my word to the LORD, and I cannot go back on it." ³⁶So she said to him, "My father, if you have given your word to the LORD, do to me according to what has gone out of your mouth, because the LORD has avenged you of your enemies, the people of Ammon." ³⁷Then she said to her father, "Let this thing be done for me: let me alone for two months, that I may go and wander on the mountains and bewail my virginity, my friends and I." ³⁸So he said, "Go." And he sent her away for two months; and she went with her friends, and bewailed her virginity on the mountains. ³⁹And it was so at the end of two months that she returned to her father, and he carried out his vow with her which he had vowed. She knew no man. And it became a custom in Israel ⁴⁰that the daughters of Israel went four days each year to lament the daughter of Jephthah the Gileadite. -- NKJV

Reader:The Word of the Lord.
Answer: Thanks be to God.

- OR -

A Reading
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy we have been born anew to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 1 Peter 1:3

A period of silence may follow.
A hymn or canticle may be used; the Apostles' Creed may be said.
Prayers may be offered for ourselves and others.

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven,
  hallowed be thy Name,
  thy kingdom come,
  thy will be done,
  on earth as it is in heaven. 

Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
  as we forgive those
  who trespass against us. 

And lead us not into temptation,
  but deliver us from evil. 

For thine is the kingdom,
  and the power, and the glory,
  for ever and ever.  Amen.

Our Father in heaven,
 hallowed be your Name,
 your kingdom come,
 your will be done,
	on earth as in heaven. 

Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
 as we forgive those
	who sin against us. 

Save us from the time of trial,
 and deliver us from evil. 

For the kingdom, the power,
 and the glory are yours,
 now and for ever.  Amen.

The Collect
Lord God, almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought us in safety to this new day: Preserve us with your mighty power, that we may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

- OR -

The Collect of the Day

Proper 14
Grant to us, Lord, we beseech thee, the spirit to think and do always such things as are right, that we, who cannot exist without thee, may by thee be enabled to live according to thy will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen

At Noon

From Psalm 113

Give praise, you servants of the LORD; *
 praise the Name of the LORD. 

Let the Name of the LORD be blessed, *
 from this time forth for evermore. 

From the rising of the sun to its going down *
 let the Name of the LORD be praised. 

The LORD is high above all nations, *
 and his glory above the heavens.

A Reading
O God, you will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are fixed on you; for in returning and rest we shall be saved; in quietness and trust shall be our strength. Isaiah 26:3; 30:15

Prayers may be offered for ourselves and others.

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven,
  hallowed be thy Name,
  thy kingdom come,
  thy will be done,
  on earth as it is in heaven. 

Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
  as we forgive those
  who trespass against us. 

And lead us not into temptation,
  but deliver us from evil. 

For thine is the kingdom,
  and the power, and the glory,
  for ever and ever.  Amen.

Our Father in heaven,
 hallowed be your Name,
 your kingdom come,
 your will be done,
	on earth as in heaven. 

Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
 as we forgive those
	who sin against us. 

Save us from the time of trial,
 and deliver us from evil. 

For the kingdom, the power,
 and the glory are yours,
 now and for ever.  Amen.

The Collect
Blessed Savior, at this hour you hung upon the cross, stretching out your loving arms: Grant that all the peoples of the earth may look to you and be saved; for your mercies' sake. Amen

or this

Lord Jesus Christ, you said to your apostles, "Peace I give to you; my own peace I leave with you:" Regard not our sins, but the faith of your Church, and give to us the peace and unity of that heavenly City, where with the Father and the Holy Spirit you live and reign, now and for ever. Amen

- OR -

The Collect of the Day

In the Early Evening

This devotion my be used before or after the evening meal.
The Order of Worship for the Evening, page 109, may be used instead.

O gracious light,
pure brightness of the everliving Father in heaven,
O Jesus Christ, holy and blessed! 

Now as we come to the setting of the sun,
and our eyes behold the vesper light,
we sing your praises, O God:  Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. 

You are worthy at all times to be praised by happy voices,
O Son of God, O Giver of Life,
and to be glorified through all the worlds.

A Reading
It is not ourselves that we proclaim; we proclaim Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your servants, for Jesus' sake. For the same God who said, "Out of darkness let light shine," has caused his light to shine within us, to give the light of revelation--the revelation of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:5-6

- OR -

The New Testament Reading

Reader: A Reading (Lesson) from 2Corinthians 11:21b-31

2 Corinthians 11:21b-31
²¹To our shame I say that we were too weak for that! But in whatever anyone is bold-I speak foolishly-I am bold also. ²²Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? So am I. ²³Are they ministers of Christ?-I speak as a fool-I am more: in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, in deaths often. ²⁴From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. ²⁵Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; ²⁶in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; ²⁷in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness- ²⁸besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches. ²⁹Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to stumble, and I do not burn with indignation? ³⁰If I must boast, I will boast in the things which concern my infirmity. ³¹The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is blessed forever, knows that I am not lying. -- NKJV

Reader:The Word of the Lord.
Answer: Thanks be to God.

Prayers may be offered for ourselves and others.

The Lord's Prayer

The Collect
Lord Jesus, stay with us, for evening is at hand and the day is past; be our companion in the way, kindle our hearts, and awaken hope, that we may know you as you are revealed in Scripture and the breaking of bread. Grant this for the sake of your love. Amen

- OR -

The Collect of the Day

At the Close of Day

Psalm 19

^{Caeli enarrant}
¹The heavens declare the glory of God, *
     and the firmament shows his handiwork.
²One day tells its tale to another, *
     and one night imparts knowledge to another.
³Although they have no words or language, *
     and their voices are not heard,
⁴Their sound has gone out into all lands, *
     and their message to the ends of the world.
⁵In the deep has he set a pavilion for the sun; *
     it comes forth like a bridegroom out of his chamber;
     it rejoices like a champion to run its course.
⁶It goes forth from the uttermost edge of the heavens
     and runs about to the end of it again; *
     nothing is hidden from its burning heat.
⁷The law of the LORD is perfect
     and revives the soul; *
     the testimony of the LORD is sure
     and gives wisdom to the innocent.
⁸The statutes of the LORD are just
     and rejoice the heart; *
     the commandment of the LORD is clear
     and gives light to the eyes.
⁹The fear of the LORD is clean
     and endures for ever; *
     the judgments of the LORD are true
     and righteous altogether.
¹⁰More to be desired are they than gold,
     more than much fine gold, *
     sweeter far than honey,
     than honey in the comb.
¹¹By them also is your servant enlightened, *
     and in keeping them there is great reward.
¹²Who can tell how often he offends? *
     cleanse me from my secret faults.
¹³Above all, keep your servant from presumptuous sins;
     let them not get dominion over me; *
     then shall I be whole and sound,
     and innocent of a great offense.
¹⁴Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my
     heart be acceptable in your sight, *
     O LORD, my strength and my redeemer.

Psalm 46

^{Deus noster refugium}
¹God is our refuge and strength, *
     a very present help in trouble.
²Therefore we will not fear, though the earth be moved, *
     and though the mountains be toppled into the depths of the sea;
³Though its waters rage and foam, *
     and though the mountains tremble at its tumult.
⁴The LORD of hosts is with us; *
     the God of Jacob is our stronghold.
⁵There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, *
     the holy habitation of the Most High.
⁶God is in the midst of her;
     she shall not be overthrown; *
     God shall help her at the break of day.
⁷The nations make much ado, and the kingdoms are shaken; *
     God has spoken, and the earth shall melt away.
⁸The LORD of hosts is with us; *
     the God of Jacob is our stronghold.
⁹Come now and look upon the works of the LORD, *
     what awesome things he has done on earth.
¹⁰It is he who makes war to cease in all the world; *
     he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear,
     and burns the shields with fire.
¹¹"Be still, then, and know that I am God; *
     I will be exalted among the nations;
     I will be exalted in the earth."
¹²The LORD of hosts is with us; *
     the God of Jacob is our stronghold.

At the end of the Psalm is sung or said

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: 
  as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
    world without end.  Amen

- OR -

Psalm 134

Behold now, bless the LORD, all you servants of the LORD, *
 you that stand by night in the house of the LORD. 

Lift up your hands in the holy place and bless the LORD; *
 the LORD who made heaven and earth bless you out of Zion.

A Reading
Lord, you are in the midst of us and we are called by your Name: Do not forsake us, O Lord our God. Jeremiah 14:9,22

- OR -

The Gospel

Reader: A reading from the Gospel according to St. Mark.

Mark 4:35-41
³⁵On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, "Let us cross over to the other side." ³⁶Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him. ³⁷And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. ³⁸But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, "Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?" ³⁹Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Peace, be still!" And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. ⁴⁰But He said to them, "Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?" ⁴¹And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, "Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!" -- NKJV

Reader: The Word of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.

The following may be said

Lord, you now have set your servant free *
 to go in peace as you have promised; 

For these eyes of mine have seen the Savior, *
 whom you have prepared for all the world to see; 

A Light to enlighten the nations, *
 and the glory of your people Israel.

Prayers for ourselves and others may follow. It is appropriate that prayers of thanksgiving for the blessings of the day, and penitence for our sins, be included.

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven,
  hallowed be thy Name,
  thy kingdom come,
  thy will be done,
  on earth as it is in heaven. 

Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
  as we forgive those
  who trespass against us. 

And lead us not into temptation,
  but deliver us from evil. 

For thine is the kingdom,
  and the power, and the glory,
  for ever and ever.  Amen.

Our Father in heaven,
 hallowed be your Name,
 your kingdom come,
 your will be done,
	on earth as in heaven. 

Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
 as we forgive those
	who sin against us. 

Save us from the time of trial,
 and deliver us from evil. 

For the kingdom, the power,
 and the glory are yours,
 now and for ever.  Amen.

The Collect
Visit this place, O Lord, and drive far from it all snares of the enemy; let your holy angels dwell with us to preserve us in peace; and let your blessing be upon us always; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

- OR -

The Collect of the Day

The almighty and merciful Lord, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, bless us and keep us. Amen