For Joy in God's Creation

O heavenly Father, who has filled the world with beauty: Open our eyes to behold your gracious hand in all your works; that, rejoicing in your whole creation, we may learn to serve you with gladness; for the sake of him through whom all things were made, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For the Unemployed

Heavenly Father, we remember before you those who suffer want and anxiety from lack of work. Guide the people of this land so to use our public and private wealth that all may find suitable and fulfilling employment, and receive just payment for their labor; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For the Unity of the Church

God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, our only Savior, the Prince of Peace: Give us grace seriously to lay to heart the great dangers we are in by our unhappy divisions; take away all hatred and prejudice, and whatever else may hinder us from godly union and concord; that, as there is but one Body and one Spirit, one hope of our calling, one Lord, one Faith, one Baptism, one God and Father of us all, so we may be all of one heart and of one soul, united in one holy bond of truth and peace, of faith and charity, and may with one mind and one mouth glorify you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Father, it is so easy for us to build up resentment in the body. Heal our relationships and put your balm on our wounds, that we may show the world that we are your children.

Matthew 19: 23-30

23 Then Jesus said to his disciples, "Truly I tell you, it will be hard for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God." 25 When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astounded and said, "Then who can be saved?" 26 But Jesus looked at them and said, "For mortals it is impossible, but for God all things are possible."

27 Then Peter said in reply, "Look, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?" 28 Jesus said to them, "Truly I tell you, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man is seated on the throne of his glory, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields, for my name's sake, will receive a hundredfold, and will inherit eternal life. 30 But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.

The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

Psalm 96

11
Teach me your way, O LORD,and I will walk in your truth; *knit my heart to you that I may fear your Name.
12
I will thank you, O LORD my God, with all my heart, *and glorify your Name for evermore.
13
For great is your love toward me; *you have delivered me from the nethermost Pit.

For Travelers

God, our heavenly Father, whose glory fills the whole creation, and whose presence we find wherever we go: Preserve those who travel, in particular (name); surround them with your loving care; protect them from every danger; and bring them in safety to their journey's end; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Psalm 96 Cantate Domino

1 Sing to the LORD a new song; *sing to the LORD, all the whole earth.
2 Sing to the LORD and bless his Name; *proclaim the good news of his salvation from day to day.

3 Declare his glory among the nations *and his wonders among all peoples.
4 For great is the LORD and greatly to be praised; *he is more to be feared than all gods.

5 As for all the gods of the nations, they are but idols; *but it is the LORD who made the heavens.
6 Oh, the majesty and magnificence of his presence! *Oh, the power and the splendor of his sanctuary!

7 Ascribe to the LORD, you families of the peoples; *ascribe to the LORD honor and power.
8 Ascribe to the LORD the honor due his Name; *bring offerings and come into his courts.

9 Worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness; *let the whole earth tremble before him.
10 Tell it out among the nations: "The LORD is King! *he has made the world so firm that it cannot be moved;he will judge the peoples with equity."

11 Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad;let the sea thunder and all that is in it; *let the field be joyful and all that is therein.
12 Then shall all the trees of the wood shout for joybefore the LORD when he comes, *when he comes to judge the earth.

13 He will judge the world with righteousness *and the peoples with his truth.