Psalm and Prayer of the Day April 23

Thursday April 23

Psalm 113

1

Praise the Lord!

Praise, O servants of the Lord;

praise the name of the Lord.

2

Blessed be the name of the Lord

from this time on and for evermore.

3

From the rising of the sun to its setting

the name of the Lord is to be praised.

4

The Lord is high above all nations,

and his glory above the heavens.

5

Who is like the Lord our God,

who is seated on high,

6

who looks far down

on the heavens and the earth?

7

He raises the poor from the dust,

and lifts the needy from the ash heap,

8

to make them sit with princes,

with the princes of his people.

9

He gives the barren woman a home,

making her the joyous mother of children.

Praise the Lord!

Prayer

Eternal God, we praise you for your mighty love given in Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, and the new life we have received by his resurrection.  Especially we thank you for

The presence of Christ in our weakness and suffering….

The ministry of Word and Sacrament…

All who work to help and heal…

Sacrifices made for our benefit…

Opportunities for our generous giving…

(Offer individual prayers of thanksgiving)

God of Grace, let our concern for others reflect Christ’s self-giving love, not only in our prayers, but also in our practice.  Especially we pray for

Those subjected to tyranny and oppression…

Wounded and injured people…

Those who face death…

Those who may be our enemies…

The churches in Latin America…

(Offer individual prayers of intercession.)

AMEN.