From this morning's readings

Collect of the Day: Proper 21

O God, you declare your almighty power chiefly in showing mercy and pity: Grant us the fullness of your grace, that we, running to obtain your promises, may become partakers of your heavenly treasure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Psalm 102:13-14

You will arise and have compassion on Zion,
for it is time to have mercy upon her;
indeed, the appointed time has come.

For your servants love her very rubble,
and are moved to pity even for her dust.

Heavenly Father, we stand amidst the dust and rubble of the Episcopal Church. Arise and have compassion on your people. Declare your mighty power and have mercy upon us.

Hosea 10:4

They utter mere words; with empty oaths they make covenants; so litigation springs up like poisonous weeds in the furrows of the field.

Holy Spirit, you are the Spirit of Truth. Protect us from those who utter empty oaths and covenants. Uproot the poisonous weeds of litigation from the field of your Church.

Luke 6:20-26

20 Then he looked up at his disciples and said: 'Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.
21 Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled. Blesses are you who weep now, for you will laugh.
22 Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you on account of the Son of Man.
23 Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, for surely your reward is great in heaven; for that is what their ancestors did to the prophets.
24 But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation.
25 Woe to you who are full now, for you will be hungry. Woe to you who are laughing now, for you will mourn and weep.
26 Woe to you when all speak well of you, for that is what their ancestors did to the false prophets.

Jesus, Keep our hearts focused on you. Help us to hunger and weep for the Kingdom of God. When we are excluded and defamed for your sake, let us rejoice that we are suffering for your sake. Save us, Lord, from the danger of seeking approval from the world. Amen