Messiah Daily Readings and Prayers - 2021
April 4 thru April 11
  God, come to my assistance.
Lord, make haste to help me
Glory to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; 
As it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen
  Mon, Tue, Wed, Psalm 118
Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun, Psalm 133
 
   
SUNDAY, APRIL 4 / RESURRECTION OF OUR LORD
Acts 10:34-43 Christ is risen
John 20:1-18 Christ is risen 
 
MONDAY, APRIL 5
Daniel 12:1-3.  “Many shall be running back and forth, and evil shall increase.”  That sounds like today.  Daniel depicts any culture that has lost its moorings and is morally, fiscally adrift. There is invitation here to be wise. When we are, we shine like the brightness of the sky.  The world needs us to share God’s brightness this day and every day. 
Acts 2:14, 22b-32. It’s Easter Monday, sometimes known as Bright Monday because of the after-glow of resurrection. This is Peter’s great sermon after the resurrected Jesus has ascended into heaven. Yes, the Peter who denied Christ is now faithful spokesperson for Christ.  A leopard can change his spots. Lutherans call this forgiveness, righteousness, and regeneration. 
 
TUESDAY, APRIL 6
Genesis 1:20—2:4a is days 5,6,7 in the creation story. The pinnacle of creation is human kind.  The fulfillment of creation is the sabbath rest on the 7^th day. We humans are made to tend to creation. We humans are made to find our restoration in God. 
 
First Corinthians 15:35-14.  Chapter 15 is the famous resurrection chapter from St. Paul. 
 
WEDNESDAY APRIL 7
Song of Solomon 3:1-11 is a poetic description of the grandeur of King Solomon.  It’s a nice image for us this first week of Easter season.  Resurrection is resplendent. The gift of new life, that comes to us at birth and baptism, is light-full.  
Mark 16:1-8 is Mark’s account of the resurrection of Christ. 
 
THURSDAY APRIL 8
Acts 2:42-47 describes the communal way of being for the first followers of the resurrected Christ. Life together was characterized by sharing. This attitude toward possessions is seen in Pope Francis’ “Laudato Si”.
Daniel 1:1-21.  “Eat your vegetables,” (vs. 12) has precedent in the bible.  Daniel is in exile in Babylon. Yet he is granted special privileges.  Life there could turn out to be OK.  But Daniel has a different calling. Rather than support the pagan status quo, Daniel will challenge it. He will suffer for that challenge. But that is the calling he must fulfill. 
 
FRIDAY APRIL 9
Acts 4:23-31. Life for the first followers of Jesus was not a walk in the park.  Right out of the gate, they get arrested.  But they remained people of prayer and welcomed the Holy Spirit. 
Daniel 2:1-23. The king is confused, violent, and out of control.  Daniel responds with “prudence and discretion.” (vs. 14) Being that way will not necessarily save Daniel from the king’s violence.  But Daniel chose to be prudent and discrete.  Our attention seeking media culture could use more Daniel types.  Also today, remember Dietrich Bonhoeffer, martyred this day in 1945 under special orders from Adolf Hitler. 
 
SATURDAY APRIL 10 
Daniel 2:24-49. The King is grateful to Daniel for Daniel’s interpretation of the king’s dream.  The king promotes Daniel.  But kings are arbitrary; Daniel’s special status will not last long.  In 6:7 the king throws Daniel into the lion’s den. Sometimes our skills are just not appreciated.  We do the right thing but it does not guarantee our popularity. 
John 12:44-50. Jesus spoke this discourse before Holy Week (13:1). He is light. He comes to save. He’s sent from God.  He speaks for God. 
 
SUNDAY APRIL 11 / THE SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER 
First John 1:1—2:2
John 20:19-31.  This story is set Easter Sunday evening.  Early Easter morning, Jesus encountered Mary Magdalene as she was weeping outside the tomb.  Now Jesus appears to disciples, locked in fear.  
   
PRAYER FOR THE MORNING HOURS 
O Lord, almighty and everlasting God, 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 in adversity, and in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose; thru Jesus Christ our Lord. 
 
PRAYER FOR AFTERNOON AND EVENING 
O God, from whom come all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works: Give to us, your servants, that peace which the world cannot give, that our hearts may be set to obey your commandments; and also that we, being defended from the fear of our enemies, may live in peace and quietness; thru the merit of Jesus Christ our Savior, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, God forever Amen
 
DAILY 
Loving God, you lead us thru the 40-Days of Lent and have brought us to these great 50-Days of Easter. Fill us with the light of resurrection that we may you’re your alleluia praise in all we think or do. Amen
 
OTHER CONCERNS 
 
CLOSING 
God keep us in health and safety, today and every day. Amen
 

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Messiah Daily Readings and Prayers 
March 28 thru April 4 
Anno Domini 2021
 
God, come to my assistance.
Lord, make haste to help me
Glory to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; 
As it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen
 
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Psalm 71:1-14
Fri, Sat, Sun, Psalm 70
   
PALM SUNDAY, MARCH 28
Isaiah 50:4-9a Christ as Suffering Servant 
Mark 11:1-11 Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem 
 
MONDAY MARCH 29
John 12:1-11. Mary anoints the feet of Jesus. 
 
TUESDAY MARCH 30
John 12:20-36. John describes Jesus’ palm entrance into Jerusalem. 
 
WEDNESDAY MARCH 31
John 13:21-32. Jesus anticipates Judas will betray him. 
 
MAUNDY THURSDAY APRIL 1
John 13:1-17. Jesus washes the disciples’ feet. 
 
GOOD FRIDAY APRIL 2 
John 19:25b-37. Jesus dies on the cross. 
 
HOLY SATURDAY APRIL 3 
In the Morning - John 19:38-42 Joseph and Nicodemus tend to the body of Jesus. 
In the Evening – John 20:1-18. The resurrected Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene. 

EASTER SUNDAY / RESURRECTION OF OUR LORD / APRIL 4
Acts 10:34-43 Christ is risen
John 20:1-18 Christ is risen 
   
PRAYER FOR THE MORNING HOURS 
O Lord, almighty and everlasting God, 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 in adversity, and in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose; thru Jesus Christ our Lord. 
 
PRAYER FOR AFTERNOON AND EVENING 
O God, from whom come all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works: Give to us, your servants, that peace which the world cannot give, that our hearts may be set to obey your commandments; and also that we, being defended from the fear of our enemies, may live in peace and quietness; thru the merit of Jesus Christ our Savior, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, God forever Amen
 
DAILY 
Loving God, you lead us thru the 40-Days of Lent and have brought us to this Holy Week.  Guide our hearts and minds as we recall those mighty acts thru which you have reconciled us to yourself. Amen
 
OTHER CONCERNS 
Marie Blood at Cleveland Clinic, Connie Cooper at Austinburg Care Center, 
Steve Miggo dealing with kidney cancer, Messiah’s outreach thru social media, safe decisions for spring break
 
CLOSING 
God keep us in health and safety, today and every day. Amen


Messiah Daily Readings and Prayers 
March 21 thru March 28 
Anno Domini 2021
  God, come to my assistance.
Lord, make haste to help me
Glory to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; 
As it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen
 
Mon, Tue, Wed, Psalm 119:1-16
Wed, Thu, Fri, Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29
   
MARCH 21 / 5^TH SUNDAY IN LENT 
Jeremiah 31:31-34 is a very familiar passage about God writing a new covenant (relationship) into our hearts.  When this happens the life of faith is sincere and profound, not shallow and perfunctory. 
Hebrews 5:5-10 describes the priestly role of Christ. Verse 7 brings the nice phrase, “reverent submission.” Sure, we all have to get out there and carve our own destiny. We are not passive or inert. But doing what it is we are to do with an attitude of “reverent submission” to God is one way of following Christ. 
John 12:20-33 tells the story of Greeks asking to see Jesus.  Where do we see Jesus? He is in the bread and wine of holy communion. He is in the community that holy communion sustains. He is on the cross. He is among the baptized. He is wherever two or three are gathered together in his resurrected presence. 
 
MONDAY, MARCH 22
Isaiah 43:8-13 God is our Savior 
II Corinthians 3:4-11 God’s glory in the crucified Christ
 
TUESDAY, MARCH 23 
Isaiah 44:1-8 God gives life 
Acts 2:14-24 Peter proclaims the crucified Christ is the resurrected Christ 
 
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24
Haggai 2:1-9, 20-23 God promises blessings
John 12:34-50 God gives eternal life 
 
THURSDAY, MARCH 25
Deuteronomy 6:1-8 the festival of unleavened bread 
Philippians 2:1-11 Christ-like humility 
 
FRIDAY, MARCH 26
Jeremiah 33:1-9 God cleanses and restores 
Philippians 2:12-18 we shine like stars
 
SATURDAY, MARCH 27
Jeremiah 33:10-16 God brings from desolation to gladness
Mark 10:32-34, 46-52 Jesus nears Jerusalem and events leading to his death
 
PALM SUNDAY, MARCH 28
Isaiah 50:4-9a Christ as Suffering Servant 
Mark 11:1-11 Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem 
   
PRAYER FOR THE MORNING HOURS 
O Lord, almighty and everlasting God, 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 in adversity, and in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose; thru Jesus Christ our Lord. 
 
PRAYER FOR AFTERNOON AND EVENING 
O God, from whom come all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works: Give to us, your servants, that peace which the world cannot give, that our hearts may be set to obey your commandments; and also that we, being defended from the fear of our enemies, may live in peace and quietness; thru the merit of Jesus Christ our Savior, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, God forever Amen
 
DAILY 
Loving God, you lead us thru the 40-Days of Lent as you led your people, Israel, thru 40-Years in the desert. Help us to be open and receive the gifts you have for us this holy season. Amen
 
OTHER CONCERNS 
Marie Blood at physical therapy, Connie Cooper at Austinburg Care Center, 
Steve Miggo dealing with kidney cancer, Messiah’s outreach thru social media, safe decisions for spring break
 
CLOSING 
God keep us in health and safety, today and every day. Amen


Messiah Daily Readings and Prayers 
March 14 thru March 21 
Anno Domini 2021
 
OPENING  
God, come to my assistance.
Lord, make haste to help me
Glory to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; 
As it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen
       
3.14.2021 / SUNDAY / 4^TH SUNDAY IN LENT
Numbers 21:4-9 – grumbling, then healing in the desert
John 3:14-21 – Jesus uses the healing in the desert story to refer to himself as the one who is lifted up on the cross. 
 
MARCH 15

• Hebrews 3:1-6.  Hebrews is a theological essay written primarily for a Jewish audience. The book explains Christ in the context of patriarchs, sacrifice, and priesthood.  This section proclaims Christ over Moses. Not that we disregard Moses. But Christ is superior to Moses. 

• Exodus 15:22-27. The people have just begun their 40-year sojourn thru the wilderness. They have not yet received the Ten Commandments. In this story God provides water in the desert. What is your desert from which you need relief?

 
MARCH 16

• Numbers 20:1-13. We rarely hear from the Book of Numbers. It got its name from the numbering process of the 12-Tribes prior to their entry into the Promised Land. This is another story of God providing water in the desert. 

• First Corinthians 10:6-13. Paul was in Ephesus and had to write multiple letters to this troubled congregation. He probably wrote between the years 53 and 57 AD. Today’s section brings that familiar passage, “God will not let you be tested beyond your strength.” Sometimes it is difficult to accept that; it feels we’ve crossed the line of endurance.  That is the time to rely on someone else for a bit. 

 
MARCH 17 (Happy St. Patrick’s Day) (Messiah Zooms Lenten liturgy 7:00 pm)

• Isaiah 60:15-22. The stirring, grand oracles in the Book of Isaiah span events from the year King Uzziah died (733BC) to beyond the Edict of Cyrus (539 BC).   This section promises astonishing plenty and success.  If this is not happening in our culture right now, how may this happen in our communities and households?

• John 8:12-20.  Jesus promises, “I am Light.”  God’s light shines thru Christ, the crucified One. God’s light shines thru Christ, the resurrected One. 

 
MARCH 18

• Hebrews 4:1-13.  Confer March 15 reference to Hebrews. This passage references “eternal rest”.  Eternal Rest is not only dying in a future “then”.  Eternal Rest is living in the peace of God in the immediate “now”.  Be rest-full today.

• Isaiah 30:15-18. Politically, Jerusalem was having difficulty with her neighbors in Samaria and Damascus. Isaiah extends this promise, “Though the Lord give you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, yet your Teacher will not hide himself anymore.”  It’s always good to hear a word of promise in a time of stress.  It’s good to hear God referred to as Teacher. One application here is we are never too old to learn. 

 
MARCH 19

• Hebrews 4:14 – 5:4. Christ is identified as High Priest.  But unlike the religious elite of the 1^stcentury, Christ sympathizes. We are tested, so was Christ.  God’s goal for us is grace and mercy. 

• Exodus 30:1-10. Elaborate instructions are given for the construction of the altar.  This is interesting because the people are moving about the desert and their temple is a portable tent. They paused to be aware of God among them. They paused to be responsive to God leading them. We may do the same, no matter where our house of worship. 

 
MARCH 20

• John 12:1-11. We are drawing near to the crucifixion. For a brief stay, Jesus is in the safe and welcoming village of Bethany.  Mary, sister of Martha, anoints Jesus’ feet with expensive perfume.  This act anticipates the embalming he will receive after his death on the cross. The passage ends with a calling for and a descriptor of the church. We will have the poor with us always. Always it is our calling to serve the vulnerable in whatever loving way we can. 

• Habakkuk 3:2-13. We rarely hear form this prophet and we differ, according to region, on the pronunciation of his name. Habakkuk is very poetic, even liturgical.  Perhaps he was a worker in the temple. Perhaps he was a colleague of Jeremiah, the Weeping Prophet.  Perhaps he wrote this after 609 BC, when Nebuchadnezzar defeated Pharaoh Neco at Carchemish.  Perhaps he wrote this before Nebuchadnezzar laid siege to Jerusalem in 597 BC.  In tumultuous times, Habakkuk prayed a good prayer.  The political landscape was not pretty, yet Habakkuk saw the glory of God. 

 
MARCH 21 THE 5^th SUNDAY DURING LENT 
Jeremiah 31:31-34 is a very familiar passage about God writing a new covenant (relationship) into our hearts.  When this happens the life of faith is sincere and profound, not shallow and perfunctory. 
Hebrews 5:5-10 describes the priestly role of Christ. Verse 7 brings the nice phrase, “reverent submission.” Sure, we all have to get out there and carve our own destiny. We are not passive or inert. But doing what it is we are to do with an attitude of “reverent submission” to God is one way of following Christ. 
John 12:20-33 tells the story of Greeks asking to see Jesus.  Where do we see Jesus? He is in the bread and wine of holy communion. He is in the community that holy communion sustains. He is on the cross. He is among the baptized. He is wherever two or three gather together in his resurrected presence. 
   
PRAYER FOR THE MORNING HOURS 
O Lord, almighty and everlasting God, 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 in adversity, and in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose; thru Jesus Christ our Lord. 
 
PRAYER FOR AFTERNOON AND EVENING 
O God, from whom come all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works: Give to us, your servants, that peace which the world cannot give, that our hearts may be set to obey your commandments; and also that we, being defended from the fear of our enemies, may live in peace and quietness; thru the merit of Jesus Christ our Savior, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, God forever Amen
 
DAILY 
Loving God, you lead us thru the 40-Days of Lent as you led your people, Israel, thru 40-Years in the desert. Help us to be open and receive the gifts you have for us this holy season. Amen
 
OTHER CONCERNS 
Marie Blood at physical therapy, Connie Cooper at Austinburg Care Center, 
Steve Miggo dealing with kidney cancer, Messiah’s ad hoc mission support committee hybrid meeting, our second zoomed midweek liturgy on March 17^th at 7:00 pm
 
CLOSING 
God keep us in health and safety, today and every day. Amen


Messiah Daily Readings and Prayers 
March 7 thru March 14 
Anno Domini 2021
 
OPENING  
God, come to my assistance.
Lord, make haste to help me
Glory to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; 
As it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen
 

 
PRAYER FOR THE MORNING HOURS 
O Lord, almighty and everlasting God, 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 in adversity, and in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose; thru Jesus Christ our Lord. 
 
PRAYER FOR AFTERNOON AND EVENING 
O God, from whom come all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works: Give to us, your servants, that peace which the world cannot give, that our hearts may be set to obey your commandments; and also that we, being defended from the fear of our enemies, may live in peace and quietness; thru the merit of Jesus Christ our Savior, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, God forever Amen
 
DAILY 
Loving God, you lead us thru the 40-Days of Lent as you led your people, Israel, thru 40-Years in the desert. Help us to be open and receive the gifts you have for us this holy season. Amen
 
OTHER CONCERNS 
Marie Blood at Brown Memorial Hospital Conneaut, Connie Cooper at Fairview Hospital Cleveland, Messiah’s Council zooming its monthly meeting
 
CLOSING 
God keep us in health and safety, today and every day. Amen