Daily Office Devotionals

The Apostle Paul affirms that Christ's resurrection has proved the impotence of “so-called gods in heaven and earth.”Wednesday • 10/1/2025 •Wednesday of the Sixteenth Week After Pentecost (Proper 21) This morning's Scriptures are: Psalm 101; Psalm 109; 2 Kings 18:9–25; 1 Corinthians 8:1–13; Matthew 7:13–21 This morning's Canticles are: following the OT reading, Canticle 11 (“The Third Song of Isaiah,” Isaiah 60:1-3,11a,14c,18-19, BCP, p. 87); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 16 (“The Song of Zechariah,” Luke 1:68-79, BCP, p. 92)

Hezekiah's time is a brief moment when God's people are a showcase and greenhouse for Yahweh's reconciling love.Tuesday • 9/30/2025 •Tuesday of the Sixteenth Week After Pentecost (Proper 21) This morning's Scriptures are: Psalm 97; Psalm 99; 2 Chronicles 29:1-3; 30:1–27; 1 Corinthians 7:32–40; Matthew 7:1–12 This morning's Canticles are: following the OT reading, Canticle 13 (“A Song of Praise,” BCP, p. 90); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 18 (“A Song to the Lamb,” Revelation 4:11; 5:9–10, 13, BCP, p. 93) 

Paul writes the Corinthians, who have mistakenly confused their wealth and social status with God's (better) ultimate blessings.Monday • 9/29/2025 •Monday of the Sixteenth Week After Pentecost (Proper 21)  This morning's Scriptures are: Psalm 89; 2 Kings 17:24–41; 1 Corinthians 7:25–31; Matthew 6:25–34 This morning's Canticles are: following the OT reading, Canticle 9 (“The First Song of Isaiah,” Isaiah 12:2–6, BCP, p. 86); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 19 (“The Song of the Redeemed,” Revelation 15:3–4, BCP, p. 94)

He challenged believers to think large so they can thank large.Friday • 9/26/2025 •

His students still teach people how to paint “happy little trees.”Thursday • 9/25/2025 •

His Kindness melted my cold heart. Wednesday • 9/24/2025 •

“I'm glad you're on this team. You make a big difference for us.”Tuesday • 9/23/2025 •

The Psalms provide a mirror for our soul.Monday • 9/22/2025 •

The worshipping church is an Ark…a place that offers refuge to sojourners “in this wicked world as in a deluge.”Friday • 9/19/2025 •

I realized why the ancients revered silence, why many sought the desert.Thursday • 9/18/2025 •

We're not just passing time according to the secular calendar or sports seasons.Wednesday • 9/17/2025 •

“So say we all!” Tuesday • 9/16/2025 •

The incarnation was not a “drive by” salvation. Jesus has come, and is coming, in the flesh.Monday • 9/15/2025 •

“I always had to be right.”Friday • 9/12/2025 •Friday of the Thirteenth Week After Pentecost (Proper 18) This morning's Scriptures are: Psalm 40; Psalm 54; 1 Kings 18:20–40; Philippians 3:1–16; Matthew 3:1–12 This morning's Canticles are: following the OT reading, Canticle 10 (“The Second Song of Isaiah,” Isaiah 55:6–11; BCP, p. 86); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 18 (“A Song to the Lamb,” Revelation 4:11; 5:9–10, 13, BCP, p. 93)

Every little sparrow, every little thing… God is in control.Thursday • 9/11/2025 •Thursday of the Thirteenth Week After Pentecost (Proper 18) This morning's Scriptures are: Psalm 50; 1 Kings 18:1–19; Philippians 2:12–30; Matthew 2:13–23 This morning's Canticles are: following the OT reading, Canticle 8 (“The Song of Moses,” Exodus 15, BCP, p. 85); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 19 (“The Song of the Redeemed,” Revelation 15:3–4, BCP, p. 94)

…to take our place in the grand undoing—the reversal of depravity, decay, death, and destruction—that Christ came to accomplish.Wednesday • 9/10/2025 •Wednesday of the Thirteenth Week After Pentecost (Proper 18) This morning's Scriptures are: Psalm 119:49–72; 1 Kings 17:1–24; Philippians 2:1–11; Matthew 2:1–12 This morning's Canticles are: following the OT reading, Canticle 11 (“The Third Song of Isaiah,” Isaiah 60:1-3,11a,14c,18-19, BCP, p. 87); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 16 (“The Song of Zechariah,” Luke 1:68-79, BCP, p. 92)

Paul only cares that people are hearing about Christ.Tuesday • 9/9/2025 •Tuesday of the Thirteenth Week After Pentecost (Proper 18) This morning's Scriptures are: Psalm 45; 1 Kings 16:23–34; Philippians 1:12–30; Mark 16:1–8 For further thoughts on Mark 16:1–8, see the DDD for 4/13/2020, Monday of Easter Week, Year 2: https://tinyurl.com/ddwhntnf This morning's Canticles are: following the OT reading, Canticle 13 (“A Song of Praise,” BCP, p. 90); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 18 (“A Song to the Lamb,” Revelation 4:11; 5:9–10, 13, BCP, p. 93) 

A powerful exemplar of this grace is the apostle Paul.Monday • 9/8/2025 •Monday of the Thirteenth Week After Pentecost (Proper 18)  This morning's Scriptures are: Psalm 41; Psalm 52; 1 Kings 13:1–10; Philippians 1:1–11; Mark 15:40–47 This morning's Canticles are: following the OT reading, Canticle 9 (“The First Song of Isaiah,” Isaiah 12:2–6, BCP, p. 86); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 19 (“The Song of the Redeemed,” Revelation 15:3–4, BCP, p. 94)

The LORD has made promises, and he will keep them.  Friday • 9/5/2025 •Friday of the Twelfth Week After Pentecost (Proper 17) This morning's Scriptures are: Psalm 31; 1 Kings 11:26–43; James 4:13–5:6; Mark 15:22–32 This morning's Canticles are: following the OT reading, Canticle 10 (“The Second Song of Isaiah,” Isaiah 55:6–11; BCP, p. 86); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 18 (“A Song to the Lamb,” Revelation 4:11; 5:9–10, 13, BCP, p. 93)

Determination to obey God's Word can keep us from going off the rails.Thursday • 9/4/2025 •Thursday of the Twelfth Week After Pentecost (Proper 17) This morning's Scriptures are: Psalm 37; 1 Kings 11:1–13; James 3:13–4:12; Mark 15:12–21 This morning's Canticles are: following the OT reading, Canticle 8 (“The Song of Moses,” Exodus 15, BCP, p. 85); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 19 (“The Song of the Redeemed,” Revelation 15:3–4, BCP, p. 94)

Then the Queen of Sheba confessed Yahweh for herself, “Blessed be the Lord your God…”Wednesday • 9/3/2025 •Wednesday of the Twelfth Week After Pentecost (Proper 17) This morning's Scriptures are: Psalm 38; 1 Kings 9:24–10:13; James 3:1–12; Mark 15:1–11 For comments on James 3:1–12, see the DDD for 11/17/2020, Tuesday of Proper 28, Year Two https://tinyurl.com/ysn7n6rn This morning's Canticles are: following the OT reading, Canticle 11 (“The Third Song of Isaiah,” Isaiah 60:1-3,11a,14c,18-19, BCP, p. 87); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 16 (“The Song of Zechariah,” Luke 1:68-79, BCP, p. 92)

Peter wants to do better—he really does.Tuesday • 9/2/2025 •Tuesday of the Twelfth Week After Pentecost (Proper 17) This morning's Scriptures are: Psalm 26; Psalm 28; 1 Kings 8:65–9:9; James 2:14–26; Mark 14:66–72 This morning's Canticles are: following the OT reading, Canticle 13 (“A Song of Praise,” BCP, p. 90); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 18 (“A Song to the Lamb,” Revelation 4:11; 5:9–10, 13, BCP, p. 93) 

The King came as pauper, and in doing so raised paupers to royalty.Monday • 9/4/2025 •Monday of the Twelfth Week After Pentecost (Proper 17)  This morning's Scriptures are: Psalm 25; 2 Chronicles 6:32–7:7; James 2:1–13; Mark 14:53–65 This morning's Canticles are: following the OT reading, Canticle 9 (“The First Song of Isaiah,” Isaiah 12:2–6, BCP, p. 86); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 19 (“The Song of the Redeemed,” Revelation 15:3–4, BCP, p. 94)

In his preparations for the building of the temple, Solomon reveals Yahweh's gift of wisdom.Friday • 8/29/2025 •Friday of the Eleventh Week After Pentecost (Proper 16) This morning's Scriptures are: Psalm 16; Psalm 17; 1 Kings 5:1–6:1,7; Acts 28:1–16; Mark 14:27–42 This morning's Canticles are: following the OT reading, Canticle 10 (“The Second Song of Isaiah,” Isaiah 55:6–11; BCP, p. 86); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 18 (“A Song to the Lamb,” Revelation 4:11; 5:9–10, 13, BCP, p. 93)

Though we might lose everything else, we will never lose the love of God in Christ.Thursday • 8/28/2025 •Thursday of the Eleventh Week After Pentecost (Proper 16) This morning's Scriptures are: Psalm 18; 1 Kings 3:16–28; Acts 27:27–44; Mark 14:12–26 This morning's Canticles are: following the OT reading, Canticle 8 (“The Song of Moses,” Exodus 15, BCP, p. 85); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 19 (“The Song of the Redeemed,” Revelation 15:3–4, BCP, p. 94)

The Song of Songs gives at least one of Solomon's brides a voice.Wednesday • 8/27/2025 •Wednesday of the Eleventh Week After Pentecost (Proper 16) This morning's Scriptures are: Psalm 119:1–24; 1 Kings 3:1–15; Acts 27:9–26; Mark 14:1–11 This morning's Canticles are: following the OT reading, Canticle 11 (“The Third Song of Isaiah,” Isaiah 60:1-3,11a,14c,18-19, BCP, p. 87); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 16 (“The Song of Zechariah,” Luke 1:68-79, BCP, p. 92)

May we rejoice in the affections of the Bridegroom who has sought out his Bride, the Church.Tuesday • 8/26/2025 •Tuesday of the Eleventh Week After Pentecost (Proper 16) This morning's Scriptures are: Psalm 5; Psalm 6; 1 Kings 1:38–2:4; Acts 26:24–27:8; Mark 13:28–37 This morning's Canticles are: following the OT reading, Canticle 13 (“A Song of Praise,” BCP, p. 90); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 18 (“A Song to the Lamb,” Revelation 4:11; 5:9–10, 13, BCP, p. 93) 

There are so many things Paul could say to this power couple!Monday • 8/25/2025 •Monday of the Eleventh Week After Pentecost (Proper 16)  This morning's Scriptures are: Psalm 1; Psalm 2; Psalm 3; 1 Kings 1:5–31; Acts 26:1–23; Mark 13:14–27 This morning's Canticles are: following the OT reading, Canticle 9 (“The First Song of Isaiah,” Isaiah 12:2–6, BCP, p. 86); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 19 (“The Song of the Redeemed,” Revelation 15:3–4, BCP, p. 94)

With Psalm 110, David sees the Son of promise, the Messiah King.Friday • 8/22/2025 •Friday of the Tenth Week After Pentecost (Proper 15) This morning's Scriptures are: Psalm 140; Psalm 142; 2 Samuel 19:24–43; Acts 24:24–25:12; Mark 12:35–44 This morning's Canticles are: following the OT reading, Canticle 10 (“The Second Song of Isaiah,” Isaiah 55:6–11; BCP, p. 86); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 18 (“A Song to the Lamb,” Revelation 4:11; 5:9–10, 13, BCP, p. 93)

Jesus cuts through the fog and adds a power to love God and to love our neighbor!Thursday • 8/21/2025 •Thursday of the Tenth Week After Pentecost (Proper 15) This morning's Scriptures are: Psalm 131; Psalm 132; Psalm 133; 2 Samuel 19:1–23; Acts 24:1–23; Mark 12:28–34 This morning's Canticles are: following the OT reading, Canticle 8 (“The Song of Moses,” Exodus 15, BCP, p. 85); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 19 (“The Song of the Redeemed,” Revelation 15:3–4, BCP, p. 94)

Today's lament invites reflection on the love of a greater Father.  Wednesday • 8/20/2025 •Wednesday of the Tenth Week After Pentecost (Proper 15) This morning's Scriptures are: Psalm 119:145–176; 2 Samuel 18:19–33; Acts 23:23–35; Mark 12:13–27 This morning's Canticles are: following the OT reading, Canticle 11 (“The Third Song of Isaiah,” Isaiah 60:1-3,11a,14c,18-19, BCP, p. 87); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 16 (“The Song of Zechariah,” Luke 1:68-79, BCP, p. 92)

Dying, suspended from a tree, Absalom becomes an “Easter egg” that points ahead to Christ's sacrifice on Calvary.Tuesday • 8/19/2025 •Tuesday of the Tenth Week After Pentecost (Proper 15) This morning's Scriptures are: Psalm 120; Psalm 121; Psalm 122; Psalm 123; 2 Samuel 18:9–18; Acts 23:12–24; Mark 11:27–12:12 This morning's Canticles are: following the OT reading, Canticle 13 (“A Song of Praise,” BCP, p. 90); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 18 (“A Song to the Lamb,” Revelation 4:11; 5:9–10, 13, BCP, p. 93) 

Like Paul, some of us need to see how limited our pre-Christ perspective has been. Monday • 8/18/2025 •Monday of the Tenth Week After Pentecost (Proper 15)  This morning's Scriptures are: Psalm 106; 2 Samuel 17:24–18:8; Acts 22:30–23:11; Mark 11:12–26 This morning's Canticles are: following the OT reading, Canticle 9 (“The First Song of Isaiah,” Isaiah 12:2–6, BCP, p. 86); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 19 (“The Song of the Redeemed,” Revelation 15:3–4, BCP, p. 94)

But David went up the ascent of the Mount of Olives, weeping as he went.Friday • 8/15/2025 •Friday of the Ninth Week After Pentecost (Proper 14) This morning's Scriptures are: Psalm 102; 2 Samuel 15:19–37; Acts 21:37–22:16; Mark 10:46–52 This morning's Canticles are: following the OT reading, Canticle 10 (“The Second Song of Isaiah,” Isaiah 55:6–11; BCP, p. 86); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 18 (“A Song to the Lamb,” Revelation 4:11; 5:9–10, 13, BCP, p. 93)

Paul's detractors wrongly assume he is brazenly breaching boundaries.Thursday • 8/14/2025 •Thursday of the Ninth Week After Pentecost (Proper 14) This morning's Scriptures are: Psalm 105; 2 Samuel 15:1–18; Acts 21:27–36; Mark 10:32–45 This morning's Canticles are: following the OT reading, Canticle 8 (“The Song of Moses,” Exodus 15, BCP, p. 85); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 19 (“The Song of the Redeemed,” Revelation 15:3–4, BCP, p. 94)

Paul's life becomes grace in action.  Wednesday • 8/13/2025 •Wednesday of the Ninth Week After Pentecost (Proper 14) This morning's Scriptures are: Psalm 101; Psalm 109; 2 Samuel 14:21–33; Acts 21:15–26; Mark 10:17–31 This morning's Canticles are: following the OT reading, Canticle 11 (“The Third Song of Isaiah,” Isaiah 60:1-3,11a,14c,18-19, BCP, p. 87); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 16 (“The Song of Zechariah,” Luke 1:68-79, BCP, p. 92)

Sometimes, to follow God's will you have to go against the flow. Tuesday • 8/12/2025 •Tuesday of the Ninth Week After Pentecost (Proper 14) This morning's Scriptures are: Psalm 97; Psalm 99; Psalm 100; 2 Samuel 14:1–20; Acts 21:1–14; Mark 10:1–16 This morning's Canticles are: following the OT reading, Canticle 13 (“A Song of Praise,” BCP, p. 90); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 18 (“A Song to the Lamb,” Revelation 4:11; 5:9–10, 13, BCP, p. 93) 

Paul has made it clear that his message is about God's free and abundant grace.Monday • 8/11/2025 •Monday of the Ninth Week After Pentecost (Proper 14)  This morning's Scriptures are: Psalm 89; 2 Samuel 13:23–39; Acts 20:17–38; Mark 9:42–50 This morning's Canticles are: following the OT reading, Canticle 9 (“The First Song of Isaiah,” Isaiah 12:2–6, BCP, p. 86); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 19 (“The Song of the Redeemed,” Revelation 15:3–4, BCP, p. 94)

At the heart of Paul's “great mystery of godliness” is the living Jesus, not an inanimate rock. Friday • 8/8/2025 •Friday of the Eighth Week After Pentecost (Proper 13) This morning's Scriptures are: Psalm 88; 2 Samuel 12:1–14; Acts 19:21–41; Mark 9:14–29 This morning's Canticles are: following the OT reading, Canticle 10 (“The Second Song of Isaiah,” Isaiah 55:6–11; BCP, p. 86); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 18 (“A Song to the Lamb,” Revelation 4:11; 5:9–10, 13, BCP, p. 93)

The Jesus whom Paul preaches is not to be trifled with.Thursday • 8/7/2025 •Thursday of the Eighth Week After Pentecost (Proper 13) This morning's Scriptures are: Psalm 83; Psalm 145; 2 Samuel 11:1–27; Acts 19:11–20; Mark 9:2–13  This morning's Canticles are: following the OT reading, Canticle 8 (“The Song of Moses,” Exodus 15, BCP, p. 85); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 19 (“The Song of the Redeemed,” Revelation 15:3–4, BCP, p. 94)

Whatever our hurts, in Jesus we have a King who is merciful, generous, and welcoming.  Wednesday • 8/6/2025 •Wednesday of the Eighth Week After Pentecost (Proper 13) This morning's Scriptures are: Psalm 119:97–120; 2 Samuel 9:1–13; Acts 19:1–10; Mark 8:34–9:1 This morning's Canticles are: following the OT reading, Canticle 11 (“The Third Song of Isaiah,” Isaiah 60:1-3,11a,14c,18-19, BCP, p. 87); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 16 (“The Song of Zechariah,” Luke 1:68-79, BCP, p. 92)

It is a brilliant setup to Peter's confession that Jesus is the Christ.Tuesday • 8/5/2025 •Tuesday of the Eighth Week After Pentecost (Proper 13) This morning's Scriptures are: Psalm 78; 2 Samuel 7:18–29; Acts 18:12–28; Mark 8:22–33 This morning's Canticles are: following the OT reading, Canticle 13 (“A Song of Praise,” BCP, p. 90); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 18 (“A Song to the Lamb,” Revelation 4:11; 5:9–10, 13, BCP, p. 93) 

They've only brought one loaf of bread. Monday • 8/4/2025 •Monday of the Eighth Week After Pentecost (Proper 13) • Year One This morning's Scriptures are: Psalm 80; 2 Samuel 7:1–17; Acts 18:–11; Mark 8:11–21 This morning's Canticles are: following the OT reading, Canticle 9 (“The First Song of Isaiah,” Isaiah 12:2–6, BCP, p. 86); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 19 (“The Song of the Redeemed,” Revelation 15:3–4, BCP, p. 94)

David finally becomes king over God's united people.Friday • 8/1/2025 •Friday of the Seventh Week After Pentecost (Proper 12) This morning's Scriptures are: Psalm 69; 2 Samuel 5:1–12; Acts 17:1–15; Mark 7:24–37 This morning's Canticles are: following the OT reading, Canticle 10 (“The Second Song of Isaiah,” Isaiah 55:6–11; BCP, p. 86); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 18 (“A Song to the Lamb,” Revelation 4:11; 5:9–10, 13, BCP, p. 93)

The difference between holy and unholy isn't external. Thursday • 7/31/2025 •Thursday of the Seventh Week After Pentecost (Proper 12) This morning's Scriptures are: Psalm 70; Psalm 71; 2 Samuel 4:1–12; Acts 16:25–40; Mark 7:1–23 This morning's Canticles are: following the OT reading, Canticle 8 (“The Song of Moses,” Exodus 15, BCP, p. 85); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 19 (“The Song of the Redeemed,” Revelation 15:3–4, BCP, p. 94)

He is Lord of creation. We need not be afraid. Wednesday • 7/30/2025 •Wednesday of the Seventh Week After Pentecost (Proper 12) This morning's Scriptures are: Psalm 72; 2 Samuel 3:22–39; Acts 16:16–24; Mark 6:47–56 This morning's Canticles are: following the OT reading, Canticle 11 (“The Third Song of Isaiah,” Isaiah 60:1-3,11a,14c,18-19, BCP, p. 87); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 16 (“The Song of Zechariah,” Luke 1:68-79, BCP, p. 92)

Europe would be forever changed by this boatload of gospel-bearers. Tuesday • 7/29/2025 •Tuesday of the Seventh Week After Pentecost (Proper 12) This morning's Scriptures are: Psalm 61; Psalm 62; 2 Samuel 3:6–21; Acts 16:6–15; Mark 6:30–46 This morning's Canticles are: following the OT reading, Canticle 13 (“A Song of Praise,” BCP, p. 90); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 18 (“A Song to the Lamb,” Revelation 4:11; 5:9–10, 13, BCP, p. 93) 

I made the mistake this morning of checking the news services before beginning my devotions.Monday • 7/28/2025 •Monday of the Seventh Week After Pentecost (Proper 12)  This morning's Scriptures are: Psalm 56; Psalm 57; Psalm 58; 2 Samuel 2:1–11; Acts 15:36–16:5; Mark 6:14–29 This morning's Canticles are: following the OT reading, Canticle 9 (“The First Song of Isaiah,” Isaiah 12:2–6, BCP, p. 86); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 19 (“The Song of the Redeemed,” Revelation 15:3–4, BCP, p. 94)

In God's own time, all our lives will tell beautiful stories. Friday • 7/25/2025 •

Some of our most creative thinking happens while we're asleep.Thursday • 7/24/2025 •

Often, it's the odd and the unplanned that make for great stories.Wednesday • 7/23/2025 •