Direct, in our time, we pray, those who speak where many listen and write what many read; that they may do their part in making the heart of this people wise, its mind sound, and its will righteous. (Prayer for Those Who Influence Public Opinion, Book of Common Prayer, p. 827)

Image: Gutenberg Press by William Skeen, 1872

Those who sowed with tears will reap with songs of joy. ~ Psalm 126:6 (NRSV)

Image: Ushered In a Tearful Joy, Vasily Polenov, 1900

Give us such an awareness of your mercies,

...for she said, "If I but touch his clothes, I will be made well." ~ Mark 5:28

From this day all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name. ~ Luke 1:47 (NRSV)

Image: Virgin Mary by El Greco, 1585.

Some went down to the sea in ships and plied their trade in deep waters;

Image: Breezing Up (A Fair Wind) by Winslow Homer , 1876

Just then his disciples came. They were astonished that he was speaking with a woman, but no one said, "What do you want?" or, "Why are you speaking with her?" ~ John 4:27 (NRSV)

Image: Icon from Parohia Uivar, Romania

The Samaritan woman said to him, "How is it that you, a Jew, ask a drink of me, a woman of Samaria?" (Jews do not share things in common with Samaritans.) ~ John 4:9

Image: Jesus and Woman at the Well, Edward Burne-Jones, (1833-1898)

Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who sleep. (BOC p. 134)

"But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God." ~ John 3:21

Image: Nicodemus Visiting Jesus, Henry Ossawa Tanner, 1899, Pennsyvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Philadelphia PA, US.