Teach me to do what pleases you, for you are my God; *

You shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I, the Lord, am your God and there is no other.

Image: Abraham Lincoln, Photographed by Matthew Brady, January 1864

When Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, "Zacchaeus, hurry and come down; for I must stay at your house today." ~ Luke 19:5 (NRSV)

Image: Zacchaeus by Niels Larsen Stevns

When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, then were we like those who dream.

Image: Смех (Laughing) Filipp Malyavin, 1898

When Jesus heard this, he said to him, ‘There is still one thing lacking. Sell all that you own and distribute the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.’ But when he heard this, he became sad; for he was very rich. ~ Luke 18:22-23 (NRSV)

Image:"Christ and the Rich Young Ruler" by Heinrich Hofmann

Then Jesus entered the temple and drove out all who were selling and buying in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold doves. He said to them, ‘It is written,

Image: Expulsion of the Moneychangers from the Temple, Luca Giordano, 1675

The Pharisee, standing by himself, was praying thus, “God, I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax-collector. ~ Luke 18: 11 (NRSV)

Image: The Pharisee and the Publican, baroque fresco in Ottobeuren Basilica.

Give us grace seriously to lay to heart the great dangers we are in by our unhappy divisions; take away all hatred and prejudice, and whatever else may hinder us from godly union and concord. ~ Book of Common Prayer, p. 818

Once Jesus was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God was coming, and he answered, "The kingdom of God is not coming with things that can be observed; nor will they say, “Look, here it is!” or “There it is!” For, in fact, the kingdom of God is among you." ~ Luke 17: 20-21

Increase our reverence before the mystery of life; and give us new insight into your purposes for the human race, and new wisdom and determination in making provision for its future in accordance with your will. ~ Book of Common Prayer, p. 828