Keep Watch: A Weekly Vigil of Scripture and Prayer

For All Saints' Day, we keep watch with 1 John 3:1–3 and the promise that we are God's children now, though what we shall become has not yet been revealed. Remembering the saints who have gone before us, we reflect on the grace that continues to form us into Christ's likeness, and on the hope that shapes how we love today. Join us in Scripture, silence, and prayer as we prepare for the Lord's Day.

For Proper 25, Year A, we keep watch with Matthew 22:34–40, where Jesus teaches us to love God and to love our neighbors as ourselves. In this week's meditation, “As Yourself,” we consider how receiving God's love and extending compassion toward ourselves can deepen the love we offer to others. Join us in Scripture, silence, and prayer as we prepare for the Lord's Day.

For Proper 24, Year A, we keep watch with Exodus 33:12–23, where Moses asks again and again for assurance of God's favor and presence. As we reflect on the patience of divine love, the freedom to return to God with our questions, and the promise of shelter in God's presence, we prepare our hearts for the Lord's Day through Scripture, silence, and prayer.

For Proper 23, Year A, we keep watch with Philippians 4:1–9 and Paul's tender greeting to those he calls his joy and crown. Reflecting on our baptismal promise to seek and serve Christ in all persons, we consider how gentleness, reconciliation, and attentive love can shape each encounter as we prepare for the Lord's Day through Scripture, silence, and prayer.

For Proper 22, Year A, we keep watch with Psalm 19, where creation speaks without words, Scripture speaks with words, and the human heart responds. As we attend to the glory already proclaimed around us and listen for the Word that revives the soul, we prepare our hearts for the Lord’s Day through Scripture, silence, and prayer.

For Proper 21, Year A, we keep watch with Exodus 17:1–7, where a thirsty people cry out in the wilderness and God brings water from the rock. As we reflect on our creaturely need for water, rest, and care—and on a God who meets us in the needs of the body—we prepare our hearts for the Lord’s Day through Scripture, silence, and prayer.

For Proper 20, Year A, we keep watch with Matthew 20:1–16, where Jesus tells of laborers who receive the same generous wage no matter when they entered the vineyard. As we consider the jealousy that can close us to another’s blessing—and the grace of God that refuses to be scarce—we prepare our hearts for the Lord’s Day through Scripture, silence, and prayer.

For Proper 19, Year A, we keep watch with Romans 14:8–12, where Paul reminds us that whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s, and that every knee shall bow before God. As we reflect on the wideness of Christ’s reconciling love—a love embracing the whole creation—we prepare our hearts for the Lord’s Day through Scripture, silence, and prayer.

For Proper 18, Year A, we keep watch with Matthew 18:15–20, where Jesus promises to be present whenever two or three gather in his name. As we reflect on Christ dwelling among us, in our listening, prayer, and shared life as the Church, we prepare our hearts for the Lord’s Day through Scripture, silence, and prayer.

For Proper 17, Year A, we keep watch with Exodus 3:1–6, where Moses encounters God in a bush that burns but is not consumed. As we reflect on the unquenchable fire of divine love—a love that kindles without destroying—we prepare our hearts for the Lord’s Day through Scripture, silence, and prayer.