Scripture for Today

Scripture for Today

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Scripture for Today episodes

  • Gospel | John 13:31-35

    Opening Song:

    The Greatest Commandment by Paul Zach

    Lyrics:

    Love the Lord your God
    With all your heart and soul and mind
    And love your neighbor as yourself

    Let us be known let us be known

    By the way we love

    Love love love the greatest commandment is

    Love love love the greatest commandment is
    Love love love the greatest commandment is (love)

    Passage:

    31 When he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him. 32 If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and glorify him at once. 33 Little children, yet a little while I am with you. You will seek me, and just as I said to the Jews, so now I also say to you, ‘Where I am going you cannot come.’ 34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
    (John 13:31–35 ESV)

    Musical Reflection:

    Prelude in C Major, BWV 846 by J.S. Bach

    Reflection Notes:

    Bach’s well-known prelude spins out a series of modulations, almost imperceptible at first. The new harmonies continually unfold in a way that intrigues but never shocks.

    Prayer:

    O God, you have prepared for those who love you such good things as surpass our understanding: Pour into our hearts such love towards you, that we, loving you in all things and above all things, may obtain your promises, which exceed all that we can desire; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

    9 min
  • Gospel | John 17:20-26 (with Nick Locke)

    Opening Song:

    How Deep the Father’s Love for Us by Stuart Townend, sung here by Anna Golden

    Lyrics:

    How deep the Father's love for us
    How vast beyond all measure
    That He should give His only Son
    To make a wretch His treasure
    How great the pain of searing loss
    The Father turns His face away
    As wounds which mar the Chosen One
    Bring many sons to glory

    Behold the Man upon a cross

    My sin upon His shoulders
    Ashamed I hear my mocking voice
    Call out among the scoffers
    It was my sin that held Him there
    Until it was accomplished
    His dying breath has brought me life
    I know that it is finished

    I will not boast in anything

    No gifts no pow’r no wisdom
    But I will boast in Jesus Christ
    His death and resurrection
    Why should I gain from His reward
    I cannot give an answer
    But this I know with all my heart
    His wounds have paid my ransom

    Passage:

    20 “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, 21 that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, 23 I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. 24 Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. 25 O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me. 26 I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.”
    (John 17:20–26 ESV)

    Musical Reflection:

    Jesus Loves Me by William B. Bradbury

    Reflection Notes:

    This sweet and familiar song was written in 1861 for the composer’s church school and has become a favorite because of the warm reminders associated with its text: “Jesus loves me, this I know.”

    Prayer:

    O God, the King of glory, you have exalted your only Son Jesus Christ with great triumph to your kingdom in heaven: Do not leave us comfortless, but send us your Holy Spirit to strengthen us, and exalt us to that place where our Savior Christ has gone before; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

    10 min
  • New Testament | Revelation 22:10-21 (with Tom Gastil)

    Opening Song:

    Come As You Are by Ben Glover, David Crowder, and Matt Maher, sung here by Shane & Shane

    Lyrics:

    Come out of sadness from wherever you've been
    Come broken-hearted let rescue begin
    Come find your mercy O sinner come kneel
    Earth has no sorrow that Heaven can't heal
    Earth has no sorrow that Heaven can't heal

    (So) Lay down your burdens lay down your shame

    All who are broken lift up your face
    O wanderer come home
    You're not too far
    So lay down your hurt lay down your heart
    Come as you are

    There's hope for the hopeless

    And all those who've strayed
    Come sit at the table come taste the grace
    There's rest for the weary
    Rest that endures
    Earth has no sorrow that Heaven can't cure

    Come as you are

    Fall in His arms
    Come as you are

    There's joy for the morning O sinner be still

    Earth has no sorrow that Heaven can't heal
    Earth has no sorrow that Heaven can't heal

    Come as you are

    Come as you are
    Come as you are

    Passage:

    10 And he said to me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near. 11 Let the evildoer still do evil, and the filthy still be filthy, and the righteous still do right, and the holy still be holy.”
    12 “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”
    14 Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates. 15 Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.
    16 “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.”
    17 The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.
    18 I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, 19 and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.
    20 He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!
    21 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.
    (Revelation 22:10–21 ESV)

    Musical Reflection:

    Nothing But The Blood (PLAINFIELD) by Robert Lowry

    Reflection Notes:

    Lowry wrote several hymns for his congregation’s use in the late nineteenth century. This particular tune is pentatonic (only five notes used per octave) and falls within a small vocal range, which made it accessible for all parishioners to sing and enjoy.

    Prayer:

    Almighty God, Father of all mercies, as your unworthy servants, we give you most humble and heartfelt thanks for all your goodness and loving kindness to us and to all people. We bless you for our creation, preservation and all the blessings of this life, but above all, for your precious love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ, for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory. And we pray that you would give us that due sense of all your mercies that our hearts may be sincerely thankful and that we may show forth your praise not only with our lips but in our lives, by giving up ourselves to your service and by walking before you in holiness and righteousness all our days, through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom with you and the Holy Spirit, be all honor and glory world without end. Amen. 
    -Book of Common Prayer (1662)

    13 min
  • Psalm | Psalm 99 (with Nick Locke)

    Opening Song:

    Exalted Over All by Andi Rozier, Jason Ingram, Jess Cates

    Lyrics:

    From Heaven's throne You came to us
    And set Your heart upon the cross
    We'll never know the sacrifice You made

    For all our sin and all our shame

    You took the nails and took our place
    No one else could do what You have done

    One name is higher

    One name is stronger
    Than any grave than any throne
    Christ exalted over all

    From the grave where death would die

    You rose again and brought us life
    You're reigning now the Savior of the world
    You're reigning now the Savior of the world

    The only Savior Jesus Messiah

    To You alone our praise belongs
    Christ exalted over all

    We'll (We) sing Your praise

    Sing Your praise
    We sing Your praise forever
    And lift Your name
    We lift Your name
    Jesus over all

    Passage:

    The Lord reigns; let the peoples tremble!
    He sits enthroned upon the cherubim; let the earth quake!
    2 The Lord is great in Zion;
    he is exalted over all the peoples.
    3 Let them praise your great and awesome name!
    Holy is he!
    4 The King in his might loves justice.[a]
    You have established equity;
    you have executed justice
    and righteousness in Jacob.
    5 Exalt the Lord our God;
    worship at his footstool!
    Holy is he!

    6 Moses and Aaron were among his priests,

    Samuel also was among those who called upon his name.
    They called to the Lord, and he answered them.
    7 In the pillar of the cloud he spoke to them;
    they kept his testimonies
    and the statute that he gave them.

    8 O Lord our God, you answered them;

    you were a forgiving God to them,
    but an avenger of their wrongdoings.
    9 Exalt the Lord our God,
    and worship at his holy mountain;
    for the Lord our God is holy!

    Musical Reflection:

    “Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us,” tune by William Bradbury

    Reflection Notes:

    The tune BRADBURY is named for its composer, a New Englander from the first half of the nineteenth century. The sweet melody for the verses repeats, then is followed by a strong refrain.

    Prayer:

    O Lord our God, teach us, we ask you, to ask you aright for the right blessings. Steer the vessel of our life toward yourself, you tranquil haven of all storm-tossed souls. Show us the course wherein we should go. Renew a willing spirit within us. Let your Spirit curb our wayward senses, and guide and enable us unto that which is our true good, to keep your laws, and in all our works evermore to rejoice in your glorious and gladdening presence. For yours is the glory and praise from all your saints, for ever and ever. Amen.
    -Basil the Great

    10 min
  • Old Testament | Joel 2:21-27 (with Nick Locke)

    Opening Song:

    Patient Kingdom by Sandra McCracken

    Lyrics:

    Let my soul rise up to meet You
    As the day rises to the sun
    Let my soul rise up to meet You
    Let that patient kingdom come

    When's the last time you felt steady in the chaos?

    Hear the sound when the seed falls to earth
    Is it time to give up your destination?
    Slow me down, let love do its work

    Let my soul rise up to meet You

    As the day rises to the sun
    Let my soul rise up to meet You
    Let that patient kingdom come

    As the trees and hummingbirds lead the chorus

    They work so hard, and their center so still
    Is it time for a change in direction?
    Slow me down where I bend to Your will

    Let my soul rise up to meet You

    As the day rises to the sun
    Let my soul rise up to meet You
    Let that patient kingdom come

    Oh, slow me down

    Oh, slow me down
    Let love do its work

    Let my soul rise up to meet You

    As the day rises to the sun
    Let my soul rise up to meet You
    Oh, let that patient kingdom come
    Let that patient kingdom come
    Let that patient kingdom come

    Passage:

    “Fear not, O land;
    be glad and rejoice,
    for the Lord has done great things!
    22 Fear not, you beasts of the field,
    for the pastures of the wilderness are green;
    the tree bears its fruit;
    the fig tree and vine give their full yield.

    23 “Be glad, O children of Zion,

    and rejoice in the Lord your God,
    for he has given the early rain for your vindication;
    he has poured down for you abundant rain,
    the early and the latter rain, as before.

    24 “The threshing floors shall be full of grain;

    the vats shall overflow with wine and oil.
    25 I will restore to you the years
    that the swarming locust has eaten,
    the hopper, the destroyer, and the cutter,
    my great army, which I sent among you.

    26 “You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied,

    and praise the name of the Lord your God,
    who has dealt wondrously with you.
    And my people shall never again be put to shame.
    27 You shall know that I am in the midst of Israel,
    and that I am the Lord your God and there is none else.
    And my people shall never again be put to shame.

    (Joel 2:21-27)

    Musical Reflection:

    JESUS, REMEMBER ME by Jacques Berthier

    Reflection Notes:

    “Jesus, Remember Me” is a tune from the French Taizé tradition; these simple songs are meant to be repeated indefinitely with added instrumentation or voice parts. They are meant to be meditative and allow for prayer.

    Prayer:

    Father, what we know not, teach us; what we have not, give us; what we are not, make us; for the sake of your Son our Savior. Amen.

    10 min
  • Gospel | Matthew 17:1-9 (with Nick Locke)

    Opening Song:

    Transfiguration by Aodhan King, Brooke Ligertwood, Scott Ligertwood, and Taya Gaukrodger

    Lyrics:

    From the cloud You speak

    What was veiled now is seen
    Jesus the image of the invisible God

    Divinity confirmed

    In the transfigured Word
    A kingdom once concealed
    On the earth now revealed

    Holy is the Lord

    Revealed before my eyes
    And my burning heart
    Can scarcely take it in
    As I behold Your beauty
    With unworthy eyes
    The only song my soul can find to sing
    Is hallelujah
    Hallelujah
    Hallelujah my King

    Lead my longing heart

    To the high ground to a clear view
    And in awe I'll be there
    Beholding You

    Now I know I have seen

    Your glory that cannot be unseen
    I am changed and changing still
    As I look upon You Lord and believe

    Passage:

    And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. 2 And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light. 3 And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. 4 And Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” 5 He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son,[a] with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” 6 When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces and were terrified. 7 But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and have no fear.” 8 And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.

    9 And as they were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, “Tell no one the vision, until the Son of Man is raised from the dead.”

    Musical Reflection:

    O Lord, Hear My Prayer by Jacques Berthier

    Reflection Notes:

    This song from the Taizé community contains a series of pleas: “O Lord, hear my prayer, O Lord, hear my prayer; when I call, answer me.” The repeated notes emphasize the insistence of the sung prayer, while the descending lines indicate a deep, almost despairing desire to connect.

    Prayer:

    O God, who on the holy mount revealed to chosen witnesses your well-beloved Son, wonderfully transfigured, in raiment white and glistening: Mercifully grant that we, being delivered from the disquietude of this world, may by faith behold the King in his beauty; who with you, O Father, and you, O Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

    11 min
  • New Testament | James 3:1-12

    Opening Song:

    Let the Words of My Mouth by Fernando Ortega

    Lyrics:

    Let the words of my mouth
    Be pleasing to You, pleasing to You
    The meditation of my heart
    Be pleasing to you, pleasing to You
    Oh Lord, my strength
    And my Redeemer

    Whatever is true

    Whatever is pure
    Whatever is lovely
    Whatever is worthy
    Think on these things
    Think on these things

    Let the words of my mouth

    Be pleasing to You
    Pleasing to You

    Passage:

    1 Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. 2 For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. 3 If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. 4 Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs.

    5 So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. 7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, 8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. 10 From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. 11 Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water? 12 Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water.

    (James 3:1–12 ESV)

    Musical Reflection:

    “Breathe on Me, Breath of God,” tune by Robert Jackson

    Reflection Notes:

    TRENTHAM is a tune by Robert Jackson, an English composer during the nineteenth century. It fits perfectly with the text for “Breath On Me, Breath of God,” by Edwin Hatch; each phrase is allotted ample space for reflection.

    Prayer:

    O Love ever burning, never quenched! O Charity, my God, set me on fire with your love! . . . Give me the grace to do as you command, and command me to do what you will!
    Augustine

    12 min
  • Psalm | Psalm 19

    Opening Song:

    Psalm 19 by Jess Ray

    Lyrics:

    Purify my heart!
    May every word, every thought!
    Every motive, every intention!
    Be pleasing in your sight, O God!

    For Your voice refreshes my soul!

    Brings joy to my heart!
    And light to my eyes!
    Your words more precious than gold!

    Sweeter than honey!

    Better than life!
    Purify my heart!
    May every word, every thought!

    Every motive, and every intention!

    Be pleasing in your sight, O God!
    For Your voice refreshes my soul!
    Brings joy to my heart!
    And light to my eyes!
    Your words more precious than gold!
    Sweeter than honey!
    Better than life!

    Purify my heart!

    May every word, every thought!
    Every motive, every intention!
    Be pleasing in your sight, O God!
    Be pleasing in your sight, O God!

    Passage:

    To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David.

    1 The heavens declare the glory of God,

    and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.
    2 Day to day pours out speech,
    and night to night reveals knowledge.
    3 There is no speech, nor are there words,
    whose voice is not heard.
    4 Their voice goes out through all the earth,
    and their words to the end of the world.
    In them he has set a tent for the sun,
    5 which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber,
    and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy.
    6 Its rising is from the end of the heavens,
    and its circuit to the end of them,
    and there is nothing hidden from its heat.

    7 The law of the LORD is perfect,

    reviving the soul;
    the testimony of the LORD is sure,
    making wise the simple;
    8 the precepts of the LORD are right,
    rejoicing the heart;
    the commandment of the LORD is pure,
    enlightening the eyes;
    9 the fear of the LORD is clean,
    enduring forever;
    the rules of the LORD are true,
    and righteous altogether.
    10 More to be desired are they than gold,
    even much fine gold;
    sweeter also than honey
    and drippings of the honeycomb.
    11 Moreover, by them is your servant warned;
    in keeping them there is great reward.

    12 Who can discern his errors?

    Declare me innocent from hidden faults.
    13 Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins;
    let them not have dominion over me!
    Then I shall be blameless,
    and innocent of great transgression.

    14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart

    be acceptable in your sight,
    O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.
    (Psalm 19:1–14 ESV)

    Musical Reflection:

    Amazing Grace, Appalachian folk tune

    Reflection Notes:

    The beloved tune, formally known as NEW BRITAIN, originates from the folk music of Appalachia. The melody is simple and outlines triads, making it memorable; the ascending line creates a triumphant climax.

    Prayer:

    O God, because without you we are not able to please you, mercifully grant that your Holy Spirit may in all things direct and rule our hearts; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
    -The Book of Common Prayer

    9 min
  • Old Testament | Isaiah 62:1-5 (Nick Locke)

    Opening Song: 

    None But Jesus by Brooke Ligertwood 

    Lyrics:

    In the quiet in the stillness

    I know that You are God

    In the secret of Your presence

    I know there I am restored

    When You call I won't refuse

    Each new day again I'll choose

     

    There is no one else for me

    None but Jesus

    Crucified to set me free

    Now I live to bring Him praise

     

    In the chaos in confusion

    I know You're sovereign still

    In the moment of my weakness

    You give me grace to do Your will

    When You call I won't delay

    This my song through all my days

     

    All my delight is in You Lord

    All of my hope

    All of my strength

    All my delight is in You Lord

    Forevermore

    Passage: 

    Isaiah 62:1-5

    For Zion's sake I will not keep silent,

        and for Jerusalem's sake I will not be quiet,

    until her righteousness goes forth as brightness,

        and her salvation as a burning torch.

    2 The nations shall see your righteousness,

        and all the kings your glory,

    and you shall be called by a new name

        that the mouth of the Lord will give.

    3 You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the Lord,

        and a royal diadem in the hand of your God.

    4 You shall no more be termed Forsaken,[a]

        and your land shall no more be termed Desolate,[b]

    but you shall be called My Delight Is in Her,[c]

        and your land Married;[d]

    for the Lord delights in you,

        and your land shall be married.

    5 For as a young man marries a young woman,

        so shall your sons marry you,

    and as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride,

        so shall your God rejoice over you.

    Musical Reflection:

    “Be Thou My Vision,” old Irish folk tune

    Reflection Notes: 

    The hymn commonly known as “Be Thou My Vision” is set to the tune SLANE, which is an old Irish folk tune. It samples both major and minor tonalities, with a perfect balance between the two.

    Prayer:

    This is another day, O Lord. I know not what it will bring forth, but make me ready, Lord, for whatever it may be. If I am to stand up, help me to stand bravely. If I am to sit still, help me to sit quietly. If I am to lie low, help me to do it patiently. And if I am to do nothing, let me do it gallantly. Make these words more than words, and give me the Spirit of Jesus. Amen.

    12 min
  • New Testament | Colossians 3:1-4 (with Tom Gastil)

    Opening Song:

    Christ Is Risen by Mack Brock

    Lyrics:

    Amazing grace how sweet the sound
    That saved a wretch like me
    For I once was lost but now I'm found
    Was blind but now I see
    Hallelujah Christ is risen from the grave
    Hallelujah Christ is risen from the grave

    The prodigal is welcomed home

    The sinner now a saint
    For the God who died came back to life
    And everything has changed
    Hallelujah Christ is risen from the grave
    Hallelujah Christ is risen from the grave

    O death where is your sting

    O fear where is your power
    The mighty King of kings has disarmed you
    Delivered and redeemed eternal life is ours
    O praise His name forever

    Hallelujah Christ is risen from the grave

    Hallelujah Christ is risen from the grave
    And all throughout eternity
    Our song will be the same
    Hallelujah Christ is risen from the grave

    And on the day You call me in

    To heaven's sweet embrace
    I'll see Your scars Your open arms
    The beauty of Your face
    Through tears of joy
    I'll lift my voice in everlasting praise
    Hallelujah Christ is risen from the grave

    Jesus is alive oh

    And all throughout eternity
    Our song will be the same
    Hallelujah Christ is risen from the grave

    Passage:

    If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

    Musical Reflection:

    “Amazing Grace,” Appalachian folk tune

    Reflection Notes:

    This beloved tune, formally known as NEW BRITAIN, originates from the folk music of Appalachia. The melody is simple and outlines triads, making it memorable; the ascending line creates a triumphant climax.

    Prayer:

    Almighty God, who through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ overcame death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life: Grant that we, who celebrate with joy the day of the Lord’s resurrection, may, by your life- giving Spirit, be delivered from sin and raised from death; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen

    11 min

About Scripture for Today

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Start or close your day with Scripture for Today! The word of God is always applicable and guides us through the hopes and challenges of our daily lives. Explore the episodes found below of our…