Scripture for Today

Scripture for Today

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Scripture for Today episodes

  • Psalm 18

    Passage:

    1 I love you, O Lord, my strength.
    2 The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,
     my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,
     my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
    3 I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised,
     and I am saved from my enemies.

    16 He sent from on high, he took me;

     he drew me out of many waters.
    17 He rescued me from my strong enemy
     and from those who hated me,
     for they were too mighty for me.
    18 They confronted me in the day of my calamity,
     but the Lord was my support.
    19 He brought me out into a broad place;
     he rescued me, because he delighted in me.

    (Psalm 18:1–3, 16–19)

    Song:

    Reason I Sing by Jonathan Smith and Phil Wickham

    Lyrics:

    You pulled me from darkness
    And clothed me in garments of praise
    Jesus forever my song will be You

    I’m living in freedom

    You’ve taken my burdens away
    Jesus forever my song will be You
    Only for You

    For the cross that You bore

    And the debt that You paid
    For the victory You won
    Over death and the grave
    This is the reason I sing
    For the hope that You give
    And the joy that You bring
    For the promise that
    Heaven Is waiting for me
    This is the reason I sing

    I will not be silent

    I’ll testify of Your grace
    Jesus forever my song will be You
    Only for You

    So good so good

    You’re so good to me
    Forever I’ll sing
    You’re so good to me

    Jesus the reason I sing

    Jesus the reason I sing
    Jesus the reason I sing

    Prayer:

    “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not the good he has done to me, who forgives all your sins and heals all your infirmities, who redeems your life from destruction, who crowns you with grace and mercy… Therefore, my mouth and heart shall proclaim the Lord’s praise, from now on and forevermore. Amen.”
    — Zacharias Ursinus

    9 min
  • Psalm 17

    Passage:

    1 Hear a just cause, O Lord; attend to my cry!
     Give ear to my prayer from lips free of deceit!
    2 From your presence let my vindication come!
     Let your eyes behold the right!

    3 You have tried my heart, you have visited me by night,

     you have tested me, and you will find nothing;
     I have purposed that my mouth will not transgress.
    4 With regard to the works of man,
     by the word of your lips
     I have avoided the ways of the violent.
    5 My steps have held fast to your paths;
     my feet have not slipped.

    6 I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God;

     incline your ear to me; hear my words.
    7 Wondrously show your steadfast love,
     O Savior of those who seek refuge
     from their adversaries at your right hand.

    (Psalm 17:1–7)

    Song:

    Psalm 17 by Poor Bishop Hooper

    Lyrics:

    You have tested my heart and examined me
    In the night, You have tried me and found nothing
    I've determined that my mouth will not sin anymore
    You have tested my heart and examined me
    In the night, You have tried me and found nothing
    I've determined that my mouth will not sin anymore

    Hear my plea, for it comes from honest lips

    Check my mind and my thoughts, everyone of them
    I pray becausе I know You hear it
    I pray because I know You hеar it

    Protect me, O Lord

    As the pupil of Your eye
    Underneath the shadow of
    Your wings is where I hide

    My steps are set up on Your paths

    My feet have never slipped despite
    The countless men surrounding my every move

    Rise up, O Lord

    And bring them down
    Rise up, O Lord
    And bring them down
    Rise up, O Lord
    And bring them down

    But I will see Your face in righteousness

    When I awake I will be satisfied
    But I will see Your face in righteousness
    When I awake I will be satisfied
    But I will see Your face in righteousness
    When I awake I will be satisfied
    But I will see Your face in righteousness
    When I awake I will be satisfied

    With Your presence (With Your presence)

    With Your presence (With Your presence)
    With Your presence, with Your presence (With Your presence)...

    Prayer:

    “Your glorious Majesty surround me,
    the blessed Trinity protect me,
    and the eternal Godhead preserve me.

    Your unlimited mercy support me;

    your loving kindness encompass me;
    your favor make me to rejoice.

    The eternal truth of God be my delight,

    the saving knowledge of Christ strengthen me,
    and the all-prevailing grace of God be sufficient for me.

    May the grace of God the Father lead me,

    the wisdom of God the Son be my consolation,
    and the power of the Holy Spirit enlighten me.

    Lord my Creator, stand by me;

    my Redeemer, save me;
    and my Comforter, dwell with me. Amen.”
    — Johann Habermann

    8 min
  • Psalm 16

    Passage:

    1 Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge.
    2 I say to the LORD, “You are my Lord;
    I have no good apart from you.”

    3 As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones,

    in whom is all my delight.

    4 The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply;

    their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out
    or take their names on my lips.

    5 The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup;

    you hold my lot.
    6 The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
    indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.
    (Psalm 16:1-6)

    Reflection:

    “Apart from you I have no good” (Psalm 16:2). It’s a short sentence, but it says more than entire volumes of theology. David’s words here are a confession, a re-centering of the heart around a simple truth: God himself is the source of everything good.

    At one level, this is about gratitude. Every good thing—relationships, work, beauty, food, rest—is ultimately a gift from God. Even when life feels chaotic or uncertain, the blessings that remain are not accidents. They come from a good and generous hand. So this psalm invites us to say thank you—not just in a general sense, but directly to the one from whom every good and perfect gift comes.

    But David’s words also go deeper. They’re not just about receiving good things from God, but about recognizing that God himself is the good thing we need most. He is our portion and our cup (Psalm 16:5). He is the inheritance that makes all the “lines” fall in pleasant places (16:6). To know him is better than any other joy or achievement life could offer. To walk apart from him is to forfeit true life, even if we appear to gain everything else.

    So consider: Do you see God as the giver of every good thing—or do you live as if you must grab those things on your own? Is your joy rooted in God himself—or only in the gifts he gives?

    Sometime today, pray that God would re-center your heart to delight in him above all else—and thank him for every good thing that flows from his hand.

    Song:

    Fullness of Joy (Psalm 16) by Caroline Cobb Smith

    Lyrics:

    O God You are my refuge

    I know without You
    I have no good thing
    O God You are my portion
    My chosen portion
    You are what I need

    No other god beside You

    You hold my lot and fill my cup
    Oh beautiful inheritance
    You are enough

    In your presence there is fullness

    There is fullness of joy
    At your right hand there is goodness
    Boundless goodness
    Forevermore
    I choose you Lord

    O God you go before me

    You’re right beside me
    In my darkest night
    My God you hold my future
    My hope it rests secure
    In the finished work of Christ

    My heart is glad

    My soul rejoices
    You hold me fast you won’t let go
    Your ways are good and good for me
    I’m yours and yours alone

    Your holy one has risen up

    He’s overcome the grave
    The path of life is opened wide
    For he has made a way

    Prayer:

    “O God, you are life, wisdom, truth, bounty, and blessedness,
    the eternal, the only true good;
    our God and our Lord, you are our hope and our heart’s joy—
    we acknowledge with thanksgiving that you have made us in your image,
    and that we may direct our thoughts to you.
    Lord, make us know you aright,
    that we may love, enjoy, and possess you more and more;
    through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”
    — Anselm

    10 min
  • Psalm 14

    Passage:

    1 The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.”
    They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds;
    there is none who does good.

    2 The LORD looks down from heaven on the children of man,

    to see if there are any who understand,
    who seek after God.

    3 They have all turned aside; together they have become corrupt;

    there is none who does good,
    not even one.
    (Psalm 14:1-3)

    Song:

    Broken Vessels (Amazing Grace) by Joel Houston and Jonas Myrin

    Lyrics:

    All these pieces
    Broken and scattered
    In mercy gathered
    Mended and whole
    Empty handed
    But not forsaken
    I've been set free
    I've been set free

    Amazing grace

    How sweet the sound
    That saved a wretch like me
    Oh I once was lost
    But now I am found
    Was blind but now I see

    Oh I can see You now

    Oh I can see the love in Your eyes
    Laying Yourself down
    Raising up the broken to life

    You take our failure

    You take our weakness
    You set Your treasure
    In jars of clay
    So take this heart Lord
    I'll be Your vessel
    The world to see Your life in me

    Prayer:

    “Almighty God and heavenly Father, we poor, miserable sinners confess that from our childhood until this very hour we have sinned against your commandments by evil thoughts, words, will, and works… Therefore, we are not worthy to be called your children… In your mercy and for the sake of your glory, we ask you to receive us into your grace by the forgiveness of our sins. Amen.”
    — John Oecolampadius

    10 min
  • Leviticus 10

    Passage:

    1 Now Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censer and put fire in it and laid incense on it and offered unauthorized fire before the LORD, which he had not commanded them. 2 And fire came out from before the LORD and consumed them, and they died before the LORD. 3 Then Moses said to Aaron, “This is what the LORD has said: ‘Among those who are near me I will be sanctified, and before all the people I will be glorified.’” And Aaron held his peace.
    (Leviticus 10:1-3)

    Song:

    Only a Holy God by Dustin Smith, Jonny Robinson, Michael Farren, and Rich Thompson

    Lyrics:

    Who else commands all the hosts of heaven
    Who else could make every king bow down
    Who else can whisper and darkness trembles
    Only a Holy God

    What other beauty demands such praises

    What other splendour outshines the sun
    What other majesty rules with justice
    Only a Holy God

    Come and behold Him

    The One and the Only
    Cry out sing holy
    Forever a Holy God
    Come and worship the Holy God

    What other glory consumes like fire

    What other power can raise the dead
    What other name remains undefeated
    Only a Holy God

    Who else could rescue me from my failing

    Who else would offer His only Son
    Who else invites me to call Him Father
    Only a Holy God
    Only my Holy God

    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.
    -The Book of Common Prayer

    10 min
  • Psalm 7

    Passage:

    14 Behold, the wicked man conceives evil
    and is pregnant with mischief
    and gives birth to lies.
    15 He makes a pit, digging it out,
    and falls into the hole that he has made.
    16 His mischief returns upon his own head,
    and on his own skull his violence descends.
    (Psalm 7:14-16)

    Song:

    Psalm 7 by Poor Bishop Hooper

    Lyrics:

    O Lord, my God
    In You I take refuge
    O Lord, my God
    In You I take refuge
    O Lord, my God
    In You I take refuge
    O Lord, my God
    In You I take refuge

    Arise, O Lord, against the wicked, stand

    Wake up, my God, for the righteous, defend
    Arise, O Lord, and stand up once again to the evil one

    O Lord, my God

    In You I take refuge
    O Lord, my God
    In You I take refuge

    Arise, O Lord, against the wicked, stand (Arise, O Lord, against the wicked, stand)

    Wake up, my God, for the righteous, defend (Wakе up, my God, for the righteous, defеnd)
    Arise, O Lord, and stand up once again to the evil one (Arise, O Lord, and stand up once again to the evil one)
    Arise, O Lord, against the wicked, stand (Arise, O Lord, against the wicked, stand)
    Wake up, my God, for the righteous, defend (Wake up, my God, for the righteous, defend)
    Arise, O Lord, and stand up once again to the evil one (Arise, O Lord, and stand up once again to the evil one)

    Prayer:

    Your glorious Majesty surround me,
    the blessed Trinity protect me,
    and the eternal Godhead preserve me.
    Your unlimited mercy support me;
    your loving kindness encompass me;
    your favor make me to rejoice.
    The eternal truth of God be my delight,
    the saving knowledge of Christ strengthen me,
    and the all-prevailing grace of God be sufficient for me.
    May the grace of God the Father lead me,
    the wisdom of God the Son be my consolation,
    and the power of the Holy Spirit enlighten me.
    Lord my Creator, stand by me;
    my Redeemer, save me;
    and my Comforter, dwell with me. Amen.
    — Johann Habermann

    8 min
  • Leviticus 6

    Passage:

    1 If anyone sins and commits a breach of faith against the Lord by deceiving his neighbor in a matter of deposit or security, or through robbery, or if he has oppressed his neighbor
    2 or has found something lost and lied about it, swearing falsely—in any of all the things that people do and sin thereby—
    3 then if he has sinned and has realized his guilt and will restore what he took by robbery or what he got by oppression or the deposit that was committed to him or the lost thing that he found,
    4 or anything about which he has sworn falsely, he shall restore it in full and shall add a fifth to it, and give it to him to whom it belongs on the day he realizes his guilt.
    5 And he shall bring to the priest as his compensation to the Lord a ram without blemish out of the flock, or its equivalent, for a guilt offering.
    6 And the priest shall make atonement for him before the Lord, and he shall be forgiven for any of the things that one may do and thereby become guilty.
    (Leviticus 6:1-6)

    Song:

    Song of Repentance by Esther-Jane White, Lauren Harris, Mark Vallance, Nick Herbert

    Lyrics:

    We’ve fallen short
    We’ve wandered far from Your ways
    Forgive us O Lord
    We’ve sinned against Your name

    Lord have mercy

    Christ have mercy

    This is a song of repentance

    This is a plea to Your heart
    Would You purify us Lord
    Open Your hand to deliver
    Reach down in power to save
    You are Holy God

    God keep us close

    Held in Your promise of grace
    Come change our hearts
    Restore who we are we pray

    Now Almighty One

    All-consuming love
    Lord remember us
    Make us holy
    For the sake of Christ
    We lay down our lives
    O now Church arise
    For His glory

    This is a song of revival

    Let holiness flood through this land
    Would You purify us Lord
    Would You purify us Lord

    Prayer:

    O most great, most just and gracious God, you are of purer eyes than to behold iniquity; but you have promised mercy through Jesus Christ to all who repent and believe in him. We confess that we have all sinned and come short of the glory of God. We have neglected and abused your holy worship, your holy name, and your holy day. We have dealt unjustly and uncharitably with our neighbors, not loving them as ourselves, nor doing to others as we would that they should do to us. We have not sought first your kingdom and righteousness, and have been overly anxious about the things of this life. You have revealed your wonderful love to us in Christ, and offered us pardon and salvation in him; but we have turned away. We have run into temptations and the sin we should have hated we have committed. Have mercy on us, most merciful Father! In your Son is our salvation, in your promises our hope. Take us for your children and give us the Spirit of your Son. Amen.
    — Richard Baxter

    9 min
  • Leviticus 5

    Passage:

    5 When he realizes his guilt in any of these and confesses the sin he has committed, 6 he shall bring to the Lord as his compensation for the sin that he has committed, a female from the flock, a lamb or a goat, for a sin offering. And the priest shall make atonement for him for his sin.

    7 But if he cannot afford a lamb, then he shall bring to the Lord as his compensation for the sin that he has committed two turtledoves or two pigeons, one for a sin offering and the other for a burnt offering. 8 He shall bring them to the priest, who shall offer first the one for the sin offering.

    11 But if he cannot afford two turtledoves or two pigeons, then he shall bring as his offering for the sin that he has committed a tenth of an ephah of fine flour for a sin offering.

    (Leviticus 5:5-11)

    Song:

    Lamb of God by Andi Rozier, Jason Ingram, and Meredith Andrews

    Lyrics:

    You came from heaven's throne
    Acquainted with our sorrow
    To trade the debt we owe
    Your suff'ring for our freedom

    The Lamb of God in my place

    Your blood poured out my sin erased
    It was my death You died I am raised to life
    Hallelujah the Lamb of God

    My name upon Your heart

    My shame upon Your shoulders
    The pow'r of sin undone
    The cross for my salvation

    There is no greater love

    There is no greater love
    The Savior lifted up
    There is no greater love

    Prayer:

    O Lord, let not your law be a cursing to our consciences, but rather give us grace under this extreme and heavy burden of sin, to be fully persuaded, that you by your death have taken away all our sins, and fulfilled the law for us, and by this means have delivered us from the curse of the law and paid our ransom; and then we, being thus fully persuaded, may have quiet and settled hearts, and a free conscience, and glad desiring wills to forsake this wicked world. Amen.
    — Henry Smith

    8 min
  • Psalm 1

    Passage:

    1 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
    2 but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.
    3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.

    4 The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away.

    5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;
    6 for the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.
    (Psalm 1:1-6)

    Song:

    Psalm 1 by Matthew Ellis Freeman and William Spencer Cary

    Lyrics:

    Vain pursuits
    We have turned to our own way
    Forgotten the truth
    We are satisfied today
    When will we turn
    Be reminded of your promises to guide
    Wandering still
    Lead us to the path of blessing you provide

    Form us more and more into a people

    Who love your word
    Cause us to dwell on your truth day and night
    Plant us beside the waters that ever flow
    Help us to know your word is our delight

    Scoffers surround

    They mock our source of hope
    Sowing doubt
    Thoughts too wicked to behold
    The seat of the proud
    They find joy in robbing fruit that leads to life
    Root us down
    Keep us grounded in the strength that you provide

    You know our way

    You hem us in
    So here we stand
    In righteousness

    Prayer:

    Blessed Lord, you have caused all Holy Scriptures to be written for our learning—grant us that we may in such a way hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them; that by patience and comfort of your holy Word, we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
    -The Book of Common Prayer (1552)

    9 min
  • John 21

    Passage:

    18 “Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” 19 (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.”

    20 Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them, the one who also had leaned back against him during the supper and had said, “Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?” 21 When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about this man?” 22 Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!”

    (John 21:18-22)

    Song:

    Follow by Beau Maddox, Bede Benjamin-Korporaal, Chris Davenport, and Melodie Malone

    Lyrics:

    I give my life to follow Jesus
    Captive to Christ I know true freedom
    I count it all joy to take up my cross
    I’ll follow

    These earthly wells have left me thirsty

    All worldly wisdom comes up empty
    Only Your word and only Your ways
    I’ll follow

    What a joy it is to follow Jesus

    What a gift it is to bear His name
    What an honor to choose surrender
    And make Him my everything

    When the darkness brings its questions

    When trusting You becomes a wrestle
    I have resolved no matter the cost
    I’ll follow

    Yes to surrender

    Yes to the altar
    Yes to Your plans for me
    Yes to correction
    Yes to confession
    Yes to refining me
    Yes to Your blessing
    Yes to anointing
    Your Spirit alive in me
    Yes to salvation
    And resurrection
    Yes to eternity

    What a joy it is to follow Jesus

    What a gift it is to bear His name
    What an honor to choose surrender
    And make You my everything
    And make You my everything
    Lord You are my everything

    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.
    -The Book of Common Prayer

    8 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…