The Finding of the Cross

Zurbarán The Crucifixion

The Crucifixion, by Francisco de Zurbarán (1598–1664). From Art Institute Chicago.

O God, who by a wonderful mercy didst make the instrument of shameful death the means of our salvation: Out of weakness make us strong to take up the Cross, that we may be numbered among the redeemed who follow the . . . → Read More: The Finding of the Cross

National Day of Prayer 2019

Almighty God, unto whom our prayers rise as the incense of the evening sacrifice: Inspire us with thy Holy Spirit, that our prayers may be right and good in thy sight, and worthy of thy lovingkindness. Direct our hearts to pray for the well-being of others: for them that are down-trodden, that their suffering may . . . → Read More: National Day of Prayer 2019

Saint Athanasius

Scutum Fidei variants

earliest and latest variants of the “Scutum Fidei”. From Wikipedia

Grant, we beseech thee, Almighty God, that, like as blessed Athanasius contended earnestly for the faith of thy Consubstantial and Incarnate Word, so we may both believe in our hearts and confess with our mouth the Godhead of thy Son our Saviour . . . → Read More: Saint Athanasius

International Workers’ Day

Pieter Bruegel the Elder The Harvesters

Almighty God, who hast given unto us the Sabbath to be a day of rest, and who hast promised to be a swift witness against them that oppress the hireling in his wages: In thy mercy, grant the labourer to be strong, and let not his hand be weak, and let his work be rewarded. . . . → Read More: International Workers’ Day

Yom HaShoah (יום השואה)

Theresienstadt concentration camp archway

For the Victims of Genocide

Almighty God, gracious Father: we remember before thee this day all those who have perished in genocides, especially those who died in the Shoah. Vouchsafe, we beseech thee, to sear into our memories the story of their peril, lest we forget their anguish and tribulations. Embolden us with thy Holy . . . → Read More: Yom HaShoah (יום השואה)

Saint Philip and Saint James

Saint Philip

Saint Philip [the Apostle] by Peter Paul Rubens (1577–1640), from Wikipedia

O Almighty God, whom truly to know is everlasting life: Grant us perfectly to know thy Son Jesus Christ to be the way, the truth, and the life; that, following the steps of thy holy Apostles, Saint Philip and Saint James, . . . → Read More: Saint Philip and Saint James