Isaiah 61: 1-3

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,
Because the Lord has anointed me
To preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the broken hearted,
To proclaim freedom for the captives
And release from darkness for the prisoners,
To proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor
And the day of vengeance of our God,
To comfort all who mourn,
And provide for those who grieve in Zion—
To bestow on them a crown of beauty
Instead of ashes,
The oil of gladness
Instead of mourning,
And a garment of praise
Instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
A planting of the Lord
For the display of his splendor.

Lord we pray for Fr. Shaw, Mother Julie, and Lydia Mudge as they continue their missionary training in Colorado. We thank You for the good friends that they have made this week. We pray for the Mudges and for all the missionaries in training. May Your Holy Spirit be upon them as they get ready to do your work. Anoint them, Lord, to preach the good news to both the poor and the rich. Show them how to minister to the broken hearted, those who are in the captivity of a sinful life, and are imprisoned in worldly ways. Empower them to comfort mourners, to give hope and praise. Keep them in your path of righteousness. And we pray for joy in their lives: for the crown of beauty, the oil of gladness and a garment of praise. May your splendor be visible in their lives. Amen.