The Third Sunday of Easter (Ps) May 4th

Psalm 113:1-9

Praise the Lord!

       Praise, O servants of the Lord,

praise the name of the Lord!

²    Blessed be the name of the Lord

from this time forth and forevermore!

³    From the rising of the sun to its setting,

the name of the Lord is to be praised!

⁴    The Lord is high above all nations,

and his glory above the heavens!

⁵    Who is like the Lord our God,

who is seated on high,

⁶    who looks far down

on the heavens and the earth?

⁷    He raises the poor from the dust

and lifts the needy from the ash heap,

⁸    to make them sit with princes,

with the princes of his people.

⁹    He gives the barren woman a home,

making her the joyous mother of children.

       Praise the Lord!

The Introduction

Our Father who art in heaven.

What does this mean?

With these words God tenderly invites us to believe that He is our true Father and that we are His true children, so that with all boldness and confidence we may ask Him as dear children ask their dear father.

The First Petition

Hallowed be Thy name.

What does this mean?

God's name is certainly holy in itself, but we pray in this petition that it may be kept holy among us also.

How is God's name kept holy?

God's name is kept holy when the Word of God is taught in its truth and purity, and we, as the children of God, also lead holy lives according to it. Help us to do this, dear Father in heaven! But anyone who teaches or lives contrary to God's Word profanes the name of God among us. Protect us from this, heavenly Father!

O God, the giver of all that is good, by Your holy inspiration grant that we may think those things that are right and by Your merciful guiding accomplish them; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.