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Scripture Readings for times of need

Healing, Health, and wholeness
Psalm 23 The Lord is my shepherd
Psalm 27 The Lord is my light and salvation
Psalm 91 The shelter of the Most High
Psalm 121 I lift up my eyes to the hills
Isaiah 41:9b-10 Fear not, I am with you
Lamentations 3:22-26 The steadfast love of the Lord
Matthew 8:14-17 Jesus heals Peter’s mother-in-law
Matthew 11:28-30 I will give you rest
John 10:11-18 I am the good shepherd
Romans 8:31-35, 37-39 Who will separate us from the love of Christ?
1 Peter 5:6-9 Cast your anxieties on God
 
Facing surgery or long-term treatment
Psalm 31:1-3, 5 Into your hands I commend my spirit
Lamentations 3:55-58 I call on your name from the depths
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you
2 Corinthians 4:16-5:9 We walk by faith, not by sight
 
After a medical procedure or surgery
Psalm 116:5-9 I was brought low, the Lord saved me
Isaiah 40:27-31 Those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength
1 Peter 1:3-9 Born anew to a living hope
Beginning an extended course of treatment
Isaiah 43:1-3a I have called you by name
Mark 4:35-41 Jesus stills the storm
Matthew 11:28-30 I will give you rest
 
Diagnosis of terminal illness
Psalm 90 Our dwelling place in all generations
Psalm 130 Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord
Job 19:23-27a I know that my Redeemer lives
John 10:27-29 I give them eternal life
Romans 8:31-35, 37-39 Who will separate us from the love of Christ?
Romans 14:7-9 Whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s
 
Chronic Pain
Psalm 6 O Lord, deliver my life
Psalm 22 Why have you forsaken me?
Psalm 88 My soul is full of troubles
Philippians 4:4-7 Rejoice in the Lord always
John 14:23 God makes a home with us
1 Peter 1:3-9 Born anew to a living hope
1 John 3:1-2 We are God’s children now
 
Thanksgiving for recovery
Psalm 116:5-9 I was brought low, the Lord saved me
Psalm 150 Let everything that has breath praise the Lord
Isaiah 40:27-31 Those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength
Isaiah 63:7-9 God has favored us with mercy
Luke 8:43-48 Jesus heals a woman with a hemorrhage
Luke 17:11-16 Ten lepers are healed
Romans 5:1-5 Justification by faith gives peace with God
Ephesians 1:2-10 Chosen before the foundation of the world
 
Suffering abuse or violence
Psalm 55:1-8, 12-14, 16-22 Betrayed by a friend
Psalm 62 For God alone my soul waits
Psalm 140 Deliver me from the hands of the wicked
Matthew 10:29-31 More valuable than the sparrows
Luke 10:25-37 The good Samaritan
1 John 4:16-19 Whoever loves abides with God
2 Timothy 4:16-18 The Lord stood by me
 
Addiction, recovery
Psalm 25 Teach me your paths
Romans 5:1-11 While we were sinners, Christ died for us
Romans 7:15-20 I do not understand my actions
Hebrews 4:14-16 Jesus sympathizes with our weakness
 
Caregivers and others who support the sick
Psalm 28:6-9 The Lord is my strength and shield
Psalm 42:1-3 My soul thirsts for the living God
Matthew 6:25-34 Do not be anxious
1 Corinthians 12:24b-27 You are the body of Christ
James 5:13-16 The prayer of faith
 
Grief and Loss
Psalm 23 The Lord is my shepherd
Psalm 34:1-8, 17-18 God is near to the broken-hearted
Psalm 130 Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord
Isaiah 41:9b-10 Fear not, I am with you
John 6:35-40 I should lose nothing that God has given
John 10:27-29 My sheep hear my voice
Romans 8:31-35, 37-39 Who will separate us from the love of Christ?
2 Corinthians 1:3-7 God comforts us in all our sorrows
 
Anxiety, apprehension, fear
Psalm 4 Answer me when I call
Psalm 27 The Lord is my light and salvation
Psalm 46 God is our refuge and strength
Psalm 91 The shelter of the Most High
Psalm 121 I lift up my eyes to the hills
Isaiah 43:1-3a I have called you by name
Lamentations 3:55-58 I call on your name from the depths
Matthew 6:25-34 Do not be anxious
John 10:11-18 I am the good shepherd
John 14:1-3 Where I am, there you may be also
Romans 8:31-35, 37-39 Who will separate us from the love of Christ?
Philippians 4:4-7 Rejoice in the Lord always
 
Bitterness, anger
Psalm 30 Weeping spends the night, joy comes in the morning
Psalm 39 The measure of our days
Psalm 73 Envy at the prosperity of others
Isaiah 53:4-7, 11-12 Surely he has borne our griefs
2 Corinthians 1:3-7 God comforts us in all our sorrows
2 Corinthians 4:16—5:9 We walk by faith, not by sight
Ephesians 4:26 Do not let the sun go down on your anger
Ephesians 6:10-17 Strength in the Lord
Philippians 2:5-11 The mind of Jesus Christ
1 Peter 5:6-9 Cast your anxieties on God
 
Discouragement, despair
Psalm 13 How long, O Lord?
Psalm 88 My soul is full of troubles
Isaiah 43:1-3a I have called you by name
Jeremiah 20:7-13 The Lord is with me
Mark 4:35-41 Jesus stills the storm
Colossians 1:19-23 All things reconciled to God
Hebrews 4:14-16 Jesus sympathizes with our weakness
1 John 5:14-15 God hears in whatever we ask
 
Gratitude
Psalm 8 How majestic is your name
Psalm 30 Weeping spends the night, joy comes in the morning
Psalm 34 Blessed are those who take refuge in God
Psalm 100 We are God’s people
Psalm 103:1-13 Bless the Lord, O my soul
Psalm 145 The Lord is gracious and merciful
Psalm 150 Let everything that has breath praise the Lord
1 Chronicles 29:10-13 Blessed is God forever and ever
Philippians 4:4-9 Rejoice in the Lord always
1 Peter 1:3-9 Born anew to a living hope
 
Guidance, protection
Psalm 27 The Lord is my light and salvation
Psalm 46 God is our refuge and strength
Psalm 87:1-3, 5-7 Glorious things of you are spoken
Isaiah 41:9b-10 Fear not, I am with you
Lamentations 3:22-26 The steadfast love of the Lord
Matthew 11:28-30 I will give you rest
Luke 4:1-12 The temptation of Jesus
John 10:27-29 My sheep hear my voice
Romans 8:31-35, 37-39 Who will separate us from the love of Christ?
2 Thessalonians 3:3 The Lord is faithful and will guard you
Hebrews 13:5-6 God will never forsake you
 
Guilt, Shame
Psalm 32 Blessed are those whose sins are forgiven
Psalm 51 Create in me a clean heart
Psalm 103:1-13 Bless the Lord, O my soul
Psalm 130 Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord
Isaiah 53:4-7, 11-12 Surely he has borne our griefs
Luke 5:17-26 Jesus forgives and heals
Luke 18:9-14 God be merciful to me, a sinner
John 3:16-21 God so loved the world
Romans 5:1-5 Justification by faith gives peace with God
Ephesians 3:14-21 The greatness of God’s love
1 John 1:5—2:2 If we confess our sin, God is faithful and just
1 John 4:9-21 Perfect love casts out fear
 
Isolation, loneliness
Psalm 6 O Lord, deliver my life
Psalm 27 The Lord is my light and salvation
Psalm 31:1-3, 5 Into your hands I commend my spirit
Psalm 42:1-3 My soul thirsts for the living God
Isaiah 49:13b-16a God will not forget you
Jeremiah 20:7-13 The Lord is with me
John 14:1-3 Where I am, there you may be also
John 15:7-11 Abide in my love
Romans 8:18-27 Creation will be set free
Romans 8:31-35, 37-39 Who will separate us from the love of Christ?
2 Corinthians 1:3-7 God comforts us in all our sorrows
Philippians 4:4-7 Rejoice in the Lord always
Hebrews 12:1-2 Surrounded by a cloud of witnesses
1 Peter 1:3-9 Born anew to a living hope
1 Peter 4:12-13 Enduring fiery trials
1 John 5:14-15 God hears in whatever we ask
 
 
During pregnancy
Psalm 91 The shelter of the Most High
Psalm 139:1-17 O Lord, you have searched me and known me
Isaiah 66:7-14 Rejoice with Jerusalem
Jeremiah 1:4-5 Before I formed you in the womb I knew you
Mark 10:13-16 Let the children come
1 John 3:1-2 We are God’s children now
 
Infertility
Psalm 37:3-7a Trust in the Lord
Psalm 57:1, 7-10 Be merciful to me, O God
Psalm 61:1-5 Hear my cry, O God
Psalm 130 Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord
Romans 8:22-28 The Spirit intercedes for us
1 Peter 5:6-9a Cast your anxieties on God
1 John 3:1-2 We are God’s children now
 
Before childbirth
Psalm 67 May God be merciful to us and bless us
Psalm 103:13-18 Lord, you are full of compassion
Psalm 139:1-17 O Lord, you have searched me and known me
Ecclesiastes 11:5 The work of God, who makes everything
Jeremiah 1:4-5 Before I formed you in the womb I knew you
Luke 1:39-47 Mary visits Elizabeth
 
Birth of a child
Psalm 8 How majestic is your name
Psalm 100 We are God’s people
Psalm 127 Unless the Lord builds the house
Genesis 21:1-3, 6-8 The birth of Isaac
1 Samuel 1:19-20 Hannah conceived and bore a son
1 Samuel 2:1-2, 7-8 Hannah’s song of praise
Isaiah 66:7-14 Rejoice with Jerusalem
John 16:21 The pain of childbirth gives way to joy
 
Adoption of a child
Psalm 113 The barren rejoice over children
1 Samuel 1:19-20 Hannah conceived and bore a son
1 Samuel 2:1-2, 7-8 Hannah’s song of praise
Mark 10:13-16 Let the children come
John 10:27-29 My sheep hear my voice
 
Choosing adoption for a child
Psalm 113 The barren rejoice over children
Isaiah 54:10 The Lord has compassion on you
Hosea 11:1, 3-4 God leads the people with love
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you
 
Foster care
Psalm 111 The work of the Lord’s hand is faithful
Psalm 121 I lift up my eyes to the hills
Psalm 145 The Lord is gracious and merciful
Deuteronomy 6:4-7 Teach children the Lord’s commands
Proverbs 22:6 Training a child
Isaiah 31:5 Like a bird, the Lord protects Jerusalem
Mark 10:13-16 Let the children come
 
The care of children
Psalm 78:1-7 Telling the glorious deeds of the Lord
Psalm 103:13-18 As a father has compassion for his children
Exodus 33:14-17 God’s presence goes with us
Deuteronomy 6:4-7 Teach children the Lord’s commands
Deuteronomy 11:18-21 Teach my word to your children
Proverbs 22:6 Training a child
Matthew 28:20b Christ with us always
Mark 10:13-16 Let the children come
John 14:1-3 Where I am, there you may be also
Romans 12:1-2 Present your bodies as a living sacrifice
 
Families
Psalm 127 Unless the Lord builds the house
Psalm 133 When kindred dwell in unity
Psalm 145 The Lord is gracious and merciful
Joshua 24:15 We will serve the Lord
Matthew 7:24-27 Build on the rock
1 Corinthians 12:31—13:7 The gift of love
Ephesians 4:1-7 The unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace
Ephesians 6:1-4 Children, honor your parents
Colossians 3:12-17 Let the peace of Christ rule in your heart
 
Physical and developmental disabilities
Psalm 28:6-9 The Lord is my strength and shield
Psalm 100 We are God’s people
Psalm 103:1-5 Bless the Lord, O my soul
Isaiah 41:9b-10 Fear not, I am with you
Mark 10:46-52 Son of David, have mercy on me
Luke 14:12-14 All people invited to the banquet
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 Inner nature renewed
2 Corinthians 12:7b-10 God’s power made perfect in weakness
1 Peter 1:3-9 Born anew to a living hope
1 Peter 5:6-9 Cast your anxieties on God
 
Vocation in daily life
Psalm 104 God’s greatness in creation
Psalm 127 Unless the Lord builds the house
Genesis 1:26-28 Humanity created in God’s image
Isaiah 41:9b-10 Fear not, I am with you
Matthew 13:3-9 Parable of the sower
Acts 1:7-8 You will be my witnesses
1 Thessalonians 4:9-12 To work with our hands
 
Difficulty in vocational life, unemployment
Psalm 37:3-7a Commit your way to the Lord
Psalm 90 Prosper the work of our hands
Matthew 6:25-34 Do not be anxious
Matthew 11:28-30 Promise to those carrying heavy burdens
2 Corinthians 1:8-11, 18-20 Every one of God’s promises is a “Yes”
Philippians 4:4-7 The peace of God will guard your hearts
 
Entering retirement
Psalm 27 The Lord is my light and salvation
Psalm 71 The Lord will revive me
Psalm 92:12-15 Bearing fruit in old age
Psalm 121 I lift up my eyes to the hills
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 For everything there is a season
Isaiah 46:3-4 Carried by God in old age
Philippians 3:12-16 Pressing on to the goal
 
A birthday
Psalm 100 The steadfast love of the Lord endures forever
Psalm 139:1-17 O Lord, you have searched me and known me
Psalm 145 The Lord is gracious and merciful
Colossians 3:17 Give thanks to God through Jesus
 
Friendship
Psalm 133 When kindred dwell in unity
Proverbs 17:17 A friend loves at all times
John 15:12-17 Jesus lays down life for his friends
Philippians 4:4-7 Rejoice in the Lord always
Colossians 3:12-17 Let the peace of Christ rule in your heart
 
Broken relationship
Psalm 22 Why have you forsaken me?
Psalm 27 The Lord is my light and salvation
Psalm 55:1-8, 12-14, 16-22 Betrayed by a friend
Psalm 62 For God alone my soul waits
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you
Ephesians 2:13-22 Christ is our peace
 
Separation or divorce
Psalm 6 O Lord, deliver my life
Psalm 25 Teach me your paths
Psalm 27 The Lord is my light and salvation
Psalm 42:1-3 My soul thirsts for the living God
John 8:3-11 I do not condemn you
John 15:7-11 Abide in my love
Philippians 4:4-7 The peace of God will guard your hearts
Colossians 3:12-17 Let the peace of Christ rule in your heart
 
Those who abuse
Psalm 38:1-11, 15-22 My sins have gone over my head
Psalm 51 Create in me a clean heart
Psalm 102 Do not hide your face from me
Psalm 130 Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord
Joel 2:12-13 Return to the Lord, your God
Luke 23:39-43 Jesus forgives the criminal
1 John 1:5—2:2 If we confess our sin, God is faithful and just
 
Military or other national service
Psalm 46 God is our refuge and strength
Psalm 91 The shelter of the Most High
Psalm 121 I lift up my eyes to the hills
Jeremiah 20:7-13 The Lord is with me
Lamentations 3:22-26 The steadfast love of the Lord
Luke 4:1-12 The temptation of Jesus
John 10:27-29 My sheep hear my voice
Romans 8:31-35, 37-39 Who will separate us from the love of Christ?
Ephesians 6:10-17 Strength in the Lord
Colossians 1:10-14 Strengthened with God’s power
2 Thessalonians 3:3 The Lord is faithful and will guard you
 
Imprisonment
Psalm 25 Teach me your paths
Psalm 88 My soul is full of troubles
Psalm 130 Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord
Psalm 146 Our hope is in the Lord our God
Luke 23:39-43 Jesus forgives the criminal
John 3:14-18 God so loved the world
1 Peter 5:6-9 Cast your anxieties on God
1 John 1:5—2:2 If we confess our sin, God is faithful and just
 
Time of conflict, crisis, disaster
Psalm 42:1-3 My soul thirsts for the living God
Psalm 46 God is our refuge and strength
Psalm 77 Seek the Lord in the day of trouble
Psalm 91 The shelter of the Most High
Psalm 140 Deliver me from the hands of the wicked
Lamentations 1:1-3 The city weeps bitterly
Ephesians 2:13-22 Christ is our peace
1 Peter 4:12-13 Enduring fiery trials
 
Creation
Psalm 8 How majestic is your name
Psalm 104 God’s greatness in creation
Psalm 147 God’s work in creation
Psalm 148 All creation praises God
Psalm 150 Let everything that has breath praise the Lord
Genesis 1:1-5 The goodness of creation
Genesis 9:8-16 Covenant with Noah and the animals
Job 38:1-11, 16-18 The wonder of creation
Romans 8:18-27 Creation will be set free
1 Timothy 4:4 The goodness of creation
Revelation 22:1-4 Leaves of the tree heal the nations
 
Seedtime, harvest
Psalm 65:9-13 God provides for the earth
Genesis 1:11-13 Creation of plants
Deuteronomy 26:1-11 Offering the first fruits
Matthew 13:3-9 Parable of the sower
Matthew 13:31-32 Parable of the mustard seed
2 Corinthians 9:6-15 God provides seed and bread
 
Animals, pets
Psalm 104 God’s greatness in creation
Genesis 1:20-25 Creation of animals
Genesis 9:8-16 Covenant with Noah and the animals
Deuteronomy 22:1-4 Care for animals
Job 12:7-10 The beasts will teach you
 
Scripture at meals
Psalm 63:4-5 My soul will be satisfied
Psalm 123:1-2 Our eyes look to God
Psalm 145:15 The eyes of all look to you
Genesis 1:29-30 Plants given for food
Matthew 6:25-34 Do not be anxious
John 6:27 The food that endures for eternal life
 
In the morning
Psalm 30 Weeping spends the night, joy comes in the morning
Psalm 86:1-13 Great is your steadfast love
Psalm 90 God’s love in the morning
Psalm 123 Our eyes look to God
Lamentations 3:22-25 God’s mercies new every morning
Matthew 10:29-31 More valuable than the sparrows
Romans 12:1-2 Present your bodies as a living sacrifice

In the evening
Psalm 42:1-3 My soul thirsts for the living God
Psalm 130 Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord
Luke 4:38-40 Jesus heals Simon’s mother-in-law
Romans 8:26-27 The Spirit intercedes for us
1 John 3:1-2 We are God’s children now
Revelation 21:1-7 I am making all things new
 
 
Excerpted from Evangelical Lutheran Worship, Pastoral Care Edition.   
Copyright © 2017 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved.

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  • Home
  • Welcome
    • Our Story
    • Who We Are
    • Meet the Pastor
    • Directions
    • Stained Glass Windows
  • Worship
    • Worshiping at First Lutheran
    • Online Worship Resources
    • Sermon Blog
  • Faith
    • What We Believe
    • How Lutherans Interpret the Bible (in brief)
    • Scripture Readings for Times of Need
    • About the ELCA
  • Ministries
    • Clothing Closet
    • Grief Support Group
    • Little Free Pantry
    • Christian Counseling
    • Partner Ministries
  • Events
    • Chili Cookoff
    • Newsletter
    • Calendar
    • Facebook
  • Contact Us
  • Give Online
    • Online Giving Tutorial