Sadhu Sundar Singh
Known in his lifetime as India’s most famous convert to Christianity, Sadhu Sundar Singh (1889–1929) would not approve of that characterization. He loved Jesus and devoted his life to knowing him and following him, but he never accepted Christianity’s cultural conventions, even as he embraced its stark original teachings. A modern Saint Francis, Sundar Singh left the wealth of his home at sixteen to live as a sadhu, or wandering holy man. His beggar-like existence, his intense devotion, his mystical encounters with Jesus, and his simple yet profound parables became the stuff of legends. No one who met him – including the thousands who flocked to hear him during his visits to Europe, the Orient, and the United States – remained unaffected. 1
Sadhu on prayer: “The essence of prayer does not consist in asking God for something but in opening our hearts to God, in speaking with Him, and living with Him in perpetual communion. Prayer is continual abandonment to God.” “Prayer does not mean asking God for all kinds of things we want, it is rather the desire for God Himself, the only Giver of Life.” “Prayer is not asking, but union with God.” “Prayer is not a painful effect to gain from God help in the varying needs of our lives. Prayer is the desire to possess God Himself, the Source of all Life.” “The true spirit of prayer does not consist in asking for blessings, but in receiving Him who is the giver of all blessing, and in living a life of fellowship with Him.” “Prayer is not a kind of begging for favours; it is rather breathing and living in God.” “A little child often runs to its mother and exclaims: ‘Mother! Mother!’ Very often the child does not want anything in particular, he only wants to be near his mother, to situ pon her lap, or to follow her about the house, for the sheer pleasure of being near her, talking to her, hearing her dear voice. Then the child is happy. His happiness does not consist in asking and receiving all kinds of things from his mother. If that were what he wanted, he would be impatient and obstinate and therefore unhappy. No, his happiness lies in feeling his mother’s love and care, and in knowing the joy of her mother-love.” “It is just the same with the true children of God; they do not trouble themselves so much about spiritual blessings. They only want to sit at the Lord’s feet, to be in living touch with Him, and when they do that they are supremely content.”?
Antiphon https://tinyurl.com/yc5u5mp9
The merciful love of the Lord fills the earth;
by the word of the Lord the heavens were made, alleluia. Psalm 33
My Lord God, my all in all,
life of my life and spirit of my spirit,
look in mercy upon me
and so fill me with your Holy Spirit
that my heart shall have no room
for love of anything else but you.
I seek from you no other gift but yourself,
who are the giver of life and all its blessings. Amen. Sadhu
Music: https://tinyurl.com/ycn4djk5
O Lord, open my lips.
And my mouth will declare your praise.
Make haste, O God, to deliver me;
make haste to help me, O Lord.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.
Praise to you, O Christ, Alleluia!
HYMN: Christopher Wordsworth
Tune: Almsgiving https://tinyurl.com/3bw9h3s6
1 O Lord of heaven and earth and sea,
to thee all praise and glory be.
How shall we show our love to thee
who givest all?
2 The golden sunshine, vernal air,
sweet flowers and fruit, thy love declare;
when harvests ripen, thou art there,
who givest all.
3 For peaceful homes, and healthful days,
for all the blessings earth displays,
we owe thee thankfulness and praise,
who givest all.
4 Thou didst not spare thine only Son,
but gav’st him for a world undone,
and freely with that blessèd One
thou givest all.
5 Thou giv’st the Holy Spirit’s dower,
Spirit of life and love and power,
and dost his sevenfold graces shower
upon us all.
6 For souls redeemed, for sins forgiven,
for means of grace and hopes of heaven,
Father, what can to thee be given,
who givest all?
7 We lose what on ourselves we spend,
we have as treasure without end
whatever, Lord, to thee we lend,
who givest all.
8 To thee, from whom we all derive
our life, our gifts, our power to give:
O may we ever with thee live,
who givest all.
PSALMS
Psalm 119: 73-104 (Anglican Chant: https://tinyurl.com/y8qj25yx)
73 Thy hands have made me and fashioned me *
O give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments.
74 They that fear thee will be glad when they see me *
because I have put my trust in thy word.
75 I know, O Lord, that thy judgements are right *
and that thou of very faithfulness hast caused me to be troubled.
76 O let thy merciful kindness be my comfort *
according to thy word unto thy servant.
77 O let thy loving mercies come unto me, that I may live *
for thy law is my delight.
78 Let the proud be confounded,
for they go wickedly about to destroy me *
but I will be occupied in thy commandments.
79 Let such as fear thee, and have known thy testimonies *
be turned unto me.
80 O let my heart be sound in thy statutes *
that I be not ashamed.
81 My soul hath longed for thy salvation *
and I have a good hope because of thy word.
82 Mine eyes long sore for thy word *
saying, O when wilt thou comfort me?
83 For I am become like a bottle in the smoke *
yet do I not forget thy statutes.
84 How many are the days of thy servant *
when wilt thou be avenged of them that persecute me?
85 The proud have digged pits for me *
which are not after thy law.
86 All thy commandments are true *
they persecute me falsely; O be thou my help.
87 They had almost made an end of me upon earth *
but I forsook not thy commandments.
88 O quicken me after thy loving-kindness *
and so shall I keep the testimonies of thy mouth.
89 O Lord, thy word *
endureth for ever in heaven.
90 Thy truth also remaineth from one generation to another *
thou hast laid the foundation of the earth, and it abideth.
91 They continue this day according to thine ordinance *
for all things serve thee.
92 If my delight had not been in thy law *
I should have perished in my trouble.
93 I will never forget thy commandments *
for with them thou hast quickened me.
94 I am thine, O save me *
for I have sought thy commandments.
95 The ungodly laid wait for me to destroy me *
but I will consider thy testimonies.
96 I see that all things come to an end *
but thy commandment is exceeding broad.
97 Lord, what love have I unto thy law *
all the day long is my study in it.
98 Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies *
for they are ever with me.
99 I have more understanding than my teachers *
for thy testimonies are my study.
100 I am wiser than the aged *
because I keep thy commandments.
101 I have refrained my feet from every evil way *
that I may keep thy word.
102 I have not shrunk from thy judgements *
for thou teachest me.
103 O how sweet are thy words unto my throat *
yea, sweeter than honey unto my mouth.
104 Through thy commandments I get understanding *
therefore I hate all evil ways.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son :
and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be :
world without end. Amen.
Psalm 119:73-104
73 Your hands have made me and fashioned me; *
give me understanding, that I may learn your commandments.
74 Those who fear you will be glad when they see me, *
because I trust in your word.
75 I know, O LORD, that your judgments are right *
and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.
76 Let your loving-kindness be my comfort, *
as you have promised to your servant.
77 Let your compassion come to me, that I may live, *
for your law is my delight.
78 Let the arrogant be put to shame,
for they wrong me with lies; *
but I will meditate on your commandments.
79 Let those who fear you turn to me, *
and also those who know your decrees.
80 Let my heart be sound in your statutes, *
that I may not be put to shame.
81 My soul has longed for your salvation; *
I have put my hope in your word.
82 My eyes have failed from watching for your promise, *
and I say, “When will you comfort me?”
83 I have become like a leather flask in the smoke, *
but I have not forgotten your statutes.
84 How much longer must I wait? *
when will you give judgment against those who persecute me?
85 The proud have dug pits for me; *
they do not keep your law.
86 All your commandments are true; *
help me, for they persecute me with lies.
87 They had almost made an end of me on earth, *
but I have not forsaken your commandments.
88 In your loving-kindness, revive me, *
that I may keep the decrees of your mouth.
89 O LORD, your word is everlasting; *
it stands firm in the heavens.
90 Your faithfulness remains from one generation to another; *
you established the earth, and it abides.
91 By your decree these continue to this day, *
for all things are your servants.
92 If my delight had not been in your law, *
I should have perished in my affliction.
93 I will never forget your commandments, *
because by them you give me life.
94 I am yours; oh, that you would save me! *
for I study your commandments.
95 Though the wicked lie in wait for me to destroy me, *
I will apply my mind to your decrees.
96 I see that all things come to an end, *
but your commandment has no bounds.
97 Oh, how I love your law! *
all the day long it is in my mind.
98 Your commandment has made me wiser than my enemies, *
and it is always with me.
99 I have more understanding than all my teachers, *
for your decrees are my study.
100 I am wiser than the elders, *
because I observe your commandments.
101 I restrain my feet from every evil way, *
that I may keep your word.
102 I do not shrink from your judgments, *
because you yourself have taught me.
103 How sweet are your words to my taste! *
they are sweeter than honey to my mouth.
104 Through your commandments I gain understanding; *
therefore I hate every lying way.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son*
and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning, is now,*
and will be for ever. Amen.
PRAYER
O God for whom there are no barriers,
no stones too big to remove,
roll away our resistance to you.
Let your words fill us with new life
and bring us out from the tomb of indifference,
alive again in you.
In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen. CGP
THE WORD OF GOD
READING: Exodus 2:1-10
Now a man from the house of Levi went and married a Levite woman. The woman conceived and bore a son, and when she saw that he was a fine baby, she hid him three months. When she could hide him no longer she got a papyrus basket for him and plastered it with bitumen and pitch; she put the child in it and placed it among the reeds on the bank of the river. His sister stood at a distance, to see what would happen to him.
The daughter of Pharaoh came down to bathe at the river, while her attendants walked beside the river. She saw the basket among the reeds and sent her maid to bring it. When she opened it, she saw the child. He was crying, and she took pity on him. “This must be one of the Hebrews’ children,” she said. Then his sister said to Pharaoh’s daughter, “Shall I go and get you a nurse from the Hebrew women to nurse the child for you?” Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, “Yes.” So the girl went and called the child’s mother. Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, “Take this child and nurse it for me, and I will give you your wages.” So the woman took the child and nursed it. When the child grew up, she brought him to Pharaoh’s daughter, and he became her son. She named him Moses, “because,” she said, “I drew him out of the water.”
HYMN: Psalm 5; para. Marie J Post ©
Tune: Tebben
1 Hear, O LORD, my urgent prayer
as I come to seek your care.
With each morning light I raise
voice and heart in prayer and praise.
2 You do not delight in sin
or in tales that liars spin.
Haughty ones you will defeat
with all those who love deceit.
3 By your mercy and your grace
I will come before your face.
Fearing foes, I bow to pray:
lead me, LORD, make straight my way.
4 Save me from deceitful ways;
liars’ throats are open graves.
Make them bear their guilt, O LORD,
for by choice they spurn your word.
5 Let those trusting you sing praise;
grant them joy to fill their days.
Those who always seek the right
are protected by your might.
READING: Acts 10:1-23
In Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion of the Italian Cohort, as it was called. He was a devout man who feared God with all his household; he gave alms generously to the people and prayed constantly to God. One afternoon at about three o’clock he had a vision in which he clearly saw an angel of God coming in and saying to him, “Cornelius.” He stared at him in terror and said, “What is it, Lord?” He answered, “Your prayers and your alms have ascended as a memorial before God. Now send men to Joppa for a certain Simon who is called Peter; he is lodging with Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the seaside.” When the angel who spoke to him had left, he called two of his slaves and a devout soldier from the ranks of those who served him, and after telling them everything he sent them to Joppa.
About noon the next day, as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the roof to pray. He became hungry and wanted something to eat, and while it was being prepared he fell into a trance. He saw the heaven opened and something like a large sheet coming down, being lowered to the ground by its four corners. In it were all kinds of four-footed creatures and reptiles and birds of the air. Then he heard a voice saying, “Get up, Peter; kill and eat.” But Peter said, “By no means, Lord, for I have never eaten anything that is profane or unclean.” The voice said to him again, a second time, “What God has made clean, you must not call profane.” This happened three times, and the thing was suddenly taken up to heaven.
Now while Peter was greatly puzzled about what to make of the vision that he had seen, suddenly the men sent by Cornelius appeared. They were asking for Simon’s house and were standing by the gate. They called out to ask whether Simon, who was called Peter, was staying there. While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Look, three men are searching for you. Now get up, go down, and go with them without hesitation, for I have sent them.” So Peter went down to the men and said, “I am the one you are looking for; what is the reason for your coming?” They answered, “Cornelius, a centurion, a righteous and God-fearing man who is well spoken of by the whole Jewish people, was directed by a holy angel to send for you to come to his house and to hear what you have to say.” So Peter invited them in and gave them lodging. The next day he got up and went with them, and some of the brothers and sisters from Joppa accompanied him.
HYMN: George Herbert
Tune: Sandys https://tinyurl.com/3r4s2vee
1 Teach me, my God and King,
in all things Thee to see,
and what I do in anything,
to do it as for Thee.
2 To scorn the senses’ sway,
while still to Thee I tend;
in all I do be Thou the Way,
in all be Thou the End.
3 All may of Thee partake;
nothing so small can be,
but draws, when acted for Thy sake,
greatness and worth from Thee.
4 If done t’obey Thy laws,
e’en servile labors shine;
hallowed is toil, if this the cause,
the meanest work divine.
READING: Matthew 10:8-15
Jesus continued to tell his disciples, “Cure the sick; raise the dead; cleanse those with a skin disease; cast out demons. You received without payment; give without payment. Take no gold, or silver, or copper in your belts, no bag for your journey, or two tunics, or sandals, or a staff, for laborers deserve their food. Whatever town or village you enter, find out who in it is worthy, and stay there until you leave. As you enter the house, greet it. If the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it, but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet as you leave that house or town. Truly I tell you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town.”
CANTICLE 1 Peter 2:21-24
(Chant by John Michael Talbot: https://tinyurl.com/y94v9fvt)
Ant. If we share fully in the sufferings of Christ,
through Christ we shall know the fullness of his consolation.
Christ suffered for you,
and left you an example
to have you follow in his footsteps.
He did no wrong;
no deceit was found in his mouth.
When he was insulted,
he returned no insult.
When he was made to suffer,
he did not counter with threats.
Instead he delivered himself up
to the One who judges justly.
In his own body
he brought your sins to the cross,
so that all of us, dead to sin,
could live in accord with God’s will.
By his wounds you were healed.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
THE PRAYERS AAPB
Gracious Lord and Father,
you have given us in Christ a merciful Savior
to present to you the world in all its need:
We give thanks
for the presence of Christ in our weakness and in our strength
for the power of Christ to transform our suffering . . .
for all ministries of healing
for all agencies of relief
for everyone who sets men free from fear, pain, distress . . .
for the assurance that your mercy knows no limit
for the privilege of sharing your work of renewal through prayer,
suffering and joy . . .
We pray for all who suffer
the hungry, refugees . . .
prisoners, the persecuted . . .
the workless, the homeless . . .
those who bring sin and suffering to others . . .
all who try to bring relief and care to those in need . . .
In darkness and in light, in trouble and in joy,
help us to trust your love,
to serve your purpose,
and to praise your holy Name;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
(Plainsong Mode 2: https://tinyurl.com/yctqq8cf)DL
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your Name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today the bread of life;
and forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial
and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours,
now and for ever. Amen.
O God,
you are the tree of life,
offering shelter to all the world.
Graft us into yourself and nurture our growth,
that we, like Sadhu,
may bear your truth and love to those in need,
through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen. ELW, alt.
Music: https://tinyurl.com/y9efvwm5
Let us bless the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God,
and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with us all. Amen. 2 Cor. 13:14
BCW Book of Common Worship, Presbyterian Church U.S.A., 1993.
DL © Daniel Lawson; used with permission.
ELW Evangelical Lutheran Worship.
AAPB An Australian Prayer Book, © 1978 Anglican Church of Australia
1 https://www.plough.com/en/topics/faith/prayer/wisdom-of-the-sadhu
The main scripture readings are from the New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition. Copyright © 2021 National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
The traditional-language psalms are from The Book of Common Prayer (1662). The modern language version of Psalm 119 is from The Book of Common Prayer (1979) as recorded for The Daily Office podcast https://thedailyofficechanted.podbean.com/
Musical links are usually either to artists’ albums posted on Spotify or to recordings made available at smallchurchmusic.com. Audio stripped from YouTube videos is footnoted accordingly above.
Compilation © 2026 Stephen T. Benner. All links worked at the time they were created, but I cannot accept responsibility for their content or any damage resulting from their use. The linked content is under the control of the respective content creators and is subject to change at any time. Any copyright texts included in this compilation are provided for non-commercial purposes related to study or worship. Please contact the respective copyright holders for permission to use the texts in other contexts.
Oremus 