1 O King enthroned on high,
thou Comforter divine,
blest Spirit of all truth, be nigh
and make us thine.
—-
2 Thou art the source of life,
thou art our treasure-store;
give us thy peace and end our strife
for evermore.
—-
3 Descend, O heavenly Dove,
abide with us alway;
and in the fullness of thy love
cleanse us, we pray.
thou Comforter divine,
blest Spirit of all truth, be nigh
and make us thine.
—-
2 Thou art the source of life,
thou art our treasure-store;
give us thy peace and end our strife
for evermore.
—-
3 Descend, O heavenly Dove,
abide with us alway;
and in the fullness of thy love
cleanse us, we pray.
Friday, 26 April 2024
+++
Preparation
O Lord, open our lips
and our mouth shall proclaim your praise.
In your resurrection, O Christ,
let heaven and earth rejoice. Alleluia.
The night has passed, and the day lies open before us; let us pray with one heart and mind.
Silence is kept.
As we rejoice in the gift of this new day, so may the light of your presence, O God, set our hearts on fire with love for you; now and for ever.
Amen.
+++
Morning 25 mins reading
2 Samuel 22 nrsv (51) 2 readers
David’s Song of Thanksgiving
22 David spoke to the Lord the words of this song on the day when the Lord delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. 2 He said,
“The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer,
3
my God, my rock in whom I take refuge,
my shield and the horn of my salvation,
my stronghold and my refuge,
my savior; you save me from violence.
4
I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised,
and I am saved from my enemies.
5
For the waves of death encompassed me;
the torrents of perdition assailed me;
6
the cords of Sheol entangled me;
the snares of death confronted me.
7
In my distress I called upon the Lord;
to my God I called.
From his temple he heard my voice,
and my cry came to his ears.
8
Then the earth reeled and rocked;
the foundations of the heavens trembled
and reeled because he was angry.
9
Smoke went up from his nostrils
and devouring fire from his mouth;
glowing coals flamed forth from him.
10
He bowed the heavens and came down;
thick darkness was under his feet.
11
He rode on a cherub and flew;
he was seen upon the wings of the wind.
12
He made darkness around him a canopy,
thick clouds, a gathering of water.
13
Out of the brightness before him
coals of fire flamed forth.
14
The Lord thundered from heaven;
the Most High uttered his voice.
15
He sent out arrows and scattered them,
lightning and routed them.
16
Then the channels of the sea were seen;
the foundations of the world were laid bare
at the rebuke of the Lord,
at the blast of the breath of his nostrils.
17
He reached from on high; he took me;
he drew me out of mighty waters.
18
He delivered me from my strong enemy,
from those who hated me,
for they were too mighty for me.
19
They came upon me in the day of my calamity,
but the Lord was my stay.
20
He brought me out into a broad place;
he delivered me because he delighted in me.
21
The Lord rewarded me according to my righteousness;
according to the cleanness of my hands he recompensed me.
22
For I have kept the ways of the Lord
and have not wickedly departed from my God.
23
For all his ordinances were before me,
and from his statutes I did not turn aside.
24
I was blameless before him,
and I kept myself from guilt.
25
Therefore the Lord has recompensed me according to my righteousness,
according to my cleanness in his sight.
Second reader
26
With the loyal you show yourself loyal;
with the blameless[a] you show yourself blameless;
27
with the pure you show yourself pure,
and with the crooked you show yourself shrewd.
28
You deliver a humble people,
but your eyes are upon the haughty to bring them down.
29
Indeed, you are my lamp, O Lord;
the Lord lightens my darkness.
30
By you I can outrun a troop,
and by my God I can leap over a wall.
31
This God—his way is perfect;
the promise of the Lord proves true;
he is a shield for all who take refuge in him.
32
For who is God but the Lord?
And who is a rock except our God?
33
The God who has girded me with strength[b]
has opened wide my path.[c]
34
He made my feet like the feet of deer
and set me secure on the heights.
35
He trains my hands for war,
so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
36
You have given me the shield of your salvation,
and your help[d] has made me great.
37
You have made me stride freely,
and my feet do not slip;
38
I pursued my enemies and destroyed them
and did not turn back until they were consumed.
39
I consumed them; I struck them down so that they did not rise;
they fell under my feet.
40
For you girded me with strength for the battle;
you made my assailants sink under me.
41
You made my enemies turn their backs to me,
those who hated me, and I destroyed them.
42
They looked, but there was no one to save them;
they cried to the Lord, but he did not answer them.
43
I beat them fine like the dust of the earth;
I crushed them and stamped them down like the mire of the streets.
44
You delivered me from strife with the peoples;[e]
you kept me as the head of the nations;
people whom I had not known served me.
45
Foreigners came cringing to me;
as soon as they heard of me, they obeyed me.
46
Foreigners lost heart
and came trembling out[f] of their strongholds.
47
The Lord lives! Blessed be my rock,
and exalted be my God, the rock of my salvation,
48
the God who gave me vengeance
and brought down peoples under me,
49
who brought me out from my enemies;
you exalted me above my adversaries;
you delivered me from the violent.
50
For this I will extol you, O Lord, among the nations
and sing praises to your name.
51
He is a tower of salvation for his king
and shows steadfast love to his anointed,
to David and his descendants forever.”
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning is now and shall be for ever. Amen.
+++
Acts 23 nrsv (35) 2 readers
23 While Paul was looking intently at the council he said, “Brothers,[a] up to this day I have lived my life with a clear conscience before God.” 2 Then the high priest Ananias ordered those standing near him to strike him on the mouth. 3 At this Paul said to him, “God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! Are you sitting there to judge me according to the law, and yet in violation of the law you order me to be struck?” 4 Those standing nearby said, “Do you dare to insult God’s high priest?” 5 And Paul said, “I did not realize, brothers, that he was high priest, for it is written, ‘You shall not speak evil of a leader of your people.’ ”
6 When Paul noticed that some were Sadducees and others were Pharisees, he called out in the council, “Brothers,[b] I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. I am on trial concerning the hope of the resurrection[c] of the dead.” 7 When he said this, a dissension began between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided. 8 (The Sadducees say that there is no resurrection or angel or spirit, but the Pharisees acknowledge all three.) 9 Then a great clamor arose, and certain scribes of the Pharisees’ group stood up and contended, “We find nothing wrong with this man. What if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?”10 When the dissension became violent, the tribune, fearing that they would tear Paul to pieces, ordered the soldiers to go down, take him by force, and bring him into the barracks.
11 That night the Lord stood near him and said, “Keep up your courage! For just as you have testified for me in Jerusalem, so you must bear witness also in Rome.”
The Plot to Kill Paul
12 In the morning the Jews joined in a conspiracy and bound themselves by an oath neither to eat nor drink until they had killed Paul. 13 There were more than forty who joined in this conspiracy. 14 They went to the chief priests and elders and said, “We have strictly bound ourselves by an oath to taste no food until we have killed Paul. 15 Now then, you and the council must notify the tribune to bring him down to you, on the pretext that you want to make a more thorough examination of his case. And we are ready to do away with him before he arrives.”
16 Now the son of Paul’s sister heard about the ambush, so he went and gained entrance to the barracks and told Paul. 17 Paul called one of the centurions and said, “Take this young man to the tribune, for he has something to report to him.”
Second reader
18 So he took him, brought him to the tribune, and said, “The prisoner Paul called me and asked me to bring this young man to you; he has something to tell you.” 19 The tribune took him by the hand, drew him aside privately, and asked, “What is it that you have to report to me?” 20 He answered, “The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul down to the council tomorrow, as though they were going to inquire more thoroughly into his case. 21 But do not be persuaded by them, for more than forty of their men are lying in ambush for him. They have bound themselves by an oath neither to eat nor drink until they kill him. They are ready now and are waiting for your consent.” 22 So the tribune dismissed the young man, ordering him, “Tell no one that you have informed me of this.”
Paul Sent to Felix the Governor
23 Then he summoned two of the centurions and said, “Get ready to leave by nine o’clock tonight for Caesarea with two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen, and two hundred spearmen. 24 Also provide mounts for Paul to ride and take him safely to Felix the governor.”25 He wrote a letter to this effect:
26 “Claudius Lysias to his Excellency the governor Felix, greetings. 27 This man was seized by the Jews and was about to be killed by them, but when I had learned that he was a Roman, I came with the guard and rescued him. 28 Since I wanted to know the charge for which they accused him, I had him brought to their council. 29 I found that he was accused concerning questions of their law but was charged with nothing deserving death or imprisonment. 30 When I was informed that there would be a plot against the man, I sent him to you at once, ordering his accusers also to state before you what they have against him.”[d]
31 So the soldiers, according to their instructions, took Paul and brought him during the night to Antipatris. 32 The next day they let the horsemen go on with him, while they returned to the barracks. 33 When they came to Caesarea and delivered the letter to the governor, they presented Paul also before him. 34 On reading the letter, he asked what province he belonged to, and when he learned that he was from Cilicia, 35 he said, “I will give you a hearing when your accusers arrive.” Then he ordered that he be kept under guard in Herod’s headquarters.[e]
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning is now and shall be for ever. Amen.
+++
Psalm 119 105-144 nrsv 2 readers
105
Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light to my path.
106
I have sworn an oath and confirmed it,
to observe your righteous ordinances.
107
I am severely afflicted;
give me life, O Lord, according to your word.
108
Accept my offerings of praise, O Lord,
and teach me your ordinances.
109
I hold my life in my hand continually,
but I do not forget your law.
110
The wicked have laid a snare for me,
but I do not stray from your precepts.
111
Your decrees are my heritage forever;
they are the joy of my heart.
112
I incline my heart to perform your statutes
forever, to the end.
113
I hate the double-minded,
but I love your law.
114
You are my hiding place and my shield;
I hope in your word.
115
Go away from me, you evildoers,
that I may keep the commandments of my God.
116
Uphold me according to your promise, that I may live,
and let me not be put to shame in my hope.
117
Hold me up, that I may be safe
and have regard for your statutes continually.
118
You spurn all who go astray from your statutes,
for their cunning is in vain.
119
All the wicked of the earth I count[d] as dross;
therefore I love your decrees.
120
My flesh trembles for fear of you,
and I am afraid of your judgments.
121
I have done what is just and right;
do not leave me to my oppressors.
122
Guarantee your servant’s well-being;
do not let the godless oppress me.
123
My eyes fail from watching for your salvation
and for the fulfillment of your righteous promise.
124
Deal with your servant according to your steadfast love,
and teach me your statutes.
125
I am your servant; give me understanding,
so that I may know your decrees.
Second reader
126
It is time for the Lord to act,
for your law has been broken.
127
Truly I love your commandments
more than gold, more than fine gold.
128
Truly I direct my steps by all your precepts;[e]
I hate every false way.
129
Your decrees are wonderful;
therefore my soul keeps them.
130
The unfolding of your words gives light;
it imparts understanding to the simple.
131
With open mouth I pant,
because I long for your commandments.
132
Turn to me and be gracious to me,
as is your custom toward those who love your name.
133
Keep my steps steady according to your promise,
and never let iniquity have dominion over me.
134
Redeem me from human oppression,
that I may keep your precepts.
135
Make your face shine upon your servant,
and teach me your statutes.
136
My eyes shed streams of tears
because your law is not kept.
137
You are righteous, O Lord,
and your judgments are right.
138
You have appointed your decrees in righteousness
and in all faithfulness.
139
My zeal consumes me
because my foes forget your words.
140
Your promise is well tried,
and your servant loves it.
141
I am small and despised,
yet I do not forget your precepts.
142
Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness,
and your law is the truth.
143
Trouble and anguish have come upon me,
but your commandments are my delight.
144
Your decrees are righteous forever;
give me understanding that I may live.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning is now and shall be for ever. Amen.
+++
Let us pray.
God the Father,
have mercy upon us.
God the Son,
have mercy upon us.
God the Holy Spirit,
have mercy upon us.
Holy, blessed and glorious Trinity,
have mercy upon us.
Please pray a short individual prayer as you wish
+++
The Collect of the day is said
Almighty God,
whose Son Jesus Christ is the resurrection and the life: raise us, who trust in him, from the death of sin to the life of righteousness, that we may seek those things which are above, where he reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
Amen.
+++
The Lord’s Prayer is said
Rejoicing in the presence of God here among us, as our Saviour taught us, so we pray
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours
now and for ever.
Amen.
+++
The Conclusion
May the risen Christ grant us the joys of eternal life.
Amen.
Let us bless the Lord. Alleluia, alleluia.
Thanks be to God. Alleluia, alleluia.
+++
Evening 10 mins reading
2 Samuel 23 nrsv (39)
Last Words of David
23 Now these are the last words of David:
The oracle of David, son of Jesse,
the oracle of the man whom God exalted,[a]
the anointed of the God of Jacob,
the favorite of the Strong One of Israel:
2
The spirit of the Lord speaks through me;
his word is upon my tongue.
3
The God of Israel has spoken;
the Rock of Israel has said to me:
“One who rules over people justly,
ruling in the fear of God,
4
is like the light of morning,
like the sun rising on a cloudless morning,
gleaming from the rain on the grassy land.”
5
Is not my house like this with God?
For he has made with me an everlasting covenant,
ordered in all things and secure.
Will he not cause to prosper
all my help and my desire?
6
But the godless[b] are all like thorns that are thrown away,
for they cannot be picked up with the hand;
7
to touch them one uses an iron bar
or the shaft of a spear.
And they are entirely consumed in fire on the spot.[c]
David’s Mighty Men
8 These are the names of the warriors whom David had: Josheb-basshebeth a Tahchemonite; he was chief of the Three;[d]he wielded his spear[e] against eight hundred whom he killed at one time.
9 Next to him among the three warriors was Eleazar son of Dodo son of Ahohi. He was with David when they defied the Philistines who were gathered there for battle. The Israelites withdrew, 10 but he stood his ground. He struck down the Philistines until his arm grew weary, though his hand clung to the sword. The Lord brought about a great victory that day. Then the people came back to him—but only to strip the dead.
11 Next to him was Shammah son of Agee the Hararite. The Philistines gathered together at Lehi, where there was a plot of ground full of lentils, and the army fled from the Philistines.12 But he took his stand in the middle of the plot, defended it, and killed the Philistines, and the Lord brought about a great victory.
13 Toward the beginning of harvest three of the thirty chiefs went down to join David at the cave of Adullam while a band of Philistines was encamped in the valley of Rephaim.14 David was then in the stronghold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then at Bethlehem. 15 David said longingly, “Oh, that someone would give me water to drink from the well of Bethlehem that is by the gate!” 16 Then the three warriors broke through the camp of the Philistines, drew water from the well of Bethlehem that was by the gate, and brought it to David. But he would not drink of it; he poured it out to the Lord, 17 for he said, “The Lord forbid that I should do this. Can I drink the blood of the men who went at the risk of their lives?” Therefore he would not drink it. The three warriors did these things.
18 Now Abishai son of Zeruiah, the brother of Joab, was chief of the Thirty.[f] With his spear he fought against three hundred men and killed them and won a name beside the Three.19 He was the most renowned of the Thirty[g]and became their commander, but he did not attain to the Three.
20 Benaiah son of Jehoiada was a valiant warrior[h] from Kabzeel, a doer of great deeds; he struck down two sons of Ariel[i] of Moab. He also went down and killed a lion in a pit on a day when snow had fallen. 21 And he killed an Egyptian, a handsome man. The Egyptian had a spear in his hand, but Benaiah went against him with a staff, snatched the spear out of the Egyptian’s hand, and killed him with his own spear. 22 Such were the things Benaiah son of Jehoiada did and won a name beside the three warriors. 23 He was renowned among the Thirty, but he did not attain to the Three. And David put him in charge of his bodyguard.
24 Among the Thirty were Asahel brother of Joab; Elhanan son of Dodo of Bethlehem;25 Shammah of Harod; Elika of Harod;26 Helez the Paltite; Ira son of Ikkesh of Tekoa; 27 Abiezer of Anathoth; Mebunnai the Hushathite; 28 Zalmon the Ahohite; Maharai of Netophah; 29 Heleb son of Baanah of Netophah; Ittai son of Ribai of Gibeah of the Benjaminites; 30 Benaiah of Pirathon; Hiddai of the wadis of Gaash; 31 Abi-albon the Arbathite; Azmaveth of Bahurim;[j] 32 Eliahba of Shaalbon; the sons of Jashen: Jonathan 33 son of[k] Shammah the Hararite; Ahiam son of Sharar the Hararite; 34 Eliphelet son of Ahasbai of Maacah; Eliam son of Ahithophel the Gilonite; 35 Hezro[l] of Carmel; Paarai the Arbite; 36 Igal son of Nathan of Zobah; Bani the Gadite; 37 Zelek the Ammonite; Naharai of Beeroth, the armor-bearer of Joab son of Zeruiah; 38 Ira the Ithrite; Gareb the Ithrite;39 Uriah the Hittite—thirty-seven in all.
+++
1 John 2 nrsv (29)
Christ Our Advocate
2 My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous, 2 and he is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.
3 Now by this we know that we have come to know him, if we obey his commandments. 4 Whoever says, “I have come to know him,” but does not obey his commandments is a liar, and in such a person the truth does not exist; 5 but whoever obeys his word, truly in this person the love of God has reached perfection. By this we know that we are in him: 6 whoever says, “I abide in him,” ought to walk in the same way as he walked.
A New Commandment
7 Beloved, I am writing you no new commandment but an old commandment that you have had from the beginning; the old commandment is the word that you have heard. 8 Yet I am writing you a new commandment that is true in him and in you, because[a] the darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining. 9 Whoever says, “I am in the light,” while hating a brother or sister, is still in the darkness. 10 Whoever loves a brother or sister abides in the light, and in such a person[b] there is no cause for stumbling. 11 But whoever hates a brother or sister is in the darkness, walks in the darkness, and does not know the way to go, because the darkness has brought on blindness.
12
I am writing to you, little children,
because your sins are forgiven on account of his name.
13
I am writing to you, fathers,
because you know him who is from the beginning.
I am writing to you, young people,
because you have conquered the evil one.
14
I write to you, children,
because you know the Father.
I write to you, fathers,
because you know him who is from the beginning.
I write to you, young people,
because you are strong
and the word of God abides in you,
and you have overcome the evil one.
15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. The love of the Father is not in those who love the world, 16 for all that is in the world—the desire of the flesh, the desire of the eyes, the pride in riches—comes not from the Father but from the world. 17 And the world and its desire[c] are passing away, but those who do the will of God abide forever.
Warning against Antichrists
18 Children, it is the last hour! As you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come. From this we know that it is the last hour. 19 They went out from us, but they did not belong to us, for if they had belonged to us they would have remained[d] with us. But by going out they made it plain that none of them belongs to us.20 But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and all of you have knowledge.[e] 21 I write to you, not because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and you know that no lie comes from the truth. 22 Who is the liar but the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ?[f] This is the antichrist, the one who denies the Father and the Son. 23 No one who denies the Son has the Father; everyone who confesses the Son has the Father also. 24 Let what you heard from the beginning abide in you. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, then you will abide in the Son and in the Father. 25 And this is what he has promised us,[g] eternal life.
26 I write these things to you concerning those who would deceive you. 27 As for you, the anointing that you received from him abides in you, so you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, abide in him.[h]
28 And now, little children, abide in him, so that when he is revealed we may have confidence and not be put to shame before him at his coming.
Children of God
29 If you perceive that he is righteous, you also know that everyone who does right has been born of him.
+++
Psalm 119 145-176 nrsv
145
With my whole heart I cry; answer me, O Lord.
I will keep your statutes.
146
I cry to you; save me,
that I may observe your decrees.
147
I rise before dawn and cry for help;
I put my hope in your words.
148
My eyes are awake before each watch of the night,
that I may meditate on your promise.
149
In your steadfast love hear my voice;
O Lord, in your justice preserve my life.
150
Those who persecute me with evil purpose draw near;
they are far from your law.
151
Yet you are near, O Lord,
and all your commandments are true.
152
Long ago I learned from your decrees
that you have established them forever.
153
Look on my misery and rescue me,
for I do not forget your law.
154
Plead my cause and redeem me;
give me life according to your promise.
155
Salvation is far from the wicked,
for they do not seek your statutes.
156
Great is your mercy, O Lord;
be gracious to me[f] according to your justice.
157
Many are my persecutors and my adversaries,
yet I do not swerve from your decrees.
158
I look at the faithless with disgust
because they do not keep your commands.
159
Consider how I love your precepts;
be gracious to me[g] according to your steadfast love.
160
The sum of your word is truth,
and every one of your righteous ordinances endures forever.
161
Princes persecute me without cause,
but my heart stands in awe of your words.
162
I rejoice at your word
like one who finds great spoil.
163
I hate and abhor falsehood,
but I love your law.
164
Seven times a day I praise you
for your righteous ordinances.
165
Great peace have those who love your law;
nothing can make them stumble.
166
I hope for your salvation, O Lord,
and I fulfill your commandments.
167
My soul keeps your decrees;
I love them exceedingly.
168
I keep your precepts and decrees,
for all my ways are before you.
169
Let my cry come before you, O Lord;
give me understanding according to your word.
170
Let my supplication come before you;
deliver me according to your promise.
171
My lips will pour forth praise,
because you teach me your statutes.
172
My tongue will sing of your promise,
for all your commandments are right.
173
Let your hand be ready to help me,
for I have chosen your precepts.
174
I long for your salvation, O Lord,
and your law is my delight.
175
Let me live that I may praise you,
and let your ordinances help me.
176
I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek out your servant,
for I do not forget your commandments.
+++
Preparation
O Lord, open our lips
and our mouth shall proclaim your praise.
In your resurrection, O Christ,
let heaven and earth rejoice. Alleluia.
The night has passed, and the day lies open before us; let us pray with one heart and mind.
Silence is kept.
As we rejoice in the gift of this new day, so may the light of your presence, O God, set our hearts on fire with love for you; now and for ever.
Amen.
+++
Morning 25 mins reading
2 Samuel 22 nrsv (51) 2 readers
David’s Song of Thanksgiving
22 David spoke to the Lord the words of this song on the day when the Lord delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. 2 He said,
“The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer,
3
my God, my rock in whom I take refuge,
my shield and the horn of my salvation,
my stronghold and my refuge,
my savior; you save me from violence.
4
I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised,
and I am saved from my enemies.
5
For the waves of death encompassed me;
the torrents of perdition assailed me;
6
the cords of Sheol entangled me;
the snares of death confronted me.
7
In my distress I called upon the Lord;
to my God I called.
From his temple he heard my voice,
and my cry came to his ears.
8
Then the earth reeled and rocked;
the foundations of the heavens trembled
and reeled because he was angry.
9
Smoke went up from his nostrils
and devouring fire from his mouth;
glowing coals flamed forth from him.
10
He bowed the heavens and came down;
thick darkness was under his feet.
11
He rode on a cherub and flew;
he was seen upon the wings of the wind.
12
He made darkness around him a canopy,
thick clouds, a gathering of water.
13
Out of the brightness before him
coals of fire flamed forth.
14
The Lord thundered from heaven;
the Most High uttered his voice.
15
He sent out arrows and scattered them,
lightning and routed them.
16
Then the channels of the sea were seen;
the foundations of the world were laid bare
at the rebuke of the Lord,
at the blast of the breath of his nostrils.
17
He reached from on high; he took me;
he drew me out of mighty waters.
18
He delivered me from my strong enemy,
from those who hated me,
for they were too mighty for me.
19
They came upon me in the day of my calamity,
but the Lord was my stay.
20
He brought me out into a broad place;
he delivered me because he delighted in me.
21
The Lord rewarded me according to my righteousness;
according to the cleanness of my hands he recompensed me.
22
For I have kept the ways of the Lord
and have not wickedly departed from my God.
23
For all his ordinances were before me,
and from his statutes I did not turn aside.
24
I was blameless before him,
and I kept myself from guilt.
25
Therefore the Lord has recompensed me according to my righteousness,
according to my cleanness in his sight.
Second reader
26
With the loyal you show yourself loyal;
with the blameless[a] you show yourself blameless;
27
with the pure you show yourself pure,
and with the crooked you show yourself shrewd.
28
You deliver a humble people,
but your eyes are upon the haughty to bring them down.
29
Indeed, you are my lamp, O Lord;
the Lord lightens my darkness.
30
By you I can outrun a troop,
and by my God I can leap over a wall.
31
This God—his way is perfect;
the promise of the Lord proves true;
he is a shield for all who take refuge in him.
32
For who is God but the Lord?
And who is a rock except our God?
33
The God who has girded me with strength[b]
has opened wide my path.[c]
34
He made my feet like the feet of deer
and set me secure on the heights.
35
He trains my hands for war,
so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
36
You have given me the shield of your salvation,
and your help[d] has made me great.
37
You have made me stride freely,
and my feet do not slip;
38
I pursued my enemies and destroyed them
and did not turn back until they were consumed.
39
I consumed them; I struck them down so that they did not rise;
they fell under my feet.
40
For you girded me with strength for the battle;
you made my assailants sink under me.
41
You made my enemies turn their backs to me,
those who hated me, and I destroyed them.
42
They looked, but there was no one to save them;
they cried to the Lord, but he did not answer them.
43
I beat them fine like the dust of the earth;
I crushed them and stamped them down like the mire of the streets.
44
You delivered me from strife with the peoples;[e]
you kept me as the head of the nations;
people whom I had not known served me.
45
Foreigners came cringing to me;
as soon as they heard of me, they obeyed me.
46
Foreigners lost heart
and came trembling out[f] of their strongholds.
47
The Lord lives! Blessed be my rock,
and exalted be my God, the rock of my salvation,
48
the God who gave me vengeance
and brought down peoples under me,
49
who brought me out from my enemies;
you exalted me above my adversaries;
you delivered me from the violent.
50
For this I will extol you, O Lord, among the nations
and sing praises to your name.
51
He is a tower of salvation for his king
and shows steadfast love to his anointed,
to David and his descendants forever.”
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning is now and shall be for ever. Amen.
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Acts 23 nrsv (35) 2 readers
23 While Paul was looking intently at the council he said, “Brothers,[a] up to this day I have lived my life with a clear conscience before God.” 2 Then the high priest Ananias ordered those standing near him to strike him on the mouth. 3 At this Paul said to him, “God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! Are you sitting there to judge me according to the law, and yet in violation of the law you order me to be struck?” 4 Those standing nearby said, “Do you dare to insult God’s high priest?” 5 And Paul said, “I did not realize, brothers, that he was high priest, for it is written, ‘You shall not speak evil of a leader of your people.’ ”
6 When Paul noticed that some were Sadducees and others were Pharisees, he called out in the council, “Brothers,[b] I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. I am on trial concerning the hope of the resurrection[c] of the dead.” 7 When he said this, a dissension began between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided. 8 (The Sadducees say that there is no resurrection or angel or spirit, but the Pharisees acknowledge all three.) 9 Then a great clamor arose, and certain scribes of the Pharisees’ group stood up and contended, “We find nothing wrong with this man. What if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?”10 When the dissension became violent, the tribune, fearing that they would tear Paul to pieces, ordered the soldiers to go down, take him by force, and bring him into the barracks.
11 That night the Lord stood near him and said, “Keep up your courage! For just as you have testified for me in Jerusalem, so you must bear witness also in Rome.”
The Plot to Kill Paul
12 In the morning the Jews joined in a conspiracy and bound themselves by an oath neither to eat nor drink until they had killed Paul. 13 There were more than forty who joined in this conspiracy. 14 They went to the chief priests and elders and said, “We have strictly bound ourselves by an oath to taste no food until we have killed Paul. 15 Now then, you and the council must notify the tribune to bring him down to you, on the pretext that you want to make a more thorough examination of his case. And we are ready to do away with him before he arrives.”
16 Now the son of Paul’s sister heard about the ambush, so he went and gained entrance to the barracks and told Paul. 17 Paul called one of the centurions and said, “Take this young man to the tribune, for he has something to report to him.”
Second reader
18 So he took him, brought him to the tribune, and said, “The prisoner Paul called me and asked me to bring this young man to you; he has something to tell you.” 19 The tribune took him by the hand, drew him aside privately, and asked, “What is it that you have to report to me?” 20 He answered, “The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul down to the council tomorrow, as though they were going to inquire more thoroughly into his case. 21 But do not be persuaded by them, for more than forty of their men are lying in ambush for him. They have bound themselves by an oath neither to eat nor drink until they kill him. They are ready now and are waiting for your consent.” 22 So the tribune dismissed the young man, ordering him, “Tell no one that you have informed me of this.”
Paul Sent to Felix the Governor
23 Then he summoned two of the centurions and said, “Get ready to leave by nine o’clock tonight for Caesarea with two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen, and two hundred spearmen. 24 Also provide mounts for Paul to ride and take him safely to Felix the governor.”25 He wrote a letter to this effect:
26 “Claudius Lysias to his Excellency the governor Felix, greetings. 27 This man was seized by the Jews and was about to be killed by them, but when I had learned that he was a Roman, I came with the guard and rescued him. 28 Since I wanted to know the charge for which they accused him, I had him brought to their council. 29 I found that he was accused concerning questions of their law but was charged with nothing deserving death or imprisonment. 30 When I was informed that there would be a plot against the man, I sent him to you at once, ordering his accusers also to state before you what they have against him.”[d]
31 So the soldiers, according to their instructions, took Paul and brought him during the night to Antipatris. 32 The next day they let the horsemen go on with him, while they returned to the barracks. 33 When they came to Caesarea and delivered the letter to the governor, they presented Paul also before him. 34 On reading the letter, he asked what province he belonged to, and when he learned that he was from Cilicia, 35 he said, “I will give you a hearing when your accusers arrive.” Then he ordered that he be kept under guard in Herod’s headquarters.[e]
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning is now and shall be for ever. Amen.
+++
Psalm 119 105-144 nrsv 2 readers
105
Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light to my path.
106
I have sworn an oath and confirmed it,
to observe your righteous ordinances.
107
I am severely afflicted;
give me life, O Lord, according to your word.
108
Accept my offerings of praise, O Lord,
and teach me your ordinances.
109
I hold my life in my hand continually,
but I do not forget your law.
110
The wicked have laid a snare for me,
but I do not stray from your precepts.
111
Your decrees are my heritage forever;
they are the joy of my heart.
112
I incline my heart to perform your statutes
forever, to the end.
113
I hate the double-minded,
but I love your law.
114
You are my hiding place and my shield;
I hope in your word.
115
Go away from me, you evildoers,
that I may keep the commandments of my God.
116
Uphold me according to your promise, that I may live,
and let me not be put to shame in my hope.
117
Hold me up, that I may be safe
and have regard for your statutes continually.
118
You spurn all who go astray from your statutes,
for their cunning is in vain.
119
All the wicked of the earth I count[d] as dross;
therefore I love your decrees.
120
My flesh trembles for fear of you,
and I am afraid of your judgments.
121
I have done what is just and right;
do not leave me to my oppressors.
122
Guarantee your servant’s well-being;
do not let the godless oppress me.
123
My eyes fail from watching for your salvation
and for the fulfillment of your righteous promise.
124
Deal with your servant according to your steadfast love,
and teach me your statutes.
125
I am your servant; give me understanding,
so that I may know your decrees.
Second reader
126
It is time for the Lord to act,
for your law has been broken.
127
Truly I love your commandments
more than gold, more than fine gold.
128
Truly I direct my steps by all your precepts;[e]
I hate every false way.
129
Your decrees are wonderful;
therefore my soul keeps them.
130
The unfolding of your words gives light;
it imparts understanding to the simple.
131
With open mouth I pant,
because I long for your commandments.
132
Turn to me and be gracious to me,
as is your custom toward those who love your name.
133
Keep my steps steady according to your promise,
and never let iniquity have dominion over me.
134
Redeem me from human oppression,
that I may keep your precepts.
135
Make your face shine upon your servant,
and teach me your statutes.
136
My eyes shed streams of tears
because your law is not kept.
137
You are righteous, O Lord,
and your judgments are right.
138
You have appointed your decrees in righteousness
and in all faithfulness.
139
My zeal consumes me
because my foes forget your words.
140
Your promise is well tried,
and your servant loves it.
141
I am small and despised,
yet I do not forget your precepts.
142
Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness,
and your law is the truth.
143
Trouble and anguish have come upon me,
but your commandments are my delight.
144
Your decrees are righteous forever;
give me understanding that I may live.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning is now and shall be for ever. Amen.
+++
Let us pray.
God the Father,
have mercy upon us.
God the Son,
have mercy upon us.
God the Holy Spirit,
have mercy upon us.
Holy, blessed and glorious Trinity,
have mercy upon us.
Please pray a short individual prayer as you wish
+++
The Collect of the day is said
Almighty God,
whose Son Jesus Christ is the resurrection and the life: raise us, who trust in him, from the death of sin to the life of righteousness, that we may seek those things which are above, where he reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
Amen.
+++
The Lord’s Prayer is said
Rejoicing in the presence of God here among us, as our Saviour taught us, so we pray
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours
now and for ever.
Amen.
+++
The Conclusion
May the risen Christ grant us the joys of eternal life.
Amen.
Let us bless the Lord. Alleluia, alleluia.
Thanks be to God. Alleluia, alleluia.
+++
Evening 10 mins reading
2 Samuel 23 nrsv (39)
Last Words of David
23 Now these are the last words of David:
The oracle of David, son of Jesse,
the oracle of the man whom God exalted,[a]
the anointed of the God of Jacob,
the favorite of the Strong One of Israel:
2
The spirit of the Lord speaks through me;
his word is upon my tongue.
3
The God of Israel has spoken;
the Rock of Israel has said to me:
“One who rules over people justly,
ruling in the fear of God,
4
is like the light of morning,
like the sun rising on a cloudless morning,
gleaming from the rain on the grassy land.”
5
Is not my house like this with God?
For he has made with me an everlasting covenant,
ordered in all things and secure.
Will he not cause to prosper
all my help and my desire?
6
But the godless[b] are all like thorns that are thrown away,
for they cannot be picked up with the hand;
7
to touch them one uses an iron bar
or the shaft of a spear.
And they are entirely consumed in fire on the spot.[c]
David’s Mighty Men
8 These are the names of the warriors whom David had: Josheb-basshebeth a Tahchemonite; he was chief of the Three;[d]he wielded his spear[e] against eight hundred whom he killed at one time.
9 Next to him among the three warriors was Eleazar son of Dodo son of Ahohi. He was with David when they defied the Philistines who were gathered there for battle. The Israelites withdrew, 10 but he stood his ground. He struck down the Philistines until his arm grew weary, though his hand clung to the sword. The Lord brought about a great victory that day. Then the people came back to him—but only to strip the dead.
11 Next to him was Shammah son of Agee the Hararite. The Philistines gathered together at Lehi, where there was a plot of ground full of lentils, and the army fled from the Philistines.12 But he took his stand in the middle of the plot, defended it, and killed the Philistines, and the Lord brought about a great victory.
13 Toward the beginning of harvest three of the thirty chiefs went down to join David at the cave of Adullam while a band of Philistines was encamped in the valley of Rephaim.14 David was then in the stronghold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then at Bethlehem. 15 David said longingly, “Oh, that someone would give me water to drink from the well of Bethlehem that is by the gate!” 16 Then the three warriors broke through the camp of the Philistines, drew water from the well of Bethlehem that was by the gate, and brought it to David. But he would not drink of it; he poured it out to the Lord, 17 for he said, “The Lord forbid that I should do this. Can I drink the blood of the men who went at the risk of their lives?” Therefore he would not drink it. The three warriors did these things.
18 Now Abishai son of Zeruiah, the brother of Joab, was chief of the Thirty.[f] With his spear he fought against three hundred men and killed them and won a name beside the Three.19 He was the most renowned of the Thirty[g]and became their commander, but he did not attain to the Three.
20 Benaiah son of Jehoiada was a valiant warrior[h] from Kabzeel, a doer of great deeds; he struck down two sons of Ariel[i] of Moab. He also went down and killed a lion in a pit on a day when snow had fallen. 21 And he killed an Egyptian, a handsome man. The Egyptian had a spear in his hand, but Benaiah went against him with a staff, snatched the spear out of the Egyptian’s hand, and killed him with his own spear. 22 Such were the things Benaiah son of Jehoiada did and won a name beside the three warriors. 23 He was renowned among the Thirty, but he did not attain to the Three. And David put him in charge of his bodyguard.
24 Among the Thirty were Asahel brother of Joab; Elhanan son of Dodo of Bethlehem;25 Shammah of Harod; Elika of Harod;26 Helez the Paltite; Ira son of Ikkesh of Tekoa; 27 Abiezer of Anathoth; Mebunnai the Hushathite; 28 Zalmon the Ahohite; Maharai of Netophah; 29 Heleb son of Baanah of Netophah; Ittai son of Ribai of Gibeah of the Benjaminites; 30 Benaiah of Pirathon; Hiddai of the wadis of Gaash; 31 Abi-albon the Arbathite; Azmaveth of Bahurim;[j] 32 Eliahba of Shaalbon; the sons of Jashen: Jonathan 33 son of[k] Shammah the Hararite; Ahiam son of Sharar the Hararite; 34 Eliphelet son of Ahasbai of Maacah; Eliam son of Ahithophel the Gilonite; 35 Hezro[l] of Carmel; Paarai the Arbite; 36 Igal son of Nathan of Zobah; Bani the Gadite; 37 Zelek the Ammonite; Naharai of Beeroth, the armor-bearer of Joab son of Zeruiah; 38 Ira the Ithrite; Gareb the Ithrite;39 Uriah the Hittite—thirty-seven in all.
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1 John 2 nrsv (29)
Christ Our Advocate
2 My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous, 2 and he is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.
3 Now by this we know that we have come to know him, if we obey his commandments. 4 Whoever says, “I have come to know him,” but does not obey his commandments is a liar, and in such a person the truth does not exist; 5 but whoever obeys his word, truly in this person the love of God has reached perfection. By this we know that we are in him: 6 whoever says, “I abide in him,” ought to walk in the same way as he walked.
A New Commandment
7 Beloved, I am writing you no new commandment but an old commandment that you have had from the beginning; the old commandment is the word that you have heard. 8 Yet I am writing you a new commandment that is true in him and in you, because[a] the darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining. 9 Whoever says, “I am in the light,” while hating a brother or sister, is still in the darkness. 10 Whoever loves a brother or sister abides in the light, and in such a person[b] there is no cause for stumbling. 11 But whoever hates a brother or sister is in the darkness, walks in the darkness, and does not know the way to go, because the darkness has brought on blindness.
12
I am writing to you, little children,
because your sins are forgiven on account of his name.
13
I am writing to you, fathers,
because you know him who is from the beginning.
I am writing to you, young people,
because you have conquered the evil one.
14
I write to you, children,
because you know the Father.
I write to you, fathers,
because you know him who is from the beginning.
I write to you, young people,
because you are strong
and the word of God abides in you,
and you have overcome the evil one.
15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. The love of the Father is not in those who love the world, 16 for all that is in the world—the desire of the flesh, the desire of the eyes, the pride in riches—comes not from the Father but from the world. 17 And the world and its desire[c] are passing away, but those who do the will of God abide forever.
Warning against Antichrists
18 Children, it is the last hour! As you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come. From this we know that it is the last hour. 19 They went out from us, but they did not belong to us, for if they had belonged to us they would have remained[d] with us. But by going out they made it plain that none of them belongs to us.20 But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and all of you have knowledge.[e] 21 I write to you, not because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and you know that no lie comes from the truth. 22 Who is the liar but the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ?[f] This is the antichrist, the one who denies the Father and the Son. 23 No one who denies the Son has the Father; everyone who confesses the Son has the Father also. 24 Let what you heard from the beginning abide in you. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, then you will abide in the Son and in the Father. 25 And this is what he has promised us,[g] eternal life.
26 I write these things to you concerning those who would deceive you. 27 As for you, the anointing that you received from him abides in you, so you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, abide in him.[h]
28 And now, little children, abide in him, so that when he is revealed we may have confidence and not be put to shame before him at his coming.
Children of God
29 If you perceive that he is righteous, you also know that everyone who does right has been born of him.
+++
Psalm 119 145-176 nrsv
145
With my whole heart I cry; answer me, O Lord.
I will keep your statutes.
146
I cry to you; save me,
that I may observe your decrees.
147
I rise before dawn and cry for help;
I put my hope in your words.
148
My eyes are awake before each watch of the night,
that I may meditate on your promise.
149
In your steadfast love hear my voice;
O Lord, in your justice preserve my life.
150
Those who persecute me with evil purpose draw near;
they are far from your law.
151
Yet you are near, O Lord,
and all your commandments are true.
152
Long ago I learned from your decrees
that you have established them forever.
153
Look on my misery and rescue me,
for I do not forget your law.
154
Plead my cause and redeem me;
give me life according to your promise.
155
Salvation is far from the wicked,
for they do not seek your statutes.
156
Great is your mercy, O Lord;
be gracious to me[f] according to your justice.
157
Many are my persecutors and my adversaries,
yet I do not swerve from your decrees.
158
I look at the faithless with disgust
because they do not keep your commands.
159
Consider how I love your precepts;
be gracious to me[g] according to your steadfast love.
160
The sum of your word is truth,
and every one of your righteous ordinances endures forever.
161
Princes persecute me without cause,
but my heart stands in awe of your words.
162
I rejoice at your word
like one who finds great spoil.
163
I hate and abhor falsehood,
but I love your law.
164
Seven times a day I praise you
for your righteous ordinances.
165
Great peace have those who love your law;
nothing can make them stumble.
166
I hope for your salvation, O Lord,
and I fulfill your commandments.
167
My soul keeps your decrees;
I love them exceedingly.
168
I keep your precepts and decrees,
for all my ways are before you.
169
Let my cry come before you, O Lord;
give me understanding according to your word.
170
Let my supplication come before you;
deliver me according to your promise.
171
My lips will pour forth praise,
because you teach me your statutes.
172
My tongue will sing of your promise,
for all your commandments are right.
173
Let your hand be ready to help me,
for I have chosen your precepts.
174
I long for your salvation, O Lord,
and your law is my delight.
175
Let me live that I may praise you,
and let your ordinances help me.
176
I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek out your servant,
for I do not forget your commandments.