Psalm 126

A song of ascents.

⁷ Abraham lived a hundred and seventy-five years.^{(A) 8} Then Abraham breathed his last and died at a good old age,^(B) an old man and full of years; and he was gathered to his people.^{(C) 9} His sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him^(D) in the cave of Machpelah^(E) near Mamre,^(F) in the field of Ephron^(G) son of Zohar the Hittite,^{(H) 10} the field Abraham had bought from the Hittites.^[a](I) There Abraham was buried with his wife Sarah. ¹¹ After Abraham’s death, God blessed his son Isaac,^(J) who then lived near Beer Lahai Roi.^(K)

Stand Firm

¹³ But we ought always to thank God for you,^(A) brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits^[a](B) to be saved^(C) through the sanctifying work of the Spirit^(D) and through belief in the truth. ¹⁴ He called you^(E) to this through our gospel,^(F) that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

¹⁵ So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm^(G) and hold fast to the teachings^[b] we passed on to you,^(H) whether by word of mouth or by letter.

¹⁶ May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father,^(I) who loved us^(J) and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, ¹⁷ encourage^(K) your hearts and strengthen^(L) you in every good deed and word.

Request for Prayer

3 As for other matters, brothers and sisters,^(M) pray for us^(N) that the message of the Lord^(O) may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you.^{(P) 2} And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil people,^(Q) for not everyone has faith. ³ But the Lord is faithful,^(R) and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.^{(S) 4} We have confidence^(T) in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. ⁵ May the Lord direct your hearts^(U) into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.