Revised Common Lectionary (Complementary)

Psalm 140

Prayer for Rescue

For the choir director. A Davidic psalm.

¹⁵ I will give you shepherds who are loyal to Me,^[a](A) and they will shepherd you with knowledge and skill. ¹⁶ When you multiply and increase in the land,^(B) in those days”—the Lord’s declaration—“no one will say any longer, ‘The ark of the Lord’s covenant.’^(C) It will never come to mind, and no one will remember or miss it. It will never again be made. ¹⁷ At that time Jerusalem will be called, Yahweh’s Throne,^(D) and all the nations will be gathered to it,^(E) to the name of Yahweh in Jerusalem.^(F) They will cease to follow the stubbornness of their evil hearts. ¹⁸ In those days the house of Judah will join with the house of Israel,^(G) and they will come together from the land of the north to the land I have given your ancestors to inherit.”^(H)

Light versus Darkness

⁶ Let no one deceive you with empty arguments, for God’s wrath^(A) is coming on the disobedient because of these things.^{[a] 7} Therefore, do not become their partners. ⁸ For you were once darkness, but now you are light^(B) in the Lord. Walk as children of light^(C)— ⁹ for the fruit of the light^[b] results in all goodness, righteousness, and truth^(D)— ¹⁰ discerning^(E) what is pleasing^(F) to the Lord. ¹¹ Don’t participate in the fruitless^(G) works of darkness, but instead expose them. ¹² For it is shameful even to mention what is done by them in secret. ¹³ Everything exposed by the light is made clear,^{(H) 14} for what makes everything clear is light. Therefore it is said:

Consistency in the Christian Life

¹⁵ Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk—not as unwise people but as wise— ¹⁶ making the most of the time,^[d](L) because the days are evil. ¹⁷ So don’t be foolish, but understand^(M) what the Lord’s will^(N) is. ¹⁸ And don’t get drunk^(O) with wine,^(P) which leads to reckless actions, but be filled by the Spirit:^(Q)