Revised Common Lectionary (Semicontinuous)

Hannah’s Prayer

2 Then Hannah prayed and said, “My heart is happy in the Lord. My strength is honored in the Lord. My mouth speaks with strength against those who hate me, because I have joy in Your saving power. ² There is no one holy like the Lord. For sure, there is no one other than You. There is no rock like our God. ³ Speak no more in your pride. Do not let proud talk come out of your mouth. For the Lord is a God Who knows. Actions are weighed by Him. ⁴ The bows of the powerful are broken. But the weak are dressed in strength. ⁵ Those who were full go out to work for bread. But those who were hungry are filled. She who could not give birth has given birth to seven. But she who has many children has become weak. ⁶ The Lord kills and brings to life. He brings down to the grave, and He raises up. ⁷ The Lord makes poor and makes rich. He brings low and He lifts up. ⁸ He lifts the poor from the dust. He lifts those in need from the ashes. He makes them sit with rulers and receive a seat of honor. For what holds the earth belongs to the Lord. He has set the world in its place. ⁹ He watches over the steps of His good people. But the sinful ones will be made quiet in darkness. For a man will not win by strength. ¹⁰ Those who fight with the Lord will be broken to pieces. He will thunder in heaven against them. The Lord will decide about all people to the ends of the earth. He will give strength to His king. He will give power to His chosen one.”

²¹ Then Elkanah went up with all those of his house to give the Lord the gift on the altar in worship as he did each year, and to pay what he had promised. ²² But Hannah did not go. For she said to her husband, “I will not go up until the child no longer needs to be nursed. Then I will bring him before the Lord, to stay there forever.” ²³ Elkanah her husband said to her, “Do what you think is best. Stay here until he no longer needs to be nursed. Only may the Lord do as He has said.” So Hannah stayed and nursed her son until he no longer needed to be nursed. ²⁴ When she had finished nursing him, she took him with her to the house of the Lord in Shiloh, and the child was young. ²⁵ She brought a three year old bull, one basket of flour and a jar of wine also. Then they killed the bull, and brought the boy to Eli. ²⁶ Hannah said, “O, my lord! As you live, my lord, I am the woman who stood here beside you, praying to the Lord. ²⁷ I prayed for this boy, and the Lord has given me what I asked of Him. ²⁸ So I have given him to the Lord. He is given to the Lord as long as he lives.” And they worshiped the Lord there.

Fight the Good Fight of Faith

¹¹ But you, man of God, turn away from all these sinful things. Work at being right with God. Live a God-like life. Have faith and love. Be willing to wait. Have a kind heart. ¹² Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of the life that lasts forever. You were chosen to receive it. You have spoken well about this life in front of many people.

¹³ I tell you this before God Who gives life to all people and before Jesus Christ Who spoke well in front of Pontius Pilate. ¹⁴ You must do all our Lord Jesus Christ said so no one can speak against you. Do this until He comes again. ¹⁵ At the right time, we will be shown that God is the One Who has all power. He is the King of kings and Lord of lords. ¹⁶ He can never die. He lives in a light so bright that no man can go near Him. No man has ever seen God or can see Him. Honor and power belong to Him forever. Let it be so.

Paul’s Last Words to Timothy

¹⁷ Tell those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money. Money cannot be trusted. They should put their trust in God. He gives us all we need for our happiness. ¹⁸ Tell them to do good and be rich in good works. They should give much to those in need and be ready to share. ¹⁹ Then they will be gathering together riches for themselves. These good things are what they will build on for the future. Then they will have the only true life!

²⁰ Timothy, keep safe what God has trusted you with. Turn away from foolish talk. Do not argue with those who think they know so much. They know less than they think they do. ²¹ Some people have gone after much learning. It has proved to be false and they have turned away from the faith. May you have God’s loving-favor.