Revised Common Lectionary (Semicontinuous)
A Prayer for Help
126 It was like a dream when the Lord brought back to Zion those who had been held in another land. 2 Then we laughed with our mouths, and we sang with our tongues. Then it was said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” 3 The Lord has done great things for us and we are glad.
4 Bring back our people, O Lord, like the rivers in the South. 5 Those who plant with tears will gather fruit with songs of joy. 6 He who goes out crying as he carries his bag of seed will return with songs of joy as he brings much grain with him.
7 Abraham lived 175 years. 8 Then Abraham breathed his last and died, after living a long and full life of many good years, and was buried with his people. 9 His sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the grave of Machpelah, in the field of Ephron the son of Zohar the Hittite, east of Mamre. 10 This was the field that Abraham bought from the sons of Heth. Abraham was buried there with his wife Sarah. 11 After the death of Abraham, God brought good to his son Isaac. And Isaac lived at Beerlahairoi.
You Belong to Those Who Believe the Truth
13 Christian brothers, the Lord loves you. We always thank God for you. It is because God has chosen you from the beginning to save you from the punishment of sin. He chose to make you holy by the Holy Spirit and to give you faith to believe the truth. 14 It was by our preaching the Good News that you were chosen. He chose you to share the shining-greatness of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15 So then, Christian brothers, keep a strong hold on what we have taught you by what we have said and by what we have written.
16 Our Lord Jesus Christ and God our Father loves us. Through His loving-favor He gives us comfort and hope that lasts forever. 17 May He give your hearts comfort and strength to say and do every good thing.
Christian Brothers, Pray for Us
3 My last words to you, Christian brothers, are that you pray for us. Pray that the Word of the Lord will go out over all the land and prove its power just as it did with you. 2 Pray that we will be kept from sinful men, because not all men are Christians. 3 But the Lord is faithful. He will give you strength and keep you safe from the devil. 4 We have faith in the Lord for you. We believe you are doing and will keep on doing the things we told you. 5 May the Lord lead your hearts into the love of God. May He help you as you wait for Christ.
Copyright © 1969, 2003 by Barbour Publishing, Inc.