Revised Common Lectionary (Semicontinuous)
Jacob’s Name Is Changed to Israel
22 But he got up that same night and crossed the Jabbok River, with his two wives, the two women who served him, and his eleven children. 23 He took them and sent them to the other side of the river with all that he had. 24 Then Jacob was left alone. And a man fought with him until morning. 25 When the man saw that he was not winning he touched the joint of Jacob’s thigh. And Jacob’s thigh was put out of joint while he fought with him. 26 The man said, “Let me go. For the morning has come.” But Jacob said, “I will not let you go unless you pray that good will come to me.” 27 The man asked him, “What is your name?” He said, “Jacob.” 28 And the man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel. For you have fought with God and with men, and have won.” 29 Then Jacob asked him, “Tell me, what is your name?” But he said, “Why is it that you ask my name?” And there he prayed that good would come to Jacob. 30 So Jacob gave the place the name of Peniel. For he said, “I have seen God face to face, and yet I am still alive.”
31 The sun rose upon him as he passed through Peniel. It was hard to walk on his leg.
Prayer for Help in Time of Trouble
17 Hear what is right, O Lord. Listen to my cry. Hear my prayer, for it does not come from lying lips. 2 May You decide in my favor. May Your eyes see what is right. 3 You have tested my heart. You have visited me during the night. You have tested me and have found nothing wrong. I have decided that my mouth will not sin. 4 As for the actions of men, by the word of Your lips, I have kept myself from the paths of those who want to hurt others. 5 My steps have followed Your paths. My feet have not turned from them.
6 I have called to You, O God, for You will answer me. Listen to me and hear my words. 7 Show Your great loving-kindness. You save by Your right hand the people that come to You for help from those who hate them.
15 As for me, I will see Your face in what is right and good. I will be happy to see You when I awake.
9 I am telling the truth because I belong to Christ. The Holy Spirit tells my heart that I am not lying. 2 I have much sorrow. The pain in my heart never leaves. 3 I could even wish that I might be kept from being with Christ if that would help my people to be saved from the punishment of sin. They are of my own flesh and blood. 4 They are Jews and are the people God chose for Himself. He shared His shining-greatness with them and gave them His Law and a way to worship. They have His promises. 5 The early preachers came from this family. Christ Himself was born of flesh from this family and He is over all things. May God be honored and thanked forever. Let it be so.
The Feeding of the Five Thousand (A)
13 When Jesus heard that John had been killed, He went from there by boat to a desert. He wanted to be alone. When the people knew it, they followed after Him by land from the cities. 14 When He got out of the boat, He saw many people. He had loving-pity for them and healed those who were sick.
15 When it was evening, His followers came to Him. They said, “This is a desert. The day is past. Send the people away so they may go into the towns and buy food for themselves.” 16 Jesus said to them, “They do not have to go away. Give them something to eat.” 17 They said to Him, “We have only five loaves of bread and two fish.” 18 Jesus said, “Bring them to Me.” 19 He told the people to sit down on the grass. Then He took the five loaves of bread and two fish. He looked up to heaven and gave thanks. He broke the loaves in pieces and gave them to His followers. The followers gave them to the people. 20 They all ate and were filled. They picked up twelve baskets full of pieces of bread and fish after the people were finished eating. 21 About five thousand men ate. Women and children ate also.
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