Revised Common Lectionary (Semicontinuous)
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.
God Promises to Save Israel
43 But now the Lord Who made you, O Jacob, and He Who made you, O Israel, says, “Do not be afraid. For I have bought you and made you free. I have called you by name. You are Mine! 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you. When you pass through the rivers, they will not flow over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned. The fire will not destroy you. 3 For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, Who saves you. I have given Egypt as pay for your life, and have traded Cush and Seba for you. 4 You are of great worth in My eyes. You are honored and I love you. I will give other men in your place. I will trade other people for your life. 5 Do not fear, for I am with you. I will bring your children from the east, and I will gather you from the west. 6 I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’ and to the south, ‘Do not hold them back.’ Bring My sons from far away, and My daughters from the ends of the earth. 7 Bring every one who is called by My name, for I have made him for My honor, yes, I made him.”
The Feeding of the Four Thousand (A)
32 Then Jesus called His followers to Him. He said, “I pity these people because they have been with Me three days and they have no food. I do not want to send them home without food. They might get too weak as they go.” 33 The followers said to Jesus, “Where can we get enough bread to feed them all in this desert?” 34 Jesus said to them, “How many loaves of bread do you have?” They said, “Seven loaves and a few small fish.” 35 He told the people to sit down on the ground. 36 Then He took the seven loaves of bread and the fish and gave thanks. He broke them and gave them to His followers. The followers gave them to the people. 37 They all ate and were filled. They picked up seven baskets full of pieces of bread and fish after the people finished eating. 38 Four thousand men ate. Women and children ate also. 39 After this Jesus sent the people away. Then He got into a boat and came to a place called Magadan.
Copyright © 1969, 2003 by Barbour Publishing, Inc.