Revised Common Lectionary (Semicontinuous)

A Song of degrees.

¹ ¶ When the LORD shall turn again the captivity of Zion, we shall be like those that dream.

² Then our mouth shall be filled with laughter and our tongue with singing; then they shall say among the Gentiles, The LORD has done great things with them.

³ The LORD has done great things with us, of which we shall be glad.

⁴ ¶ Turn again our captivity, O LORD, as the streams in the south.

⁵ Those that sow with tears shall reap with joy.

⁶ He that goes forth and weeps, bearing the precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.

⁷ And these were the days of the years of Abraham’s life which he lived, one hundred seventy-five years.

⁸ Then Abraham expired and died in a good old age, an old man and full of years, and was gathered to his people.

⁹ And his sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah, in the field of Ephron the son of Zohar the Hittite, which is in front of Mamre;

¹⁰ the field which Abraham purchased of the sons of Heth, there was Abraham buried, and Sarah his wife.

¹¹ ¶ And it came to pass after the death of Abraham, that God blessed his son Isaac; and Isaac dwelt by the well Lahairoi. {Heb. the Living One who sees me}

¹³ ¶ But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren, beloved of the Lord, because God has from the beginning chosen you to saving health through the sanctification of the Spirit and faith in the truth,

¹⁴ unto which he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

¹⁵ Therefore, brethren, stand fast and retain the doctrine which ye have been taught, whether by word or our epistle.

¹⁶ ¶ Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God, even our Father, who has loved us and has given us eternal consolation and good hope through grace,

¹⁷ comfort your hearts and confirm you in every good word and work.

3 ¶ Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course and be glorified, even as it is with you,

² And that we may be delivered from perverse and wicked men, for the faith is not of everyone.

³ But the Lord is faithful, who shall confirm you and keep you from evil.

⁴ And we have confidence in the Lord regarding you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you.

⁵ And the Lord make your hearts upright in the charity of God and in the hope of the Christ.