Revised Common Lectionary (Semicontinuous)

126 When the LORD brought back the captives of Zion, we were like those who dream.

² Then our mouth was filled with laughter and our tongue with joy. Then they said among the heathen, “The LORD has done great things for them.”

³ The LORD has done great things for us! We rejoice!

⁴ O LORD, bring back our captives as the rivers in the south.

⁵ Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy.

⁶ They went weeping and carried precious seed. They shall return with joy and bring their sheaves. A song of degrees, or Psalm, of Solomon

⁷ And this is the age of Abraham’s life which he lived: a hundred seventy-five years.

⁸ Then Abraham yielded the spirit and died in a good age, an old man and of great 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, son of Zohar the Hittite, before Mamre

¹⁰ (which field Abraham bought from the sons of Heth), where Abraham was buried with Sarah, his wife.

¹¹ And after the death of Abraham, God blessed Isaac, his son. And Isaac dwelt by Beer Lahai Roi.

¹³ But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers (beloved of the Lord) because God has chosen you for salvation from the beginning, through sanctification of the Spirit and the faith of truth;

¹⁴ to which He called you by our Gospel to obtain the Glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

¹⁵ Therefore, brothers, stand fast and keep the instructions which you have been taught, either by word or by our letter.

¹⁶ Now may the same Jesus Christ our Lord, and our God, even the Father, Who has loved us and has given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,

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

3 Furthermore, brothers, pray for us; so that the Word of the Lord may have free passage and be glorified (just as with you)

² and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and evil men. For all do not have faith.

³ But the Lord, Who will establish you and keep you from evil, is faithful.

⁴ And we are persuaded by you through the Lord that you both do and will do the things of which we warn you.

⁵ And the Lord guide your hearts to the love of God and the awaiting of Christ.