Open Word

FIRST READING

Isaiah 51:1-3

Verse 1. “Listen to Me, you who pursue righteousness, you who seek the LORD: Look to the rock from which you were cut, and to the quarry from which you were hewn. Verse 2. Look to Abraham your father, and to Sarah who gave you birth. When I called him, he was but one; then I blessed him and multiplied him. Verse 3. For the LORD will comfort Zion and will look with compassion on all her ruins; He will make her wilderness like Eden and her desert like the garden of the LORD. Joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving and melodious song.

PSALM

Psalm 121

A song of ascents. I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come?

My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.

He will not allow your foot to slip; your Protector will not slumber.

Behold, the Protector of Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is the shade on your right hand.

The sun will not strike you by day, nor the moon by night.

The LORD will guard you from all evil; He will preserve your soul.

The LORD will watch over your coming and going, both now and forevermore.

SECOND READING

2 Timothy 1:3-7

Verse 3. I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience as did my forefathers, as I constantly remember you night and day in my prayers. Verse 4. Recalling your tears, I long to see you so that I may be filled with joy. Verse 5. I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am convinced is in you as well. Verse 6. For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. Verse 7. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.