Thursday in Lent — Open Word

FIRST READING

1 Samuel 16:11-13

Verse 11. And Samuel asked him, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse replied, “but he is tending the sheep.” “Send for him,” Samuel replied. “For we will not sit down to eat until he arrives.” Verse 12. So Jesse sent for his youngest son and brought him in. He was ruddy, with beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance. And the LORD said, “Rise and anoint him, for he is the one.” Verse 13. So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward. Then Samuel set out and went to Ramah.

PSALM

Psalm 31:9-16

Be merciful to me, O LORD, for I am in distress; my eyes fail from sorrow, my soul and body as well.

For my life is consumed with grief and my years with groaning; my iniquity has drained my strength, and my bones are wasting away.

Among all my enemies I am a disgrace, and among my neighbors even more. I am dreaded by my friends — they flee when they see me on the street.

I am forgotten like a dead man, out of mind. I am like a broken vessel.

For I hear the slander of many; there is terror on every side. They conspire against me and plot to take my life.

But I trust in You, O LORD; I say, “You are my God.”

My times are in Your hands; deliver me from my enemies and from those who pursue me.

Make Your face shine on Your servant; save me by Your loving devotion.

SECOND READING

Philippians 1:1-11

Verse 1. Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons: Verse 2. Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Verse 3. I thank my God every time I remember you. Verse 4. In every prayer for all of you, I always pray with joy, Verse 5. because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, Verse 6. being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Verse 7. It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart. For in my chains and in my defense and confirmation of the gospel, you are all partners in grace with me. Verse 8. God is my witness how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. Verse 9. And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, Verse 10. so that you may be able to test and prove what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, Verse 11. filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.