Friday in Lent — Open Word

FIRST READING

Job 13:13-19

Verse 13. Be silent, and I will speak. Then let come to me what may. Verse 14. Why do I put myself at risk and take my life in my own hands? Verse 15. Though He slay me, I will hope in Him. I will still defend my ways to His face. Verse 16. Moreover, this will be my salvation, for no godless man can appear before Him. Verse 17. Listen carefully to my words; let my declaration ring in your ears. Verse 18. See now, I have prepared my case; I know that I will be vindicated. Verse 19. Can anyone indict me? If so, I will be silent and die.

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 1:21-30

Verse 21. For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Verse 22. But if I go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. So what shall I choose? I do not know. Verse 23. I am torn between the two. I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better indeed. Verse 24. But it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Verse 25. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, Verse 26. so that through my coming to you again your exultation in Christ Jesus will resound on account of me. Verse 27. Nevertheless, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending together as one for the faith of the gospel, Verse 28. without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a clear sign of their destruction but of your salvation, and it is from God. Verse 29. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him, Verse 30. since you are encountering the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.