Open Word

Semicontinuous (Track 1)

FIRST READING

Genesis 25:7-11

Verse 7. Abraham lived a total of 175 years. Verse 8. And at a ripe old age he breathed his last and died, old and contented, and was gathered to his people. Verse 9. His sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah near Mamre, in the field of Ephron son of Zohar the Hittite. Verse 10. This was the field that Abraham had bought from the Hittites. Abraham was buried there with his wife Sarah. Verse 11. After Abraham’s death, God blessed his son Isaac, who lived near Beer-lahai-roi.

PSALM

Psalm 126

A song of ascents. When the LORD restored the captives of Zion, we were like dreamers.

Then our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with shouts of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.”

The LORD has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.

Restore our captives, O LORD, like streams in the Negev.

Those who sow in tears will reap with shouts of joy.

He who goes out weeping, bearing a trail of seed, will surely return with shouts of joy, carrying sheaves of grain.

Complementary (Track 2)

FIRST READING

1 Samuel 3:1-9

Verse 1. And the boy Samuel ministered to the LORD before Eli. Now in those days the word of the LORD was rare, and visions were scarce. Verse 2. And at that time Eli, whose eyesight had grown so dim that he could not see, was lying in his room. Verse 3. Before the lamp of God had gone out, Samuel was lying down in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was located. Verse 4. Then the LORD called to Samuel, and he answered, “Here I am.” Verse 5. He ran to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you have called me.” “I did not call,” Eli replied. “Go back and lie down.” So he went and lay down. Verse 6. Once again the LORD called, “Samuel!” So Samuel got up, went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you have called me.” “My son, I did not call,” Eli replied. “Go back and lie down.” Verse 7. Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, because the word of the LORD had not yet been revealed to him. Verse 8. Once again, for the third time, the LORD called to Samuel. He got up, went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you have called me.” Then Eli realized that it was the LORD who was calling the boy. Verse 9. “Go and lie down,” he said to Samuel, “and if He calls you, say, ‘Speak, LORD, for Your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.

PSALM

Psalm 105:1-11, 37-45

Give thanks to the LORD, call upon His name; make known His deeds among the nations.

Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; tell of all His wonders.

Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice.

Seek out the LORD and His strength; seek His face always.

Remember the wonders He has done, His marvels, and the judgments He has pronounced,

O offspring of His servant Abraham, O sons of Jacob, His chosen ones.

He is the LORD our God; His judgments carry throughout the earth.

He remembers His covenant forever, the word He ordained for a thousand generations—

the covenant He made with Abraham, and the oath He swore to Isaac.

He confirmed it to Jacob as a decree, to Israel as an everlasting covenant:

“I will give you the land of Canaan as the portion of your inheritance.”

He brought Israel out with silver and gold, and none among His tribes stumbled.

Egypt was glad when they departed, for the dread of Israel had fallen on them.

He spread a cloud as a covering and a fire to light up the night.

They asked, and He brought quail and satisfied them with the bread of heaven.

He opened a rock, and water gushed out; it flowed like a river in the desert.

For He remembered His holy promise to Abraham His servant.

He brought forth His people with rejoicing, His chosen with shouts of joy.

He gave them the lands of the nations, that they might inherit the fruit of others’ labor,

that they might keep His statutes and obey His laws. Hallelujah!

SECOND READING

2 Thessalonians 2:13-3:5

Verse 13. But we should always thank God for you, brothers who are loved by the Lord, because God chose you from the beginning to be saved by the sanctification of the Spirit and by faith in the truth. Verse 14. To this He called you through our gospel, so that you may share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Verse 15. Therefore, brothers, stand firm and cling to the traditions we taught you, whether by speech or by letter. Verse 16. Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who by grace has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope, Verse 17. encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good word and deed. Verse 1. Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may spread quickly and be held in honor, just as it was with you. Verse 2. And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men; for not everyone holds to the faith. Verse 3. But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one. Verse 4. And we have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do what we command. Verse 5. May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.