Wednesday in Lent — Open Word

FIRST READING

Proverbs 30:1-9

Verse 1. These are the words of Agur son of Jakeh — the burden that this man declared to Ithiel: “I am weary, O God, and worn out. Verse 2. Surely I am the most ignorant of men, and I lack the understanding of a man. Verse 3. I have not learned wisdom, and I have no knowledge of the Holy One. Verse 4. Who has ascended to heaven and come down? Who has gathered the wind in His hands? Who has bound up the waters in His cloak? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is His name, and what is the name of His Son— surely you know! Verse 5. Every word of God is flawless; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. Verse 6. Do not add to His words, lest He rebuke you and prove you a liar. Verse 7. Two things I ask of You — do not refuse me before I die: Verse 8. Keep falsehood and deceitful words far from me. Give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the bread that is my portion. Verse 9. Otherwise, I may have too much and deny You, saying, ‘Who is the LORD?’ Or I may become poor and steal, profaning the name of my God.

PSALM

Psalm 77

For the choirmaster. According to Jeduthun. A Psalm of Asaph. I cried out to God; I cried aloud to God to hear me.

In the day of trouble I sought the Lord; through the night my outstretched hands did not grow weary; my soul refused to be comforted.

I remembered You, O God, and I groaned; I mused and my spirit grew faint.

You have kept my eyes from closing; I am too troubled to speak.

I considered the days of old, the years long in the past.

At night I remembered my song; in my heart I mused, and my spirit pondered:

“Will the Lord spurn us forever and never show His favor again?

Is His loving devotion gone forever? Has His promise failed for all time?

Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has His anger shut off His compassion?”

So I said, “I am grieved that the right hand of the Most High has changed.”

I will remember the works of the LORD; yes, I will remember Your wonders of old.

I will reflect on all You have done and ponder Your mighty deeds.

Your way, O God, is holy. What god is so great as our God?

You are the God who works wonders; You display Your strength among the peoples.

With power You redeemed Your people, the sons of Jacob and Joseph.

The waters saw You, O God; the waters saw You and swirled; even the depths were shaken.

The clouds poured down water; the skies resounded with thunder; Your arrows flashed back and forth.

Your thunder resounded in the whirlwind; the lightning lit up the world; the earth trembled and quaked.

Your path led through the sea, Your way through the mighty waters, but Your footprints were not to be found.

You led Your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.

SECOND READING

Matthew 4:1-11

Verse 1. Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. Verse 2. After fasting forty days and forty nights, He was hungry. Verse 3. The tempter came to Him and said, “If You are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” Verse 4. But Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ” Verse 5. Then the devil took Him to the holy city and set Him on the pinnacle of the temple. Verse 6. “If You are the Son of God,” he said, “throw Yourself down. For it is written: ‘He will command His angels concerning You, and they will lift You up in their hands, so that You will not strike Your foot against a stone.’ ” Verse 7. Jesus replied, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’ ” Verse 8. Again, the devil took Him to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. Verse 9. “All this I will give You,” he said, “if You will fall down and worship me.” Verse 10. “Away from Me, Satan!” Jesus told him. “For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.’ ” Verse 11. Then the devil left Him, and angels came and ministered to Him.