Open Word

Semicontinuous (Track 1)

FIRST READING

1 Samuel 17:55-18:5

Text not available in the Berean Standard Bible.

PSALM

Psalm 9:9-20

The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.

Those who know Your name trust in You, for You, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You.

Sing praises to the LORD, who dwells in Zion; proclaim His deeds among the nations.

For the Avenger of bloodshed remembers; He does not ignore the cry of the afflicted.

Be merciful to me, O LORD; see how my enemies afflict me! Lift me up from the gates of death,

that I may declare all Your praises — that within the gates of Daughter Zion I may rejoice in Your salvation.

The nations have fallen into a pit of their making; their feet are caught in the net they have hidden.

The LORD is known by the justice He brings; the wicked are ensnared by the work of their hands.

The wicked will return to Sheol— all the nations who forget God.

For the needy will not always be forgotten; nor the hope of the oppressed forever dashed.

Rise up, O LORD, do not let man prevail; let the nations be judged in Your presence.

Lay terror upon them, O LORD; let the nations know they are but men.

Complementary (Track 2)

FIRST READING

Job 29:21-30:15

Text not available in the Berean Standard Bible.

PSALM

Psalm 107:1-3, 23-32

Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His loving devotion endures forever.

Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy

and gathered from the lands, from east and west, from north and south.

Others went out to sea in ships, conducting trade on the mighty waters.

They saw the works of the LORD, and His wonders in the deep.

For He spoke and raised a tempest that lifted the waves of the sea.

They mounted up to the heavens, then sunk to the depths; their courage melted in their anguish.

They reeled and staggered like drunkards, and all their skill was useless.

Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and He brought them out of their distress.

He calmed the storm to a whisper, and the waves of the sea were hushed.

They rejoiced in the silence, and He guided them to the harbor they desired.

Let them give thanks to the LORD for His loving devotion and His wonders to the sons of men.

Let them exalt Him in the assembly of the people and praise Him in the council of the elders.

SECOND READING

Acts 21:1-16

Verse 1. After we had torn ourselves away from them, we sailed directly to Cos, and the next day on to Rhodes, and from there to Patara. Verse 2. Finding a ship crossing over to Phoenicia, we boarded it and set sail. Verse 3. After sighting Cyprus and passing south of it, we sailed on to Syria and landed at Tyre, where the ship was to unload its cargo. Verse 4. We sought out the disciples in Tyre and stayed with them seven days. Through the Spirit they kept telling Paul not to go up to Jerusalem. Verse 5. But when our time there had ended, we set out on our journey. All the disciples, with their wives and children, accompanied us out of the city and knelt down on the beach to pray with us. Verse 6. And after we had said our farewells, we went aboard the ship, and they returned home. Verse 7. When we had finished our voyage from Tyre, we landed at Ptolemais, where we greeted the brothers and stayed with them for a day. Verse 8. Leaving the next day, we went on to Caesarea and stayed at the home of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the Seven. Verse 9. He had four unmarried daughters who prophesied. Verse 10. After we had been there several days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. Verse 11. Coming over to us, he took Paul’s belt, bound his own feet and hands, and said, “The Holy Spirit says: ‘In this way the Jews of Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and hand him over to the Gentiles.’” Verse 12. When we heard this, we and the people there pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem. Verse 13. Then Paul answered, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” Verse 14. When he would not be dissuaded, we quieted down and said, “The Lord’s will be done.” Verse 15. After these days, we packed up and went on to Jerusalem. Verse 16. Some of the disciples from Caesarea accompanied us, and they took us to stay at the home of Mnason the Cypriot, an early disciple.