Open Word

Semicontinuous (Track 1)

FIRST READING

2 Samuel 11:22-27

Verse 22. So the messenger set out and reported to David all that Joab had sent him to say. Verse 23. The messenger said to David, “The men overpowered us and came out against us in the field, but we drove them back to the entrance of the gate. Verse 24. Then the archers shot at your servants from the wall, and some of the king’s servants were killed. And your servant Uriah the Hittite is dead as well.” Verse 25. Then David told the messenger, “Say this to Joab: ‘Do not let this matter upset you, for the sword devours one as well as another. Strengthen your attack against the city and demolish it.’ Encourage him with these words.” Verse 26. When Uriah’s wife heard that her husband was dead, she mourned for him. Verse 27. And when the time of mourning was over, David had her brought to his house, and she became his wife and bore him a son. But the thing that David had done was evil in the sight of the LORD.

PSALM

Psalm 37:12-22

The wicked scheme against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them,

but the Lord laughs, seeing that their day is coming.

The wicked have drawn the sword and bent the bow to bring down the poor and needy, to slay those whose ways are upright.

But their swords will pierce their own hearts, and their bows will be broken.

Better is the little of the righteous than the abundance of many who are wicked.

For the arms of the wicked will be broken, but the LORD upholds the righteous.

The LORD knows the days of the blameless, and their inheritance will last forever.

In the time of evil they will not be ashamed, and in the days of famine they will be satisfied.

But the wicked and enemies of the LORD will perish like the glory of the fields. They will vanish; like smoke they will fade away.

The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous are gracious and giving.

Surely those He blesses will inherit the land, but the cursed will be destroyed.

Complementary (Track 2)

FIRST READING

Exodus 24:1-11

Verse 1. Then the LORD said to Moses, “Come up to the LORD — you and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and seventy of Israel’s elders — and you are to worship at a distance. Verse 2. Moses alone shall approach the LORD, but the others must not come near. And the people may not go up with him.” Verse 3. When Moses came and told the people all the words and ordinances of the LORD, they all responded with one voice: “All the words that the LORD has spoken, we will do.” Verse 4. And Moses wrote down all the words of the LORD. Early the next morning he got up and built an altar at the base of the mountain, along with twelve pillars for the twelve tribes of Israel. Verse 5. Then he sent out some young men of Israel, and they offered burnt offerings and sacrificed young bulls as peace offerings to the LORD. Verse 6. Moses took half of the blood and put it in bowls, and the other half he splattered on the altar. Verse 7. Then he took the Book of the Covenant and read it to the people, who replied, “All that the LORD has spoken we will do, and we will be obedient.” Verse 8. So Moses took the blood, splattered it on the people, and said, “This is the blood of the covenant that the LORD has made with you in accordance with all these words.” Verse 9. Then Moses went up with Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel, Verse 10. and they saw the God of Israel. Under His feet was a work like a pavement made of sapphire, as clear as the sky itself. Verse 11. But God did not lay His hand on the nobles of Israel; they saw Him, and they ate and drank.

PSALM

Psalm 111

Hallelujah! I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart in the council of the upright and in the assembly.

Great are the works of the LORD; they are pondered by all who delight in them.

Splendid and majestic is His work; His righteousness endures forever.

He has caused His wonders to be remembered; the LORD is gracious and compassionate.

He provides food for those who fear Him; He remembers His covenant forever.

He has shown His people the power of His works by giving them the inheritance of the nations.

The works of His hands are truth and justice; all His precepts are trustworthy.

They are upheld forever and ever, enacted in truth and uprightness.

He has sent redemption to His people; He has ordained His covenant forever; holy and awesome is His name.

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts gain rich understanding. His praise endures forever!

SECOND READING

Romans 15:22-33

Verse 22. That is why I have often been hindered from coming to you. Verse 23. But now that there are no further opportunities for me in these regions, and since I have longed for many years to visit you, Verse 24. I hope to see you on my way to Spain. And after I have enjoyed your company for a while, you can equip me for my journey. Verse 25. Now, however, I am on my way to Jerusalem to serve the saints there. Verse 26. For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem. Verse 27. They were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in their spiritual blessings, they are obligated to minister to them with material blessings. Verse 28. So after I have completed this service and have safely delivered this bounty to them, I will set off to Spain by way of you. Verse 29. I know that when I come to you, I will come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ. Verse 30. Now I urge you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me. Verse 31. Pray that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my service in Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints there, Verse 32. so that by God’s will I may come to you with joy and together with you be refreshed. Verse 33. The God of peace be with all of you. Amen.