Friday in Easter — Open Word

FIRST READING

Isaiah 44:1-4

Verse 1. But now listen, O Jacob My servant, Israel, whom I have chosen. Verse 2. This is the word of the LORD, your Maker, who formed you from the womb and who will help you: “Do not be afraid, O Jacob My servant, Jeshurun, whom I have chosen. Verse 3. For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and currents on the dry ground. I will pour out My Spirit on your descendants, and My blessing on your offspring. Verse 4. They will sprout among the grass like willows by flowing streams.

PSALM

Psalm 104:24-34, 35b

How many are Your works, O LORD! In wisdom You have made them all; the earth is full of Your creatures.

Here is the sea, vast and wide, teeming with creatures beyond number, living things both great and small.

There the ships pass, and Leviathan, which You formed to frolic there.

All creatures look to You to give them their food in due season.

When You give it to them, they gather it up; when You open Your hand, they are satisfied with good things.

When You hide Your face, they are terrified; when You take away their breath, they die and return to dust.

When You send Your Spirit, they are created, and You renew the face of the earth.

May the glory of the LORD endure forever; may the LORD rejoice in His works.

He looks on the earth, and it trembles; He touches the mountains, and they smolder.

I will sing to the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.

May my meditation be pleasing to Him, for I rejoice in the LORD.

Bless the LORD, O my soul. Hallelujah!

SECOND READING

Galatians 6:7-10

Verse 7. Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return. Verse 8. The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Verse 9. Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Verse 10. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the family of faith.