Open Word

Semicontinuous (Track 1)

FIRST READING

1 Kings 20:35-43

Verse 35. Meanwhile, by the word of the LORD, one of the sons of the prophets said to his companion, “Strike me, please!” But the man refused to strike him. Verse 36. Then the prophet said to him, “Because you have not obeyed the voice of the LORD, as soon as you depart from me a lion will kill you.” And when he left, a lion found him and killed him. Verse 37. Then the prophet found another man and said, “Strike me, please!” So the man struck him and wounded him, Verse 38. and the prophet went and waited on the road for the king, disguising himself with a bandage over his eyes. Verse 39. As the king passed by, he cried out to the king: “Your servant had marched out into the middle of the battle, when suddenly a man came over with a captive and told me, ‘Guard this man! If he goes missing for any reason, your life will be exchanged for his life, or you will weigh out a talent of silver. ’ Verse 40. But while your servant was busy here and there, the man disappeared.” And the king of Israel said to him, “So shall your judgment be; you have pronounced it on yourself.” Verse 41. Then the prophet quickly removed the bandage from his eyes, and the king of Israel recognized him as one of the prophets. Verse 42. And the prophet said to the king, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Because you have let slip from your hand the man I had devoted to destruction, your life will be exchanged for his life, and your people for his people.’” Verse 43. Sullen and angry, the king of Israel went home to Samaria.

PSALM

Psalm 5:1-8

For the choirmaster, to be accompanied by flutes. A Psalm of David. Give ear to my words, O LORD; consider my groaning.

Attend to the sound of my cry, my King and my God, for to You I pray.

In the morning, O LORD, You hear my voice; at daybreak I lay my plea before You and wait in expectation.

For You are not a God who delights in wickedness; no evil can dwell with You.

The boastful cannot stand in Your presence; You hate all workers of iniquity.

You destroy those who tell lies; the LORD abhors the man of bloodshed and deceit.

But I will enter Your house by the abundance of Your loving devotion; in reverence I will bow down toward Your holy temple.

Lead me, O LORD, in Your righteousness because of my enemies; make straight Your way before me.

Complementary (Track 2)

FIRST READING

2 Samuel 18:28-19:8

Text not available in the Berean Standard Bible.

PSALM

Psalm 32

Of David. A Maskil. Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.

Blessed is the man whose iniquity the LORD does not count against him, in whose spirit there is no deceit.

When I kept silent, my bones became brittle from my groaning all day long.

For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was drained as in the summer heat.

Then I acknowledged my sin to You and did not hide my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,” and You forgave the guilt of my sin.

Therefore let all the godly pray to You while You may be found. Surely when great waters rise, they will not come near.

You are my hiding place. You protect me from trouble; You surround me with songs of deliverance.

I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will give you counsel and watch over you.

Do not be like the horse or mule, which have no understanding; they must be controlled with bit and bridle to make them come to you.

Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but loving devotion surrounds him who trusts in the LORD.

Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, O righteous ones; shout for joy, all you upright in heart.

SECOND READING

Luke 5:17-26

Verse 17. One day Jesus was teaching, and the Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there. People had come from Jerusalem and from every village of Galilee and Judea, and the power of the Lord was present for Him to heal the sick. Verse 18. Just then some men came carrying a paralyzed man on a mat. They tried to bring him inside to set him before Jesus, Verse 19. but they could not find a way through the crowd. So they went up on the roof and lowered him on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus. Verse 20. When Jesus saw their faith, He said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.” Verse 21. But the scribes and Pharisees began thinking to themselves, “Who is this man who speaks blasphemy? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” Verse 22. Knowing what they were thinking, Jesus replied, “Why are you thinking these things in your hearts? Verse 23. Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? Verse 24. But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on the earth to forgive sins…” He said to the paralytic, “I tell you, get up, pick up your mat, and go home.” Verse 25. And immediately the man stood up before them, took what he had been lying on, and went home glorifying God. Verse 26. Everyone was taken with amazement and glorified God. They were filled with awe and said, “We have seen remarkable things today.”