Open Word

Semicontinuous (Track 1)

FIRST READING

Joel 2:12-22

Verse 12. “Yet even now,” declares the LORD, “return to Me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning.” Verse 13. So rend your hearts and not your garments, and return to the LORD your God. For He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion. And He relents from sending disaster. Verse 14. Who knows? He may turn and relent and leave a blessing behind Him — grain and drink offerings for the LORD your God. Verse 15. Blow the ram’s horn in Zion, consecrate a fast, proclaim a sacred assembly. Verse 16. Gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the aged, gather the children, even those nursing at the breast. Let the bridegroom leave his room, and the bride her chamber. Verse 17. Let the priests who minister before the LORD weep between the portico and the altar, saying, “Spare Your people, O LORD, and do not make Your heritage a reproach, an object of scorn among the nations. Why should they say among the peoples, ‘Where is their God?’” Verse 18. Then the LORD became jealous for His land, and He spared His people. Verse 19. And the LORD answered His people: “Behold, I will send you grain, new wine, and oil, and by them you will be satisfied. I will never again make you a reproach among the nations. Verse 20. The northern army I will drive away from you, banishing it to a barren and desolate land, its front ranks into the Eastern Sea, and its rear guard into the Western Sea. And its stench will rise; its foul odor will ascend. For He has done great things. Verse 21. Do not be afraid, O land; rejoice and be glad, for the LORD has done great things. Verse 22. Do not be afraid, O beasts of the field, for the open pastures have turned green, the trees bear their fruit, and the fig tree and vine yield their best.

PSALM

Psalm 65

For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. A song. Praise awaits You, O God, in Zion; to You our vows will be fulfilled.

O You who listen to prayer, all people will come to You.

When iniquities prevail against me, You atone for our transgressions.

Blessed is the one You choose and bring near to dwell in Your courts! We are filled with the goodness of Your house, the holiness of Your temple.

With awesome deeds of righteousness You answer us, O God of our salvation, the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas.

You formed the mountains by Your power, having girded Yourself with might.

You stilled the roaring of the seas, the pounding of their waves, and the tumult of the nations.

Those who live far away fear Your wonders; You make the dawn and sunset shout for joy.

You attend to the earth and water it; with abundance You enrich it. The streams of God are full of water, for You prepare our grain by providing for the earth.

You soak its furrows and level its ridges; You soften it with showers and bless its growth.

You crown the year with Your bounty, and Your paths overflow with plenty.

The pastures of the wilderness overflow; the hills are robed with joy.

The pastures are clothed with flocks, and the valleys are decked with grain. They shout in triumph; indeed, they sing.

Complementary (Track 2)

FIRST READING

Jeremiah 14:1-6

Verse 1. This is the word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah concerning the drought: Verse 2. “Judah mourns and her gates languish. Her people wail for the land, and a cry goes up from Jerusalem. Verse 3. The nobles send their servants for water; they go to the cisterns, but find no water; their jars return empty. They are ashamed and humiliated; they cover their heads. Verse 4. The ground is cracked because no rain has fallen on the land. The farmers are ashamed; they cover their heads. Verse 5. Even the doe in the field deserts her newborn fawn because there is no grass. Verse 6. Wild donkeys stand on barren heights; they pant for air like jackals; their eyes fail for lack of pasture.”

PSALM

Psalm 84:1-7

For the choirmaster. According to Gittith. A Psalm of the sons of Korah. How lovely is Your dwelling place, O LORD of Hosts!

My soul longs, even faints, for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.

Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she places her young near Your altars, O LORD of Hosts, my King and my God.

How blessed are those who dwell in Your house! They are ever praising You.

Blessed are those whose strength is in You, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.

As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs; even the autumn rain covers it with pools.

They go from strength to strength, until each appears before God in Zion.

SECOND READING

Luke 1:46-55

Verse 46. Then Mary said: “My soul magnifies the Lord, Verse 47. and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! Verse 48. For He has looked with favor on the humble state of His servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed. Verse 49. For the Mighty One has done great things for me. Holy is His name. Verse 50. His mercy extends to those who fear Him, from generation to generation. Verse 51. He has performed mighty deeds with His arm; He has scattered those who are proud in the thoughts of their hearts. Verse 52. He has brought down rulers from their thrones, but has exalted the humble. Verse 53. He has filled the hungry with good things, but has sent the rich away empty. Verse 54. He has helped His servant Israel, remembering to be merciful, Verse 55. as He promised to our fathers, to Abraham and his descendants forever.”