Below is a summary of the scripture readings from this week. Take a moment to reflect upon what you read or catch up on any chapters you may have missed. Give thanks because the Lord of the Sabbath invites you to enter into his rest.
Collect
Almighty God, who after the creation of the world rested from all his works and sanctified a day of rest for all his creatures: Grant that we, putting away all earthly anxieties, may be duly prepared for the service of your sanctuary, and that our rest here upon earth may be a preparation for the eternal rest promised to your people in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (BCP 99)
Praying the Psalms
Psalm 25
In you, Lord my God, I put my trust.
Psalm 26
Vindicate me, Lord, for I have led a blameless life; I have trusted in the Lord and have not faltered.
Psalm 27
The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?
Psalm 28
To you, Lord, I call; you are my Rock, do not turn a deaf ear to me. For if you remain silent, I will be like those who go down to the pit.
Psalm 29
Ascribe to the Lord, you heavenly beings, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
Psalm 30
I will exalt you, Lord, for you lifted me out of the depths and did not let my enemies gloat over me.
Psalm 31
In you, Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness.
Psalm 32
Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.
Psalm 33
Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him.
Psalm 34
I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.
New Testament Reading
Matthew 14
At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the reports about Jesus,
Matthew 15
Then some Pharisees and teachers of the law came to Jesus from Jerusalem and asked,
Matthew 16
The Pharisees and Sadducees came to Jesus and tested him by asking him to show them a sign from heaven.
Matthew 17
After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves.
Matthew 18
At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”
Old Testament Reading
Genesis 14
At the time when Amraphel was king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Kedorlaomer king of Elam and Tidal king of Goyim,
Genesis 15
After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.”
Genesis 16
Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had borne him no children. But she had an Egyptian slave named Hagar;
Genesis 17
When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and said, “I am God Almighty; walk before me faithfully and be blameless."
Genesis 18
The Lord appeared to Abraham near the great trees of Mamre while he was sitting at the entrance to his tent in the heat of the day.
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For a handy guide to the devotional elements and an archive of past issues, visit redeemer.com/daily.
