Introduction to the Word for Worship
And they were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them. And they were amazed, and those who followed were afraid. (Mark 10:32a, ESV)
Let us learn to pray for humility, when we read texts like this. It is not enough to begin well. We must persevere, and go on, and continue in well-doing. We must not be content with the fair blossoms of a few religious convictions and joys, and sorrows, and hopes, and fears. We must bear the good fruit of settled habits of repentance, faith, and holiness. Happy is he who counts the cost, and resolves, having once begun to walk in the narrow way, by God's grace, never to turn aside.
-Bishop J.C. Ryle, Expository Thoughts on the Gospels
The Collect of the Day
Set us free, loving Father, from the bondage of our sins, and in your goodness and mercy give us the liberty of that abundant life which you have made known to us in our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
The Word:
(Click on the links below to read Sunday's passages)
First Reading: Hebrews 4:12-16
Psalm 90 (posted below the Playlist)
Gospel Reading: Mark 10:35-45
A downloadable Home Liturgy with Spiritual Communion follows the Psalm
(click below on the Spotify Playlist to listen)
Psalm 91
1 Whoever dwells under the defense of the Most High *
shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say unto the Lord, “You are my refuge and my stronghold, *
my God in whom I will trust.”
3 For he shall deliver you from the snare of the hunter *
and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He shall defend you under his wings,
and you shall be safe under his feathers; *
his faithfulness and truth shall be your shield and buckler.
5 You shall not be afraid of any terror by night, *
nor of the arrow that flies by day,
6 Of the pestilence that walks in darkness, *
nor of the sickness that destroys at noonday.
7 A thousand shall fall beside you,
and ten thousand at your right hand, *
but it shall not come near you.
8 Indeed, with your eyes you shall behold *
and see the reward of the ungodly.
9 Because you have said, “The Lord is my refuge,” *
and have made the Most High your stronghold,
10 There shall no evil happen to you, *
neither shall any plague come near your dwelling.
11 For he shall give his angels charge over you, *
to keep you in all your ways.
12 They shall bear you in their hands, *
that you hurt not your foot against a stone.
13 You shall tread upon the lion and adder; *
the young lion and the serpent you shall trample
under your feet.
14 “Because he has set his love upon me,
therefore I will deliver him; *
I will lift him up, because he has known my Name.
15 He shall call upon me, and I will hear him; *
indeed, I am with him in trouble;
I will deliver him and bring him honor.
16 With long life I will satisfy him, *
and show him my salvation.”
(from the New Coverdale Psalter as found in the 2019 Book of Common Prayer)
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