Bible Society of South Africa

Season after Pentecost: Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost

Alternate first reading and Psalm

9When you pray, I will answer you. When you call to me, I will respond.

“If you put an end to oppression, to every gesture of contempt, and to every evil word; 10if you give food to the hungry and satisfy those who are in need, then the darkness around you will turn to the brightness of noon. 11And I will always guide you and satisfy you with good things. I will keep you strong and well. You will be like a garden that has plenty of water, like a spring of water that never runs dry. 12Your people will rebuild what has long been in ruins, building again on the old foundations. You will be known as the people who rebuilt the walls, who restored the ruined houses.”

The Reward for Keeping the Sabbath

13The LORD says, “If you treat the Sabbath as sacred and do not pursue your own interests on that day; if you value my holy day and honour it by not travelling, working, or talking idly on that day, 14then you will find the joy that comes from serving me. I will make you honoured all over the world, and you will enjoy the land I gave to your ancestor, Jacob. I, the LORD, have spoken.”

Isaiah 58:9-14GNBOpen in Bible reader

The Love of God

1Praise the LORD, my soul!

All my being, praise his holy name!

2Praise the LORD, my soul,

and do not forget how kind he is.

3He forgives all my sins

and heals all my diseases.

4He keeps me from the grave

and blesses me with love and mercy.

5He fills my life with good things,

so that I stay young and strong like an eagle.

6The LORD judges in favour of the oppressed

and gives them their rights.

7He revealed his plans to Moses

and let the people of Israel see his mighty deeds.

8The LORD is merciful and loving,

slow to become angry and full of constant love.

Psalms 103:1-8GNBOpen in Bible reader
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