Bible Society of South Africa

Season after Pentecost: Sixth Sunday after Pentecost

Alternate first reading and Psalm

13God did not invent death, and when living creatures die, it gives him no pleasure. 14He created everything so that it might continue to exist, and everything he created is wholesome and good. There is no deadly poison in it. No, death does not rule this world, 15for God's justice does not die.

Wisdom 1:13-15GNBOpen in Bible reader

23When God created us, he did not intend that we should die; he made us like himself. 24It was the Devil's jealousy that brought death into the world, and those who belong to the Devil are the ones who will die.

Wisdom 2:23-24GNBOpen in Bible reader

22The LORD's unfailing love and mercy still continue,

23Fresh as the morning, as sure as the sunrise.

24The LORD is all I have, and so I put my hope in him.

25The LORD is good to everyone who trusts in him,

26So it is best for us to wait in patience — to wait for him to save us —

27And it is best to learn this patience in our youth.

28When we suffer, we should sit alone in silent patience;

29We should bow in submission, for there may still be hope.

30Though beaten and insulted, we should accept it all.

31The Lord is merciful and will not reject us for ever.

32He may bring us sorrow, but his love for us is sure and strong.

33He takes no pleasure in causing us grief or pain.

Lamentations 3:22-33GNBOpen in Bible reader

A Prayer of Thanksgiving

1I praise you, LORD, because you have saved me

and kept my enemies from gloating over me.

2I cried to you for help, O LORD my God,

and you healed me;

3you kept me from the grave.

I was on my way to the depths below,

but you restored my life.

4Sing praise to the LORD,

all his faithful people!

Remember what the Holy One has done,

and give him thanks!

5His anger lasts only a moment,

his goodness for a lifetime.

Tears may flow in the night,

but joy comes in the morning.

6I felt secure and said to myself,

“I will never be defeated.”

7You were good to me, LORD;

you protected me like a mountain fortress.

But then you hid yourself from me,

and I was afraid.

8I called to you, LORD;

I begged for your help:

9“What will you gain from my death?

What profit from my going to the grave?

Are dead people able to praise you?

Can they proclaim your unfailing goodness?

10Hear me, LORD, and be merciful!

Help me, LORD!”

11You have changed my sadness into a joyful dance;

you have taken away my sorrow

and surrounded me with joy.

12So I will not be silent;

I will sing praise to you.

LORD, you are my God,

I will give you thanks for ever.

Psalms 30:1-12GNBOpen in Bible reader
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