Bible Society of South Africa

Season after Pentecost: Tenth Sunday after Pentecost

First reading and Psalm

Jacob Wrestles at Peniel

22That same night Jacob got up, took his two wives, his two concubines, and his eleven children, and crossed the River Jabbok. 23After he had sent them across, he also sent across all that he owned, 24but he stayed behind, alone.

Then a man came and wrestled with him until just before daybreak. 25When the man saw that he was not winning the struggle, he struck Jacob on the hip, and it was thrown out of joint. 26The man said, “Let me go; daylight is coming.”

“I won't, unless you bless me,” Jacob answered.

27“What is your name?” the man asked.

“Jacob,” he answered.

28The man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob. You have struggled with God and with men, and you have won; so your name will be Israel.”

29Jacob said, “Now tell me your name.”

But he answered, “Why do you want to know my name?” Then he blessed Jacob.

30Jacob said, “I have seen God face to face, and I am still alive”; so he named the place Peniel. 31The sun rose as Jacob was leaving Peniel, and he was limping because of his hip.

Genesis 32:22-31GNBOpen in Bible reader

The Prayer of an Innocent Person

1Listen, O LORD, to my plea for justice;

pay attention to my cry for help!

Listen to my honest prayer.

2You will judge in my favour,

because you know what is right.

3You know my heart.

You have come to me at night;

you have examined me completely

and found no evil desire in me.

4I speak no evil as others do;

I have obeyed your command

and have not followed paths of violence.

5I have always walked in your way

and have never strayed from it.

6I pray to you, O God, because you answer me;

so turn to me and listen to my words.

7Reveal your wonderful love and save me;

at your side I am safe from my enemies.

Psalms 17:1-7GNBOpen in Bible reader

15But I will see you, because I have done no wrong;

and when I awake, your presence will fill me with joy.

Psalms 17:15GNBOpen in Bible reader
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