Opening Prayer
Blessed Lord, who hast caused all Holy Scriptures to be written for our learning; grant that we may in wisdom hear, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that by patience and the comfort of thy holy Word, we may embrace and ever hold fast to the blessed hope of everlasting life, which thou hast given us in our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
BCP 1549
TEXT
John 12:37-43 NKJV
But although He had done so many signs before them, they did not believe in Him, that the word of Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spoke:
“Lord, who has believed our report?
And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?”
Therefore they could not believe, because Isaiah said again:
“He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts,
Lest they should see with their eyes,
Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn,
So that I should heal them.”
These things Isaiah said which he saw His glory and spoke of Him.
Read
May your Spirit guide our minds,
May its lethargy be healed,
May our minds be set free to find
Christ in everything revealed.
Spirit stimulate our souls,
Lift its listless muscle-tone,
With our souls in your control,
Christ in everything is known.
May your spirit melt our hearts,
Cold as ice and hard as steel;
Warm our hearts till by your art
Christ in everything we feel.
Amen.
—Johann Freylinghausen, 1670-1739