Holy Saturday: Genesis 1:1-2:4a - A new king
During Holy Saturday, Readings and Responses will be posted on the hour from 7 am to 6 pm
Zephaniah 3:14-20
14 Sing aloud, O daughter Zion;shout, O Israel!Rejoice and exult with all your heart,O daughter Jerusalem!15 The LORD has taken away the judgments against you,he has turned away your enemies.The king of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst;you shall fear disaster no more.16 On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem:Do not fear, O Zion;do not let your hands grow weak.17 The LORD, your God, is in your midst,a warrior who gives victory;he will rejoice over you with gladness,he will renew you in his love;he will exult over you with loud singing18 as on a day of festival.I will remove disaster from you,so that you will not bear reproach for it.19 I will deal with all your oppressorsat that time.And I will save the lameand gather the outcast,and I will change their shame into praiseand renown in all the earth.20 At that time I will bring you home,at the time when I gather you;for I will make you renowned and praisedamong all the peoples of the earth,when I restore your fortunesbefore your eyes, says the LORD.
- Light a candle to remember Christ’s presence with you.
- Sit five to fifteen minutes in silence bringing your attention to the Breath.
- Respond with Psalm 98:1-9
1 O sing to the LORD a new song,for he has done marvelous things.His right hand and his holy armhave gained him victory.2 The LORD has made known his victory;he has revealed his vindication in the sight of the nations.3 He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulnessto the house of Israel.All the ends of the earth have seenthe victory of our God.4 Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth;break forth into joyous song and sing praises.5 Sing praises to the LORD with the lyre,with the lyre and the sound of melody.6 With trumpets and the sound of the hornmake a joyful noise before the King, the LORD.7 Let the sea roar, and all that fills it;the world and those who live in it.8 Let the floods clap their hands;let the hills sing together for joy9 at the presence of the LORD, for he is comingto judge the earth.He will judge the world with righteousness,and the peoples with equity.
- It is a day to remember there is always hope.
- Listen for hope today.
- What is your message from God?
- Give thanks to God for this time in prayer and for any new insights you have received.
- Share as you feel led in the reply box below.
Revised Common Lectionary Readings for Saturday, April 15, 2017, the Great Vigil of Easter (Year A)Zephaniah 3:14-20Psalm 98:1-9If you use these prayers in other groups, please give credit to author. Permission to use in not-for-profit settings (c) 2017 The Rev. Lil Smith, M.Div., DASD
