Holy Saturday: Proverbs 8:1-8, 19-21;9:4b-6 - A new wisdom

During Holy Saturday, Readings and Responses will be posted on the hour from  7 am to 6 pm

Proverbs 8:1-8, 19-21;9:4b-6

^8:1   Does not wisdom call,and does not understanding raise her voice?²   On the heights, beside the way,at the crossroads she takes her stand;³   beside the gates in front of the town,at the entrance of the portals she cries out:⁴   “To you, O people, I call,and my cry is to all that live.⁵   O simple ones, learn prudence;acquire intelligence, you who lack it.⁶   Hear, for I will speak noble things,and from my lips will come what is right;⁷   for my mouth will utter truth;wickedness is an abomination to my lips.⁸   All the words of my mouth are righteous;there is nothing twisted or crooked in them.¹⁹  My fruit is better than gold, even fine gold,and my yield than choice silver.²⁰  I walk in the way of righteousness,along the paths of justice,²¹  endowing with wealth those who love me,and filling their treasuries.”^9:4b    To those without sense she says,⁵   “Come, eat of my breadand drink of the wine I have mixed.⁶   Lay aside immaturity, and live,and walk in the way of insight.”

• 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 19:1-14
  ¹   The heavens are telling the glory of God;and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.²   Day to day pours forth speech,and night to night declares knowledge.³   There is no speech, nor are there words;their voice is not heard;⁴   yet their voice goes out through all the earth,and their words to the end of the world.In the heavens he has set a tent for the sun,⁵   which comes out like a bridegroom from his wedding canopy,and like a strong man runs its course with joy.⁶   Its rising is from the end of the heavens,and its circuit to the end of them;and nothing is hidden from its heat.⁷   The law of the LORD is perfect,reviving the soul;the decrees of the LORD are sure,making wise the simple;⁸   the precepts of the LORD are right,rejoicing the heart;the commandment of the LORD is clear,enlightening the eyes;⁹   the fear of the LORD is pure,enduring for ever;the ordinances of the LORD are trueand righteous altogether.¹⁰  More to be desired are they than gold,even much fine gold;sweeter also than honey,and drippings of the honeycomb.¹¹  Moreover by them is your servant warned;in keeping them there is great reward.¹²  But who can detect their errors?Clear me from hidden faults.¹³  Keep back your servant also from the insolent;do not let them have dominion over me.Then I shall be blameless,and innocent of great transgression.¹⁴  Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heartbe acceptable to you,O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.
• 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)Proverbs 8:1-8, 19-21; 9:4b-6Psalm 19:1-14If 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