Holy Saturday: Sixth Reading Proverbs 8:1-8, 19-21;9:4B-6
Sixth Reading 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 bread
and drink of the wine I have mixed.
6 Lay aside immaturity, and live,
and walk in the way of insight.”
- Sit in the tomb with Jesus.
- Embrace this time of grief and loss.
- Remember the hope of faithfulness.
- Receive God's presence.
Response 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 true
and 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 heart
be acceptable to you,
O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.
Revised Common Lectionary Readings for Saturday, March 30, 2024, the Great Vigil of Easter (Year B)
First Reading Genesis 1:1-2:4A
Response Psalm 136:1-9, 23-26
Second Reading Genesis 7:1-5, 11-18; 8:6-18; 9:8-13
Response Psalm 46:1-11
Third Reading Genesis 22:1-18
Response Psalm16:1-11
Fourth Reading Exodus 14:10-31; 15:20-21
Response Exodus 15:1B-13, 17-18
Fifth Reading Isaiah 55:1-11
Response Isaiah 12:2-6
Sixth Reading Proverbs 8:1-8, 19-21;9:4B-6
Response Psalm 19:1-14
Seventh Reading Ezekiel 36:24-28
Response Psalm 42:1-11 AND 43:1-5
Eighth Reading Ezekiel 37:1-14
Response Psalm 143:1-12
Ninth Reading Zephaniah 3:14-20
Response Psalm 98:1-9
Tenth Reading Romans 6:3-11
Response Psalm 114:1-8
Gospel Mark 16:1-8
If you use these prayers in other groups, please give credit to author. Permission to use in not-for-profit settings. (c) 2024 The Rev. Dr. Lil Smith, DASD
Rev. Dr. Lil Smith is a trained spiritual director, supervisor, and co-founder of Retreat House Spirituality Center in Richardson, TX. Upon completion of her spiritual direction certification, Lil began Praying the Lectionary in 2011 as a spiritual practice for her morning prayer time. Instead of reading about someone else’s experience of God, it was important for her to create a prayer practice that would encourage felt sense experience of the Holy emerging from within. It dawned on her others might enjoy the practice, as well. So she began to share them on this site.
As you experience the practice of Praying the Lectionary, adopt a loving, caring, and compassionate stance. If the end of your prayer and meditation time is not pointing to love and hope, there is more work to do. Keep wrestling. God is faithful to your journey. Love and hope will emerge. Be gentle with yourself and befriend any judgment that arises in you.
