Bishop McMannes' Blog - Sedona, Arizona

Today's Headlines for Morning Prayer (Friday in 1 Epiphany)

2012-01-13T06:15:00.000-07:00

First Lesson: Proverbs 3:27-35
One's duty to neighbour...

Second Lesson: Ephesians 3:14-21
Where Christ dwells - in your heart - and what that brings to the individual.

"Your Arms ARE Too Short!"

2012-01-12T06:25:00.001-07:00

Today's Headlines for Morning Prayer (Thursday in 1 Epiphany)

2012-01-12T06:21:00.000-07:00

First Lesson: Proverbs 3:13-20
Wisdom is "it"... giving length of days, pleasantness, peace and the whole ball of wax!

Second Lesson: Ephesians 3:1-13
What Paul gave to the Gentiles - the unsearchable riches of Christ.

Today's Headlines for Morning Prayer

2012-01-04T05:50:00.001-07:00

First Lesson: Isaiah 65:17-25
Good times are a'comin!

Second Lesson: 1 John 4
How to tell the difference between the worldly and the godly. God is love.

This week's new outreach video

2012-01-04T05:45:00.001-07:00

Today's feast Day: Holy Innocents

2011-12-28T10:55:00.002-07:00

Another new outreach video

2011-12-28T10:46:00.002-07:00

2012 ordo kalendars now available

2011-12-28T10:44:00.001-07:00

email your order via the above noted email

2011-12-12T08:44:00.002-07:00

Today's Headlines for Evening Prayer (Monday in 2 Advent)

2011-12-05T17:00:00.002-07:00

The First Lesson: Isaiah 9:8-17
Consequences of "doing your own thing."

Second Lesson: Revelation 11:15-19
The good/godly are blessed, the bad aren't.

Today's Headlines for Morning Prayer (Monday in 2 Advent)

2011-12-05T06:44:00.000-07:00

First Lesson: Isaiah 8:5-8, 11-20
Misplaced affections and consequences.

Second Lesson: Mark 2:23-3:6
The Pharisees nitpick.

Today's Headlines for Evening Prayer (Sunday in 2 Advent)

2011-12-04T17:00:00.004-07:00

First Lesson: Amos 3:1-8
You are special in God's eyes, and therefore there are things to be done and not done!

Second Lesson: 1 Thessalonians 2:1-13
We speak (and live) not as "men pleasers" but as God's people.

Today's Headlines for Morning Prayer (Sunday in 2 Advent)

2011-12-04T04:32:00.000-07:00

First Lesson: Isaiah 52:1-10
Wake up, and get to know the LORD!

Second Lesson: Luke 1:26-56
Gabriel and Mary. Mary and Elisabeth and the Magnificat!

Today's Headlines for Evening Prayer (Saturday in 1 Advent)

2011-12-03T17:00:00.001-07:00

First Lesson: Isaiah 7:10-20
A prelude to the Incarnation.

Second Lesson: Revelation 10
Regarding the "days of the voice of the 7th angel" and the "little book."

Today's Headlines for Morning Prayer (Saturday in 1 Advent)

2011-12-03T06:24:00.000-07:00

First Lesson: Isaiah 7:1-9
Davidic monarchy "threatened" by two "smoking firebrands.

Second Lesson: Mark 2:13-22
Levi (Matthew) called, eaten' with publicans and sinners, fasting, physicians, wine bottles and the "thickheadedness" of man when looking at Christ.

"Love: The Fulfilling of the Law" (11/27/11)

2011-12-01T07:10:00.004-07:00

Today's Headlines for Evening Prayer (Friday in 21 Trinity)

2011-11-18T17:00:00.002-07:00

First Lesson: Ecclesiastes 11
How to get along despite one's ignorance of the works of God.

Second Lesson: Matthew 23:25-39
More "woes" directed to the scribes and pharisees, and a lament over Jerusalem.

Today's Headlines for Morning Prayer (Friday in 21 Trinity)

2011-11-18T08:11:00.000-07:00

First Lesson: 2 Kings 9:30-37
Jezebel breathes her last.

Second Lesson: 2 Timothy 4:1-8
THE charge to all ministers of the gospel.

Today's Headlines for Evening Prayer (Thursday in 21 Trinity)

2011-11-17T17:00:00.002-07:00

First Lesson: Ecclesiastes 9:11-18
Time and chance happens to everyone. Wisdom's better than strength... but one sinner destroys much good.

Second Lesson: Matthew 23:13-23
"woes" unto the hypocritical scribes and Pharisees.

Today's Headlines for Morning Prayer (Thursday in 21 Trinity)

2011-11-17T05:23:00.000-07:00

First Lesson: 2 Kings 9:17-28
Jehu bumps off Jezebel's kid Joram and Ahaziah, kings of Israel and Judah, respectively.

Second Lesson: 2 Timothy 3
The last days described. Sin reigns and "silly women" led captive. What will happen to the godly followers of Jesus.

Today's Headlines for Evening Prayer (Wednesday in 21 Trinity)

2011-11-16T17:00:00.004-07:00

First Lesson: Ecclesiastes 8:12-9:1
The righteous and wise are in the hand of God.

Second Lesson: Matthew 23:1-12
Advice regarding the scribes and the Pharisees: do as they say, not as they do.

Today's Headlines for Morning Prayer (Wednesday in 21 Trinity)

2011-11-16T05:30:00.000-07:00

First Lesson: 2 Kings 9:1-6, 10b-16
Jehu anointed King of Israel - via Elisha's servant.

Second Lesson: 2 Timothy 2:14-26
unfruitful endeavors: profane & vain babblings, Hymenaeus & Philetus' words, iniquity, youthful lusts, gender strifes(!), foolish and unlearned questions.

Today's Headlines for Evening Prayer (Tuesday in 21 Trinity)

2011-11-15T17:00:00.001-07:00

First Lesson: Ecclesiastes 6:1-2, 7-12
Many things in life increase vanity.

Second Lesson: Matthew 22:34-46
What is the greatest commandment, and who is this Christ?

Today's Headlines for Morning Prayer (Tuesday in 21 Trinity)

2011-11-15T05:20:00.000-07:00

First Lesson: 2 Kings 6:15-23
Elisha prays God for help. The bands of Syria came no more to Israel.

Second Lesson: 2 Timothy 1:15-2:13
Two dullards: Phygellus and Hermogenes. More instruction to Timothy.

Today's Headlines for Evening Prayer (Monday in 21 Trinity)

2011-11-14T17:00:00.004-07:00

First Lesson: Ecclesiastes 5:8-20
What, specifically, a person loves defines him.

Second Lesson: Matthew 22:15-33
What is Caesar's and what is God's? In heaven, what about marriage?

Today's Headlines for Morning Prayer (Monday in 21 Trinity)

2011-11-14T10:22:00.001-07:00

First Lesson: 2 Kings 6:8-14
King of Syria wants to talk with Elisha.

Second Lesson: 2 Timothy 1:1-14
God's gives His people a spirit of power, not of fear.

Today's Headlines for Evening Prayer (Sunday in 21 Trinity)

2011-11-13T17:00:00.002-07:00

First Lesson: Genesis 15:1-6
Be cool, Abram. You're mine!

Second Lesson: Romans 4:1-8
Does God impute sin to those who "work not?"

Today's Headlines for Morning Prayer (Sunday in 21 Trinity)

2011-11-13T06:13:00.000-07:00

First Lesson: Isaiah 59:15b-21
A "foretaste" of the armour of God.

Second Lesson: 2 Corinthians 10:1-7, 17-18
"... though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh..."

Today's Headlines for Evening Prayer (Saturday in 20 Trinity)

2011-11-12T17:00:00.001-07:00

First Lesson: Ecclesiastes 5:1-7
Don't be a fool, and don't talk too much.

Second Lesson: Matthew 21:33-46
The parable of the householder, and the kingdom of God. Guess who He's talking about!

Today's Headlines for Morning Prayer (Saturday in 20 Trinity)

2011-11-12T05:23:00.000-07:00

First Lesson: 1 Kings 5:20-27
Gehazi dupes Naaman and lies to Elisha.

Second Lesson: 1 Timothy 6:12-21
Yeah, being faithful is tough.

Today's Headlines for Evening Prayer (Friday in 20 Trinity)

2011-11-11T17:00:00.001-07:00

First Lesson: Ecclesiastes 3:16-22
"God shall judge the righteous and the wicked."

Second Lesson: Matthew 21:17-32
"All things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive." Two ways of life = the two sons in the vineyard.

Today's Headlines for Morning Prayer (Friday in 20 Trinity)

2011-11-11T04:43:00.000-07:00

First Lesson: 2 Kings 5:9-19

Naaman goes to Elisha. Pride gets in the way... almost. "Now I know..."

Second Lesson: 1 Timothy 6:1-11

"The love of money is the root of all evil."

Today's Headlines for Evening Prayer (Thursday in 20 Trinity)

2011-11-10T17:00:00.002-07:00

First Lesson: Ecclesiastes 3:1-2, 915
To everything there is a season...

Second Lesson: Matthew 21:1-16
The entry into Jerusalem, cleansing of the temple and healings, priests and scribes "sore displeased."

Today's Headlines for Morning Prayer (Thursday in 20 Trinity)

2011-11-10T06:28:00.001-07:00

First Lesson: 2 Kings 5:1-8
Good guy Naaman's approach for healing.

Second Lesson: 1 Timothy 5:17-25
Regarding elders, showing preference, sins and good works.

Today's Headlines for Evening Prayer (Wednesday in 20 Trinity)

2011-11-09T17:00:00.003-07:00

The First Lesson: Ecclesiastes 2:18-26
Who gets your labour when you die. What God gives to a good man and to a sinner.

The Second Lesson: Matthew 20:17-34
Jesus tells his disciples what's coming down the road for Him, and He is asked a favor by the mother of James and John.

Today's Headlines for Morning Prayer (Wednesday in 20 Trinity)

2011-11-09T06:54:00.000-07:00

The First Lesson: 2 Kings 4:25b-37
Elisha raises up the Shunammite woman's son.

The Second Lesson: 1 Timothy 5:1-16
How to treat others... elders, younger folk, widows. Who takes care of whom.

Today's Headlines for Evening Prayer (Tuesday in 20 Trinity)

2011-11-08T17:00:00.003-07:00

First Lesson: Ecclesiastes 2:1-11
Worldly pursuits are "vanity and vexation of spirit"

Second Lesson: Matthew 20:1-16
Parable of the labourers in the vineyard. Last first; first last.

Today's Headlines for Morning Prayer (Tuesday in 20 Trinity)

2011-11-08T05:52:00.000-07:00

First Lesson: 2 Kings 4:18-25a
The woman's son dies, and she goes to fetch Elisha.

Second Lesson: 1 Timothy 4:6-16
Godly advice to a man of God.

Today's Headlines for Evening Prayer (Monday in 20 Trinity)

2011-11-07T17:00:00.003-07:00

The First Lesson: Ecclesiastes 1:2-11
"Vanity of vanities; all is vanity." Two weeks of readings from Ecclesiastes!

The Second Lesson: Matthew 19:16-30
The recipe for eternal life... for rich and poor.

Today's Headlines for Morning Prayer (Monday in 20 Trinity)

2011-11-07T06:49:00.000-07:00

The First Lesson: 2 Kings 4:8-17
God cares for Elisha and the Shunammite woman.

The Second Lesson: 1 Timothy 3:14-4:5
A magnificent description of the Incarnation in verse sixteen.

Today's Headlines for Evening Prayer (Sunday in 20 Trinity)

2011-11-06T17:00:00.002-07:00

The First Lesson: Jeremiah 31:31-37
A new covenant between God and Israel.

The Second Lesson: John 13:31-35
Jesus gives His disciples a new commandment.

Today's Headlines for Morning Prayer (Sunday in 20 Trinity)

2011-11-06T06:06:00.000-07:00

The First Lesson: Malachi 2:14-17
Malachi speaks of marriage.

The Second Lesson: Matthew 19:3-9a, 13-15
Jesus speaks of marriage.

Today's Headlines for Evening Prayer (Saturday in 19 Trinity)

2011-11-05T17:00:00.002-07:00

First Lesson: Job 42:1-9
Job speaks to God, and repents. God upbraids Eliphaz, Bildad and zophar. God accepts Job.

Second Lesson: Matthew 19:1-15
Pharisees tempt (test) Jesus via question about marriage. Children are brought to Jesus.

Today's Headlines for Morning Prayer (Saturday in 19 Trinity)

2011-11-05T05:03:00.000-07:00

First Lesson: 2 Kings 2:1-15
Elijah, Elisha and the whirlwind.

Second Lesson: 1 Timothy 3:1-13
Qualities of a bishop and deacon.

Today's Headlines for Evening Prayer (Friday in 19 Trinity)

2011-11-04T17:00:00.001-07:00

First Lesson: Job 39:19-30
The questioning, instruction continues.

Second Lesson: Matthew 18:15-35
How to deal with an "offender" and forgiving others.

Today's Headlines for Morning Prayer (Friday in 19 Trinity)

2011-11-04T12:21:00.000-07:00

First Lesson: 2 Kings 1:2-8, 17a
Elijah gives the news that Ahaziah will die... and he did.

Second Lesson: 1 Timothy 2:1-10
Pray for them all, and caution to both men and women.

Today's Headlines for Evening Prayer (Thursday in 19 Trinity)

2011-11-03T06:18:00.000-07:00

First Lesson: Job 38:31-38
The LORD's questioning, proclamations continue.

Second Lesson: Matthew 18:1-14
The greatest in the kingdom of heaven. The handless, footless, eyeless can "enter into life."

Today's Headlines for Morning Prayer (Thursday in 19 Trinity)

2011-11-03T06:11:00.000-07:00

First Lesson: 1 Kings 22:29-40
Jehoshaphat lives through the battle, Ahab dies, and his son Ahaziah reigns in his place.

Second Lesson: 1 Timothy 1:12-20
Why God had mercy on Paul, formerly "a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious."

Today's Headlines for Evening Prayer (Wednesday in 19 Trinity)

2011-11-02T17:00:00.002-07:00

First Lesson: Job 38:19-30
The LORD continues to speak "in the whirlwind." God "dumbfounds" his creation - man, who believes himself to be intellectually gifted.

Second Lesson: Matthew 17:14-27
Man with a lunatic son asks Jesus for help... the mustard seed... what's going to happen to "the Son of man."

All Souls Day

2011-11-02T06:33:00.000-07:00

Today is All Souls Day, the day we pray for those who have died and gone before us. Click on the title above, and you will be taken to a list of folk for which we offer our prayers this day. If you wish your Loved Ones to be added to the list, email me at AllSoulsPrayerRequest@episcopalnet.org, which is "embedded" at the end of the listing of Loved Ones.

Today's Headlines for Morning Prayer (Wednesday in 19 Trinity)

2011-11-02T06:03:00.000-07:00

First Lesson: 1 Kings 22:13-28
The prophet Micaiah speaks truthfully - victory forthcoming, but "someone" dies.

Second Lesson: 1 Timothy 1:1-11
Paul writes to Timothy with godly advice/admonition... regarding jangling, teaching, the true "end of the commandment," etcetera.

Today's Headlines for Evening Prayer (Tuesday in 19 Trinity)

2011-11-01T17:00:00.002-07:00

First Lesson: Job 38:1-11, 16-18
God speaks to Job out of the whirlwind.

Second Lesson: Matthew 17:1-13
The Transfiguration with Peter, James, John, Moses and Elias

Today's Headlines for Morning Prayer (Tuesday in 19 Trinity)

2011-11-01T06:29:00.000-07:00

First Lesson: 1 Kings 22:1-12
Ahab and Jehoshaphat align themselves, seek counsel from the prophets, and make ready for war.

Second Lesson: James 5:12-20
James encourages his readers to godliness rather than worldly.

VAN MORRISON - WHEN WILL I EVER LEARN TO LIVE IN GOD

2011-11-01T04:18:00.001-07:00

Today's Headlines for Evening Prayer (Monday in 19 Trinity)

2011-10-31T17:00:00.001-07:00

First Lesson: Job 28:12-28
The question for our time - where is wisdom found?

Second Lesson: Matthew 16:13-28
Savouring the things of God is, at times, both difficult and incomprehensible... as it was in this encounter between Jesus and Peter.

Preparing for the 20th Sunday after Trinity Mass and Worship (1928 BCP)

2011-10-31T06:49:00.000-07:00

Today's Headlines for Morning Prayer (Monday in 19 Trinity)

2011-10-31T05:45:00.000-07:00

First Lesson: 1 Kings 21:11-22
Jezebel does her deeds against Naboth, Elijah tells Ahab "what's up."

Second Lesson: James 4:13-5:11
Life is given by God's mercy. Complacency reaps emptiness. Endurance brings blessings... remember Job!

Today's Headlines for Evening Prayer (Sunday in 19 Trinity)

2011-10-30T17:00:00.002-07:00

The First Lesson: Jeremiah 5:7-19
More of what mankind does, and God's response... "Like as you have forsaken me... so shall you serve strangers in a land that is not yours."

Second Lesson: 2 Corinthians 13
The weakness and power of both Christ and his apostles/disciples. Reprobates, and how to live as a child of God.

Today's Headlines for Morning Prayer (Sunday in 19 Trinity)

2011-10-30T04:05:00.000-07:00

First Lesson: Job 24:1-17
How mankind sins, but why?

Second Lesson: Titus 2
How mankind ought to act.

Today's Headlines for Evening Prayer (Saturday in 18 Trinity)

2011-10-29T17:00:00.002-07:00

First Lesson: Job 25:2-6, 26:6-14
Bildad speaks again. Man's - a worm! - uncleanness. God's omnipotence and indifference.

Second Lesson: Matthew 16:1-12
Jesus speaks to the Pharisees and Sadducees, and then to His disciples... "the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees."

Correction to the Kindle edition of Daily Office Readings: Volume Two

2011-10-29T16:59:00.001-07:00

Oops! If you are using the Kindle edition of Daily Office Readings: Volume Two, tonight's lesson from Matthew 16 has a publication mistake.
The whole of verse 12 - the last verse in the reading - is this: "Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees."

Today's Headlines for Morning Prayer (Saturday in 18 Trinity)

2011-10-29T06:26:00.000-07:00

First Lesson: 1 Kings 21:1-10
Ahab and Naboth, and manipulative Jezebel's darkness.

Second Lesson: James 4:1-12
Why wars happen. The way to wholeness, happiness.

Today's Headlines for Evening Prayer (Friday in 18 Trinity)

2011-10-28T17:00:00.000-07:00

First Lesson: Job 24:1-4, 12-20
The foolishness of man's actions and the omniscience of God.

Second Lesson: Matthew 15:21-39
"The dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table." The feeding of the 4,000+ with 7 loaves and a "few little fishes."

Today's Headlines for Morning Prayer (Friday in 18 Trinity)

2011-10-28T05:58:00.000-07:00

First Lesson: 1 Kings 19:9-21
Elijah speaks with God. "A still small voice" heard on the mountain. Elijah finds Elisha.

Second Lesson: James 3
The tongue - good and bad.. unruly and poison.

"Emily" - by Bob Ravenscroft of the Inner Journeys Trio Plus One

2011-10-27T05:08:00.005-07:00

This is from last Sunday's Concert

Irving Berlin's "How Deep is the Ocean"

2011-10-26T03:41:00.000-07:00

Today's Headlines for Morning Prayer (Wednesday in 18 Trinity)

2011-10-26T03:24:00.000-07:00

First Lesson: 1 Kings 18:25-30, 36-46
God responds, Baal cannot.

Second Lesson: James 2:1-13
Rich man, poor man. God shows no partiality - we mustn't, either.

Today's Headlines for Evening Prayer (Tuesday in 18 Trinity)

2011-10-25T18:00:00.001-07:00

First Lesson: Job 14: 1-14
A grand and poetic statement on the human condition.

Second Lesson: Matthew 14:13-21
The compassion of Christ feeds five thousand plus people.

"Like Someone In Love" - from Sunday's Jazz at the Church

2011-10-25T14:18:00.002-07:00

Tomorrow's Video: "How Deep is the Ocean"

From a past Sedona Jazz at the Church concert

2011-10-25T05:40:00.000-07:00

Today's Headlines for Morning Prayer (Tuesday in 18 Trinity)

2011-10-25T05:23:00.001-07:00

First Lesson: 1 Kings 18:16-24
Elijah confronts the prophets of Baal, and gives them a challenge.

Second Lesson: James 1:22-27
Is it enough just to hear the word of God? Possessing true religion and being undefiled before God shows itself in certain actions...

Today's Headlines for Evening Prayer (Monday in 18 Trinity)

2011-10-24T18:00:00.001-07:00

First Lesson: Job 12:13-22
The ultimate authority and omnipotence of God.

Second Lesson: Matthew 13:53-14:12
"A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house."

Today's Headlines for Morning Prayer (Monday in 18 Trinity)

2011-10-24T05:24:00.000-07:00

First Lesson: 1 Kings 18:1-15
Elijah meets Obadiah, who tries to weasel out of Elijah's request.

Second Lesson: James 1:12-21
A lesson regarding goodness and temptation, filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness.

Today's Headlines for Evening Prayer (Sunday in 18 Trinity)

2011-10-23T16:00:00.002-07:00

First Lesson: Deuteronomy 11:18-21, 26-28, 32
How to be loyal to the commandments of the LORD your God. A blessing and a curse.

Second Lesson: Galatians 1:1-12
There is one gospel. If you hear another, beware!

What we're up to today... come join us!

2011-10-23T04:53:00.001-07:00

Today's Mass Propers - November 23, 2011

2011-10-23T04:23:00.001-07:00

Today's Headlines for Morning Prayer (Sunday in 18 Trinity)

2011-10-23T03:42:00.000-07:00

First Lesson: Proverbs 2:1-9
How to understand the fear of the Lord, the knowledge of God, righteousness, judgment, equity and every good path.

Second Lesson: Timothy 3:14-4:16
Things to do and not do - how to be a good minister of Jesus Christ.

Today's Headlines for Evening Prayer (Saturday in 17 Trinity)

2011-10-22T16:00:00.002-07:00

Slow down and find the eternal - God - in life today, or... life may be wasted, rather than fully embraced...

First Lesson: Job 12:1-10
Job responds to Zophar. The irony of life, the complexity of truth in the midst of the beauty/simplicity of nature.

Second Lesson: Matthew 13:31-35, 44-52
More signs of the presence of God in life... always! Getting to understand the kingdom of heaven through five parables - of the (1) mustard seed, (2) leaven, (3) Hidden treasure, (4) pearl, (5) net, and (6) householder.

Today's Headlines for Morning Prayer (Saturday in 17 Trinity)

2011-10-22T06:27:00.001-07:00

First Lesson: 1 Kings 17:17-24
The widow's son dies. Elijah prays to the LORD and the son lives again.

Second Lesson: James 1:1-12
The trying of your faith works patience. Pray God for wisdom faithfully, with no wavering. Doublemindedness makes for instability in all things. Being rich, in the temporal sense, is a fleeting thing.

Today's Headlines for Evening Prayer (Friday in 17 Trinity)

2011-10-21T17:00:00.001-07:00

First Lesson: Job 11:7-20
Zophar speaks for the first time. God sees vanity and wickedness, so clean yourself up, and THEN approach Him. There is hope, but the wicked has no escape.

Second Lesson: Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43
The parable of the Tares. In the end, the good seed and the tares will be separated, and put in their place. Another example of knowing the truth, but ignoring it? "Who hath ears to hear, let him hear."

Verde Independent Press on Soulscapes, Inner Journeys

2011-10-21T12:20:00.000-07:00

The Verde Independent Religion page for Friday has a great article about Sunday's visit from Music Serving the Word Ministries, along with a great picture of their group "Inner Journeys. Click the title above to read the article.

Then, think about who you'll bring to the concert, and email them the link to the article.

It promises to be a great day, both at the 11am Mass and the 3pm Concert, so don't let it go by without attending. You WILL be glad you did!

Today's Headlines for Morning Prayer (Friday in 17 Trinity)

2011-10-21T04:34:00.007-07:00

First Lesson: 1 Kings 17:1-16
The LORD takes care of His prophets/people in "hard times." Do what you are called to do, and God will do the rest. Elijah the Tishbite - the brook Cherith, the ravens, the widow, the barrel of meal, the oil.

Second Lesson: 2 Thessalonians 3:6-18
You become your friends. "Busybodies" isn't just a cute description of some folk, but a negative way of life. Have no company with such: rather, admonish as a brother.

Today's Headlines for Evening Prayer

2011-10-20T17:00:00.003-07:00

First Lesson: Job 10:1-9, 12-18.
Job's prayer... everyman's prayer... to God.

Second Lesson: Matthew 13:1-23
Jesus, teaching from a boat, speaks of the parable of the sower, and the "why" that some simply don't understand His teachings.

Daily Office Readings: Volume Two

Soulscapes, Inner Journeys "press" article in Kudos

2011-10-20T15:52:00.000-07:00

Here's the article published in Kudos, referring to the Sunday appearance of both Soulscapes and Inner Journeys at our parish. A good read for two great events! Click HERE.

Today's Headlines for Morning Prayer

2011-10-20T05:29:00.004-07:00

First Lesson: 1 Kings 16:29-34.
Ahab takes Jerobaom's place, and continues the evil, walking in the sins of Jeroboam, marrying the infamous Jezebel and provoking to anger the Lord God of Israel with his heinous life.

Second Lesson: 2 Thessalonians 2:13-3:5.
God gives salvation through "sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth." So, stand fast, hold the traditions, comfort your hearts, and pray for us, remembering that "the Lord is faithful... [and will] stablish ... and keep you from evil."

Daily Office Readings: Volume Two

(If you want to read the lessons, click "Today's Headings For Morning Prayer" above)

Today's Headlines for Evening Prayer

2011-10-19T17:04:00.004-07:00

First Reading: Job 5:8-18.
Elephaz speaks for the first time, not only suggesting that Job take his cause to God, but that the LORD will make things right, and that "happy is the man whom God correcteth..."

2nd Reading: Matthew 12:31-50.
All manner of sin shall be forgiven, save "blasphemy against the Holy Ghost." The evil speak and do evil out of the heart, the good speak and do good things out of the heart. Words both justify and condemn. As there was hope for the Ninevites when Jonah visited them, so, too, is repentance available via the Word of God.

Daily Office Readings: Volume Two

Today's Headlines for Morning Prayer

2011-10-19T05:55:00.001-07:00

Morning Prayer headlines...

1st reading: 1 Kings 12:25-33.
Jeroboam (1st King of the Northern Israelite kingdom of Israel after Solomon's death & the split of the united kingdom) made 2 golden calves as symbols of God, & encouraged his people to worship them instead of traveling to Jerusalem and Solomon's temple. They fell for it, perhaps because of the convenient proximity to their home? Who wants to go on a long trip, when a short one is available?

2nd reading: 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12.
Paul speaks of being deceived by others, who place themselves above God, and draw folk away from the truth and goodness. To be expected, "because they received not the love of the truth."

Daily Office Readings: Volume Two

Next Sunday's preparation video

2011-10-19T05:00:00.001-07:00

preparing for the 11th Sunday after Trinity

2011-08-30T15:12:00.002-07:00

Preparing for tomorrow - the 10th Sunday after Trinity

2011-08-27T04:59:00.002-07:00

Providence and Free Will Examined Sunday

2011-08-13T05:10:00.002-07:00

Sunday's masses at Saint Luke's Church include the music by the great masters of Christian Hymnody, the rich liturgy of the historic Anglican Church, and a sermon entitled "God's Providential Nature and Man's Free Will."

The two readings combine with the collect, or prayer, for the day, and form the basis for the sermon. In Romans Paul addresses life in the flesh and life in the Spirit, together with the Christian's calling to suffering for the sake of the faith.

Matthew's reading from the 7th chapter of the book adds the dimension of Jesus' warning about false prophets, together with a very clear warning, "Not everyone who says to me Lord, Lord shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father in heaven."

Hymns contained in the liturgy include J.S. Bach's "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring," George Duffield's "Stand Up, Stand Up For Jesus," and the John Day's Psalter hymn, "Lo! What a Cloud of Witnesses."

Sunday is also Food Ingathering, so be sure to be your offering to the Old Town Mission's endeavor!

From Saint François de Sales

2011-08-13T04:51:00.002-07:00

You can only give God what you have (LW II 18)

Posting the Daily Office Lessons on this blog

2011-07-19T11:12:00.002-07:00

Today is the last day that the daily office lessons will be posted on this blog. From here on, please use the Ordo Kalendar link to find each day's reading, as that is the most expedient way to access the daily readings. Alternatively, you may purchase a "hard copy" of the Daily Office readings which is offered HERE.

Morning Prayer Lessons (Tuesday in 4th Sunday after Trinity)

2011-07-19T05:40:00.001-07:00

Here's the morning Daily Office Lessons for today - Tuesday in the 4th Sunday after Trinity.

The First Lesson
Judges 16:4-14
4 And it came to pass afterward, that he loved a woman in the valley of Sorek, whose name was Delilah.
5 And the lords of the Philistines came up unto her, and said unto her, Entice him, and see wherein his great strength lieth, and by what means we may prevail against him, that we may bind him to afflict him: and we will give thee every one of us eleven hundred pieces of silver.
6 And Delilah said to Samson, Tell me, I pray thee, wherein thy great strength lieth, and wherewith thou mightest be bound to afflict thee.
7 And Samson said unto her, If they bind me with seven green withs that were never dried, then shall I be weak, and be as another man.
8 Then the lords of the Philistines brought up to her seven green withs which had not been dried, and she bound him with them.
9 Now there were men lying in wait, abiding with her in the chamber. And she said unto him, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And he brake the withs, as a thread of tow is broken when it toucheth the fire. So his strength was not known.
10 And Delilah said unto Samson, Behold, thou hast mocked me, and told me lies: now tell me, I pray thee, wherewith thou mightest be bound.
11 And he said unto her, If they bind me fast with new ropes that never were occupied, then shall I be weak, and be as another man.
12 Delilah therefore took new ropes, and bound him therewith, and said unto him, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And there were liers in wait abiding in the chamber. And he brake them from off his arms like a thread.
13 And Delilah said unto Samson, Hitherto thou hast mocked me, and told me lies: tell me wherewith thou mightest be bound. And he said unto her, If thou weavest the seven locks of my head with the web.
14 And she fastened it with the pin, and said unto him, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And he awaked out of his sleep, and went away with the pin of the beam, and with the web.

The Second Lesson
Luke 8:26-39
26 And they arrived at the country of the Gadarenes, which is over against Galilee.
27 And when he went forth to land, there met him out of the city a certain man, which had devils long time, and ware no clothes, neither abode in any house, but in the tombs.
28 When he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before him, and with a loud voice said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God most high? I beseech thee, torment me not.
29 (For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For oftentimes it had caught him: and he was kept bound with chains and in fetters; and he brake the bands, and was driven of the devil into the wilderness.)
30 And Jesus asked him, saying, What is thy name? And he said, Legion: because many devils were entered into him.
31 And they besought him that he would not command them to go out into the deep.
32 And there was there an herd of many swine feeding on the mountain: and they besought him that he would suffer them to enter into them. And he suffered them.
33 Then went the devils out of the man, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the lake, and were choked.
34 When they that fed them saw what was done, they fled, and went and told it in the city and in the country.
35 Then they went out to see what was done; and came to Jesus, and found the man, out of whom the devils were departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.
36 They also which saw it told them by what means he that was possessed of the devils was healed.
37 Then the whole multitude of the country of the Gadarenes round about besought him to depart from them; for they were taken with great fear: and he went up into the ship, and returned back again.
38 Now the man out of whom the devils were departed besought him that he might be with him: but Jesus sent him away, saying,
39 Return to thine own house, and show how great things God hath done unto thee. And he went his way, and published throughout the whole city how great things Jesus had done unto him.

Evening Prayer Lessons (Monday in 4th Sunday after Trinity)

2011-07-18T14:00:00.001-07:00

Here's the evening Daily Office Lessons for today - Monday in the 4th sunday after Trinity.

The First Lesson
1 Maccabees 1:41-53
41 Moreover king Antiochus wrote to his whole kingdom, that all should be one people,
42 And every one should leave his laws: so all the heathen agreed according to the commandment of the king.
43 Yea, many also of the Israelites consented to his religion, and sacrificed unto idols, and profaned the sabbath.
44 For the king had sent letters by messengers unto Jerusalem and the cities of Juda that they should follow the strange laws of the land,
45 And forbid burnt offerings, and sacrifice, and drink offerings, in the temple; and that they should profane the sabbaths and festival days:
46 And pollute the sanctuary and holy people:
47 Set up altars, and groves, and chapels of idols, and sacrifice swine's flesh, and unclean beasts:
48 That they should also leave their children uncircumcised, and make their souls abominable with all manner of uncleanness and profanation:
49 To the end they might forget the law, and change all the ordinances.
50 And whosoever would not do according to the commandment of the king, he said, he should die.
51 In the selfsame manner wrote he to his whole kingdom, and appointed overseers over all the people, commanding the cities of Juda to sacrifice, city by city.
52 Then many of the people were gathered unto them, to wit every one that forsook the law; and so they committed evils in the land;
53 And drove the Israelites into secret places, even wheresoever they could flee for succour.

The Second Lesson
Acts 15:36-16:5
36 And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do.
37 And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark.
38 But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.
39 And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus;
40 And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God.
41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.
1 Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek:
2 Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium.
3 Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek.
4 And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem.
5 And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily.

Morning Prayer Lessons (Monday in 4th Sunday after Trinity)

2011-07-18T00:01:00.001-07:00

Here's the morning Daily Office Lessons for today - Monday in the 4th Sunday after Trinity.

The First Lesson
Judges 13:2-14, 24
2 And there was a certain man of Zorah, of the family of the Danites, whose name was Manoah; and his wife was barren, and bare not.
3 And the angel of the LORD appeared unto the woman, and said unto her, Behold now, thou art barren, and bearest not: but thou shalt conceive, and bear a son.
4 Now therefore beware, I pray thee, and drink not wine nor strong drink, and eat not any unclean thing:
5 For, lo, thou shalt conceive, and bear a son; and no razor shall come on his head: for the child shall be a Nazarite unto God from the womb: and he shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines.
6 Then the woman came and told her husband, saying, A man of God came unto me, and his countenance was like the countenance of an angel of God, very terrible: but I asked him not whence he was, neither told he me his name:
7 But he said unto me, Behold, thou shalt conceive, and bear a son; and now drink no wine nor strong drink, neither eat any unclean thing: for the child shall be a Nazarite to God from the womb to the day of his death.
8 Then Manoah entreated the LORD, and said, O my Lord, let the man of God which thou didst send come again unto us, and teach us what we shall do unto the child that shall be born.
9 And God hearkened to the voice of Manoah; and the angel of God came again unto the woman as she sat in the field: but Manoah her husband was not with her.
10 And the woman made haste, and ran, and showed her husband, and said unto him, Behold, the man hath appeared unto me, that came unto me the other day.
11 And Manoah arose, and went after his wife, and came to the man, and said unto him, Art thou the man that spakest unto the woman? And he said, I am.
12 And Manoah said, Now let thy words come to pass. How shall we order the child, and how shall we do unto him?
13 And the angel of the LORD said unto Manoah, Of all that I said unto the woman let her beware.
14 She may not eat of any thing that cometh of the vine, neither let her drink wine or strong drink, nor eat any unclean thing: all that I commanded her let her observe.
24 And the woman bare a son, and called his name Samson: and the child grew, and the LORD blessed him.

The Second Lesson
Luke 8:16-25
16 No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but setteth it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light.
17 For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad.
18 Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have.
19 Then came to him his mother and his brethren, and could not come at him for the press.
20 And it was told him by certain which said, Thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to see thee.
21 And he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it.
22 Now it came to pass on a certain day, that he went into a ship with his disciples: and he said unto them, Let us go over unto the other side of the lake. And they launched forth.
23 But as they sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled with water, and were in jeopardy.
24 And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm.
25 And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him.

Evening Prayer Lessons (4th Sunday after Trinity)

2011-07-17T14:00:00.001-07:00

Here's the evening Daily Office Lessons for today - the 4th Sunday after Trinity.

The First Lesson
Isaiah 29:9-15
9 Stay yourselves, and wonder; cry ye out, and cry: they are drunken, but not with wine; they stagger, but not with strong drink.
10 For the LORD hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep, and hath closed your eyes: the prophets and your rulers, the seers hath he covered.
11 And the vision of all is become unto you as the words of a book that is sealed, which men deliver to one that is learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I cannot; for it is sealed:
12 And the book is delivered to him that is not learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I am not learned.
13 Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:
14 Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvellous work among this people, even a marvellous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid.
15 Woe unto them that seek deep to hide their counsel from the LORD, and their works are in the dark, and they say, Who seeth us? and who knoweth us?

The Second Lesson
Matthew 15:1-20
1 Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying,
2 Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread.
3 But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?
4 For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death.
5 But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me;
6 And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.
7 Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying,
8 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.
9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
10 And he called the multitude, and said unto them, Hear, and understand:
11 Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.
12 Then came his disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying?
13 But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up.
14 Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.
15 Then answered Peter and said unto him, Declare unto us this parable.
16 And Jesus said, Are ye also yet without understanding?
17 Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught?
18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.
19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:
20 These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.

Morning Prayer Lessons (4th Sunday after Trinity)

2011-07-17T00:01:00.001-07:00

Here's the morning Daily Office Lessons for today - the 4th Sunday after Trinity.

The First Lesson
Lamentations 3:22-33
22 It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
24 The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.
25 The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him.
26 It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.
27 It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth.
28 He sitteth alone and keepeth silence, because he hath borne it upon him.
29 He putteth his mouth in the dust; if so be there may be hope.
30 He giveth his cheek to him that smiteth him: he is filled full with reproach.
31 For the Lord will not cast off for ever:
32 But though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies.
33 For he doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men.

The Second Lesson
Matthew 10:24-39
24 The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord.
25 It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household?
26 Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known.
27 What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops.
28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
29 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.
30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
31 Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.
32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.
33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.
34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.
35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.
36 And a man's foes shall be they of his own household.
37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.
39 He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.

Evening Prayer Lessons (Saturday in 3rd Sunday after Trinity)

2011-07-16T14:00:00.002-07:00

Here's the evening Daily Office Lessons for today - Saturday in the 3rd Sunday after Trinity.

The First Lesson
1 Maccabees 1:1, 7-15
1 And it happened, after that Alexander son of Philip, the Macedonian, who came out of the land of Chettiim, had smitten Darius king of the Persians and Medes, that he reigned in his stead,
the first over Greece,
7 So Alexander reigned twelves years, and then died.
8 And his servants bare rule every one in his place.
9 And after his death they all put crowns upon themselves; so did their sons after them many years: and evils were multiplied in the earth.
10 And there came out of them a wicked root Antiochus surnamed Epiphanes, son of Antiochus the king, who had been an hostage at Rome, and he reigned in the hundred and thirty and seventh year of the kingdom of the Greeks.
11 In those days went there out of Israel wicked men, who persuaded many, saying, Let us go and make a covenant with the heathen that are round about us: for since we departed from them we have had much sorrow.
12 So this device pleased them well.
13 Then certain of the people were so forward herein, that they went to the king, who gave them licence to do after the ordinances of the heathen:
14 Whereupon they built a place of exercise at Jerusalem according to the customs of the heathen:
15 And made themselves uncircumcised, and forsook the holy covenant, and joined themselves to the heathen, and were sold to do mischief.

The Second Lesson
Acts 15:22-35
22 Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren:
23 And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia:
24 Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment:
25 It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,
26 Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
27 We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth.
28 For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;
29 That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.
30 So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle:
31 Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation.
32 And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them.
33 And after they had tarried there a space, they were let go in peace from the brethren unto the apostles.
34 Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still.
35 Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.

Morning Prayer Lessons (Saturday in 3rd Sunday after Trinity)

2011-07-16T00:01:00.001-07:00

Here's the morning Daily Office Lessons for today - Saturday in the 3rd Sunday after Trinity.

The First Lesson
Judges 10:17, 11:29-40
17 Then the children of Ammon were gathered together, and encamped in Gilead. And the children of Israel assembled themselves together, and encamped in Mizpeh.
29 Then the spirit of the LORD came upon Jephthah, and he passed over Gilead, and Manasseh, and passed over Mizpeh of Gilead, and from Mizpeh of Gilead he passed over unto the children of Ammon.
30 And Jephthah vowed a vow unto the LORD, and said, If thou shalt without fail deliver the children of Ammon into mine hands,
31 Then it shall be, that whatsoever cometh forth of the doors of my house to meet me, when I return in peace from the children of Ammon, shall surely be the LORD'S, and I will offer it up for a burnt offering.
32 So Jephthah passed over unto the children of Ammon to fight against them; and the LORD delivered them into his hands.
33 And he smote them from Aroer, even till thou come to Minnith, even twenty cities, and unto the plain of the vineyards, with a very great slaughter. Thus the children of Ammon were subdued before the children of Israel.
34 And Jephthah came to Mizpeh unto his house, and, behold, his daughter came out to meet him with timbrels and with dances: and she was his only child; beside her he had neither son nor daughter.
35 And it came to pass, when he saw her, that he rent his clothes, and said, Alas, my daughter! thou hast brought me very low, and thou art one of them that trouble me: for I have opened my mouth unto the LORD, and I cannot go back.
36 And she said unto him, My father, if thou hast opened thy mouth unto the LORD, do to me according to that which hath proceeded out of thy mouth; forasmuch as the LORD hath taken vengeance for thee of thine enemies, even of the children of Ammon.
37 And she said unto her father, Let this thing be done for me: let me alone two months, that I may go up and down upon the mountains, and bewail my virginity, I and my fellows.
38 And he said, Go. And he sent her away for two months: and she went with her companions, and bewailed her virginity upon the mountains.
39 And it came to pass at the end of two months, that she returned unto her father, who did with her according to his vow which he had vowed: and she knew no man. And it was a custom in Israel,
40 That the daughters of Israel went yearly to lament the daughter of Jephthah the Gileadite four days in a year.

The Second Lesson
Luke 8:1-15
1 And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and showing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him,
2 And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils,
3 And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance.
4 And when much people were gathered together, and were come to him out of every city, he spake by a parable:
5 A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it.
6 And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture.
7 And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it.
8 And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
9 And his disciples asked him, saying, What might this parable be?
10 And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.
11 Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.
12 Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.
13 They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.
14 And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.
15 But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.