Scripture for Today

Scripture for Today

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Scripture for Today episodes

  • Gospel | Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 (with Nick Locke)

    Opening Song:

    The Sower’s Song by Andrew Peterson and Ben Shive

    Lyrics:

    Oh God
    I am furrowed like the field
    Torn open like the dirt
    And I know that to be healed
    That I must be broken first
    I am aching for the yield
    That you will harvest from this hurt
    Abide in me
    Let these branches bear you fruit
    Abide in me Lord
    As I abide in You
    So I kneel
    At the bright edge of the garden
    At the golden edge of dawn
    At the glowing edge of spring
    When the winter's edge is gone
    And I can see the color green
    I can hear the Sower's song
    Abide in me
    Let these branches bear Your fruit
    Abide in me Lord
    Let Your word take root
    Remove in me
    The branch that bears no fruit
    And move in me Lord
    As I abide in You
    As the rain and the snow fall
    Down from the sky
    And they don't return but they water the earth
    And bring they forth life
    Giving seed to the sower bread for the hunger
    So shall the word of the Lord
    Be with a sound like thunder
    And it will not return it will not return void
    We shall be led in peace and go out with joy
    And the hills before us will raise their voices
    And the trees of the field
    Will clap their hands as the land rejoices
    And instead of the thorn now the cypress towers
    And instead of the briar
    The myrtle blooms with a thousand flowers
    And it will make a name
    Make a name for our God
    A sign everlasting that will never be cut off
    As the earth brings forth sprouts from the seed
    What is sown in the garden grows into a mighty tree
    So the Lord plants justice justice and praise
    To rise before the nations till the end of days
    As the rain and the snow fall
    Down from the sky
    And they don't return but they water the earth
    And they bring forth life
    Giving seed to the sower and bread for the hunger
    So shall the word of the Lord
    Be with a sound like thunder
    And it will not return it will not return void
    It will not return it will not return void
    It will not return it will not return void
    We shall be led in peace
    And go out with joy
    And the sower leads us
    And the sower leads us
    And the sower leads us

    Passage:

    That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea. 2 And great crowds gathered about him, so that he got into a boat and sat down. And the whole crowd stood on the beach. 3 And he told them many things in parables, saying: “A sower went out to sow. 4 And as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured them. 5 Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and immediately they sprang up, since they had no depth of soil, 6 but when the sun rose they were scorched. And since they had no root, they withered away. 7 Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. 8 Other seeds fell on good soil and produced grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. 9 He who has ears,[a] let him hear.”

    18 “Hear then the parable of the sower: 19 When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is what was sown along the path. 20 As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, 21 yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away.[a] 22 As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. 23 As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.”

    Musical Reflection:

    Harp Meditation No. 2

    Reflection Notes:

    This modal meditation centers around an intervallic pattern in the right hand that is anchored by deep bass octaves in the left hand and occasional supportive harmonies. Though somewhat haunting, the melodic motif provokes reflection.

    Prayer:

    Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

    13 min
  • New Testament | Romans 8:18-25 (with Tom Gastil)

    Opening Song:

    Solid Rock by Daniel Stockton, Edward Mote, Latifah Alattas, and Reid Phillips

    Lyrics:

    My hope is built on nothing less
    Than Jesus' blood and righteousness
    I dare not trust the sweetest frame
    But wholly lean on Jesus' name

    On Christ the solid Rock I stand

    All other ground is sinking sand
    All other ground is sinking sand

    When darkness seems to hide His face

    I rest on His unchanging grace
    In ev’ry high and stormy gale
    My anchor holds within the veil

    His oath His covenant His blood

    Support me in the whelming flood
    When all around my soul gives way
    He then is all my hope and stay

    When He shall come with trumpet sound

    O may I then in Him be found
    Dressed in His righteousness alone
    Faultless to stand before the throne

    Passage:

    18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 19 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. 23 And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

    Musical Reflection:

    “Breathe on Me, Breath of God,” tune by Robert Jackson

    Reflection Notes:

    TRENTHAM is a tune by Robert Jackson, an English composer during the nineteenth century. It fits perfectly with the text for “Breath On Me, Breath of God,” by Edwin Hatch; each phrase is allotted ample space for reflection.

    Prayer:

    Father, what we know not, teach us; what we have not, give us; what we are not, make us; for the sake of your Son our Savior. Amen.
    -Old Anglican Prayer

    10 min
  • Psalm | Psalm 86 (with Nick Locke)

    Opening Song:

    Psalm 86 by Jennifer Somers and Tyler Somers

    Lyrics:

    O Lord my God incline Your ear
    And answer me for I am poor
    Preserve my life rescue this slave
    Who trusts in You O Lord my God

    O Lord my God show me Your Grace

    To you I cry all the day
    Make glad this soul Your servant save
    My soul I lift to You my God

    Teach me Your way and I will walk in Your truth

    Unite my heart that I may fear only You

    O Lord my God You are so good

    Quick to forgive and bountiful
    In loving kindness to everyone
    Who calls on You O Lord my God

    Teach me Your way and I will walk in Your truth

    Unite my heart that I may fear only You
    Only You only You

    O Lord my God I will give thanks

    With my whole heart and glorify
    Your name forever for You have saved
    My soul from Hell O Lord my God

    Teach me Your way and I will walk in Your truth

    Unite my heart that I may fear only You
    Teach me Your way and I will walk in Your truth
    Unite my heart that I may fear only You
    Only You only You only You

    Passage:

    Incline your ear, O Lord, and answer me,
    for I am poor and needy.
    2 Preserve my life, for I am godly;
    save your servant, who trusts in you—you are my God.
    3 Be gracious to me, O Lord,
    for to you do I cry all the day.
    4 Gladden the soul of your servant,
    for to you, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.
    5 For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving,
    abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you.
    6 Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer;
    listen to my plea for grace.
    7 In the day of my trouble I call upon you,
    for you answer me.

    8 There is none like you among the gods, O Lord,

    nor are there any works like yours.
    9 All the nations you have made shall come
    and worship before you, O Lord,
    and shall glorify your name.
    10 For you are great and do wondrous things;
    you alone are God.
    11 Teach me your way, O Lord,
    that I may walk in your truth;
    unite my heart to fear your name.
    12 I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart,
    and I will glorify your name forever.
    13 For great is your steadfast love toward me;
    you have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol.

    14 O God, insolent men have risen up against me;

    a band of ruthless men seeks my life,
    and they do not set you before them.
    15 But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious,
    slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.
    16 Turn to me and be gracious to me;
    give your strength to your servant,
    and save the son of your maidservant.
    17 Show me a sign of your favor,
    that those who hate me may see and be put to shame
    because you, Lord, have helped me and comforted me.

    Musical Reflection:

    O Lord, Hear My Prayer by Jacques Berthier

    Reflection Notes:

    This song from the Taizé community contains a series of pleas: “O Lord, hear my prayer, O Lord, hear my prayer; when I call, answer me.” The repeated notes emphasize the insistence of the sung prayer, while the descending lines indicate a deep, almost despairing desire to connect.

    Prayer:

    This is another day, O Lord. I know not what it will bring forth, but make me ready, Lord, for whatever it may be. If I am to stand up, help me to stand bravely. If I am to sit still, help me to sit quietly. If I am to lie low, help me to do it patiently. And if I am to do nothing, let me do it gallantly. Make these words more than words, and give me the Spirit of Jesus. Amen.

    11 min
  • New Testament | Romans 8:7-17 (with Nick Locke)

    Opening Song:

    Romans 8 by Daniel Martinez, Jami Garcia, Jonathan Osteen, Luis Garcia, and Tauren Wells

    Lyrics:

    From before time began
    You have held us within Your hands
    And even now we believe
    That Your love's still all we need
    To the end of the age
    God Your promise will never change
    And even here it rings true
    Every mountain bows to you

    There's no distance too great

    That could separate us from God
    There's no trial we face
    That could separate us from God
    Oh nothing can separate us from God

    You've been close through it all

    Making ways where there once stood walls
    And even now we know this truth
    You're working all things for our good

    He's walked with us through fire

    He's silenced every lie
    That's why we can depend
    On all His promises
    No power can deny
    Our savior Jesus Christ
    That's why we can depend
    On all His promises

    Passage:

    7 For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. 8 Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

    9 You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. 10 But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus[a] from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.

    Heirs with Christ

    12 So then, brothers,[b] we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons[c] of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

    Musical Reflection:

    Bless the Lord, My Soul by Jacques Berthier

    Reflection Notes:

    A contribution to the Taizé tradition, this tune by Berthier provides a reverent foundation for the text: “Bless the Lord, my soul, and bless God’s holy name. Bless the Lord, my soul, who leads me into life.”

    Prayer:

    Let your merciful ears, O Lord, be open to the prayers of your humble servants; and, that we may receive what we ask, teach us by your Holy Spirit to ask only those things that are pleasing to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the same Spirit lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.

    13 min
  • Psalm | Psalm 65 (with Nick Locke)

    Opening Song:

    Psalm 65 (Hope Has an Answer) by Kip Fox and Michael Middendorf

    Lyrics:

    God in Zion You have heard our prayer
    Blessed are your people far and near
    All you wounded weary and alone
    Look now our salvation is made known

    All of the questions that come in the night

    All of the hours we pray for the light
    Ev'ry longing that wakes with the morn
    Hope has an answer the Savior is born

    Through Him ev'ry mountain finds its peak

    Raging seas fall silent when He speaks
    All things come together by His hand
    Rivers flow and blessings fill these lands

    And on the farthest seas

    Tales of His awesome deeds
    Will bring the greatest powers to their knees

    Passage:

    Praise is due to you,[a] O God, in Zion,
    and to you shall vows be performed.
    2 O you who hear prayer,
    to you shall all flesh come.
    3 When iniquities prevail against me,
    you atone for our transgressions.
    4 Blessed is the one you choose and bring near,
    to dwell in your courts!
    We shall be satisfied with the goodness of your house,
    the holiness of your temple!

    5 By awesome deeds you answer us with righteousness,

    O God of our salvation,
    the hope of all the ends of the earth
    and of the farthest seas;
    6 the one who by his strength established the mountains,
    being girded with might;
    7 who stills the roaring of the seas,
    the roaring of their waves,
    the tumult of the peoples,
    8 so that those who dwell at the ends of the earth are in awe at your signs.
    You make the going out of the morning and the evening to shout for joy.

    9 You visit the earth and water it;[b]

    you greatly enrich it;
    the river of God is full of water;
    you provide their grain,
    for so you have prepared it.
    10 You water its furrows abundantly,
    settling its ridges,
    softening it with showers,
    and blessing its growth.
    11 You crown the year with your bounty;
    your wagon tracks overflow with abundance.
    12 The pastures of the wilderness overflow,
    the hills gird themselves with joy,
    13 the meadows clothe themselves with flocks,
    the valleys deck themselves with grain,
    they shout and sing together for joy.

    Musical Reflection:

    Piano Sonata No. 16 in C Major, K. 545: II. Andante by W. A. Mozart

    Reflection Notes:

    In true fashion for Mozart’s middle movements, this Andante blooms slowly with gentle and delicate notes; the melody ascends in joyful fashion at the most climactic points before settling back down with the satisfying left hand harmonies.

    Prayer:

    Lord, because your grace is undeserved I should be humble; because it is costly I should be holy and loving; because it is unconditional I should be at peace. O let your tender, loving grace cleanse me of all these sinful, wrongful frames of heart, and give me joy. Amen.
    -Tim Keller

    14 min
  • Old Testament | Isaiah 55 (with Tom Gastil)

    Opening Song:

    Isaiah 55 (Nothing You Can’t Do) by Katie Gustafson

    Lyrics:

    All who thirst come to the waters
    Leave your barren land
    Forget the past and look ahead
    Hear the words that satisfy
    That your soul may live
    Such faithful love He longs to give

    We will bless the Lord and we will be led forth

    There's nothing You can't do
    There's nothing You can't do O Lord
    We will sing Your praise
    On You we fix our gaze
    There's nothing You can't do
    There's nothing You can't do O Lord

    Run no more to dust and ashes

    Bring your heavy heart
    Come to the Table of the Lord
    Taste the goodness of His mercy
    The perfect One poured out
    Creation sings for Your renown

    All blessing all honour all glory Yours

    All power all wisdom for evermore
    All blessing all honour all glory Yours
    All power all wisdom for evermore for evermore

    Ending

    There's nothing You can't do O Lord
    There's nothing You can't do O Lord

    Passage:

    “Come, everyone who thirsts,
    come to the waters;
    and he who has no money,
    come, buy and eat!
    Come, buy wine and milk
    without money and without price.
    2 Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread,
    and your labor for that which does not satisfy?
    Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good,
    and delight yourselves in rich food.
    3 Incline your ear, and come to me;
    hear, that your soul may live;
    and I will make with you an everlasting covenant,
    my steadfast, sure love for David.
    4 Behold, I made him a witness to the peoples,
    a leader and commander for the peoples.
    5 Behold, you shall call a nation that you do not know,
    and a nation that did not know you shall run to you,
    because of the Lord your God, and of the Holy One of Israel,
    for he has glorified you.

    6 “Seek the Lord while he may be found;

    call upon him while he is near;
    7 let the wicked forsake his way,
    and the unrighteous man his thoughts;
    let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him,
    and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
    8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
    neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.
    9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
    so are my ways higher than your ways
    and my thoughts than your thoughts.

    10 “For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven

    and do not return there but water the earth,
    making it bring forth and sprout,
    giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater,
    11 so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth;
    it shall not return to me empty,
    but it shall accomplish that which I purpose,
    and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.

    12 “For you shall go out in joy

    and be led forth in peace;
    the mountains and the hills before you
    shall break forth into singing,
    and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.
    13 Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress;
    instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle;
    and it shall make a name for the Lord,
    an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.”

    Musical Reflection:

    “Amazing Grace,” Appalachian folk tune

    Reflection Notes:

    This beloved tune, formally known as NEW BRITAIN, originates from the folk music of Appalachia. The melody is simple and outlines triads, making it memorable; the ascending line creates a triumphant climax.

    Prayer:

    Father, what we know not, teach us; what we have not, give us; what we are not, make us; for the sake of your Son our Savior. Amen.
    -Old Anglican Prayer

    12 min
  • Gospel | Matthew 11:25-30 (with Nick Locke)

    Opening Song:

    Come to Me by David Baloche

    Lyrics:

    Come to me all who are weary and burdened
    Come to me all who are tired and loaded down
    Come to me all who toil and labor
    And I will give you rest

    When you lie down you will not be afraid

    When you lie down your sleep will be sweet
    When you lie down you will not be afraid
    When you lie down your sleep will be sweet

    Passage:

    25 At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and revealed them to infants. 26 Yes, Father, because this was your good pleasure. 27 All things have been entrusted to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son desires to reveal him.

    28 “Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

    (Matthew 11:25–30 CSB17)

    Musical Reflection:

    Jesus Loves Me by William B. Bradbury

    Reflection Notes:

    This sweet and familiar song was written in 1861 for the composer’s church school and has become a favorite because of the warm reminders associated with its text: “Jesus loves me, this I know.”

    Prayer:

    Father, Lord of heaven and earth, by whose gracious will the mysteries of the kingdom are revealed to the childlike, teach us humility of heart after the example of your Son, that in shouldering his yoke we may find refreshment and rest. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.

    11 min
  • New Testament | Romans 7:21-8:6 (with Jeff Sholar)

    Opening Song:

    I Love Your Word (Psalm 119) by Anne-Claire Cummings and Caroline Cobb Smith

    Lyrics:

    I love Your Word because it speaks of You
    Teach me oh Lord and guide me in Your truth

    Better than gold sweeter than honey to the taste

    It brings me life
    It’s my delight to seek Your face
    I love Your Word because I love You Lord

    I love Your Word because I long for You

    Come lift my gaze incline my heart to You

    Your law is my freedom

    My light when I’ve lost my way
    Like a treasure I will seek Your wisdom
    And my lips will pour out Your praise

    I love Your Word because I trust in You

    With my whole heart I want to follow You

    I love your Word because I love You Lord

    Passage:

    21 So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. 22 For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, 23 but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. 24 Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin.

    1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. 3 For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. 6 For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.

    (Romans 7:21–8:6 ESV)

    Musical Reflection:

    Piano Sonata No. 16 in C Major, K. 545: II. Andante by W. A. Mozart

    Reflection Notes:

    In true fashion for Mozart’s middle movements, this Andante blooms slowly with gentle and delicate notes; the melody ascends in joyful fashion at the most climactic points before settling back down with the satisfying left hand harmonies.

    Prayer:

    This is another day, O Lord. I know not what it will bring forth, but make me ready, Lord, for whatever it may be. If I am to stand up, help me to stand bravely. If I am to sit still, help me to sit quietly. If I am to lie low, help me to do it patiently. And if I am to do nothing, let me do it gallantly. Make these words more than words, and give me the Spirit of Jesus. Amen.

    12 min
  • Psalm | Psalm 145 (with Tom Gastil)

    Opening Song:

    Psalm 145 by Shane Barnard

    Lyrics:

    Great is the Lord
    So worthy of praise
    Great is the Lord

    One generation will

    Commend Your kingdom
    To one another
    They will speak of You
    And I will meditate
    On Your wonder

    And they they will speak

    Of Your glorious splendor
    Of Your majesty
    Everyday I'll praise Thee
    Forever and ever

    Everyday I will praise

    Everyday I will praise
    For You open Your hand
    And satisfy desires of all things
    My God the King

    The Lord is gracious

    And slow to anger
    He is rich in love
    He is good to all

    All who call on Him

    In truth He is near to them
    And He is Hears their cry
    And saves them He saves them

    For You open Your hand

    And satisfy desires of all things
    My God the King

    Lord You are gracious

    You are slow to anger
    Abounding in love
    You are good to us

    Passage:

    1 I will extol you, my God and King,
    and bless your name forever and ever.
    2 Every day I will bless you
    and praise your name forever and ever.
    3 Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised,
    and his greatness is unsearchable.

    4 One generation shall commend your works to another,

    and shall declare your mighty acts.
    5 On the glorious splendor of your majesty,
    and on your wondrous works, I will meditate.
    6 They shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds,
    and I will declare your greatness.
    7 They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness
    and shall sing aloud of your righteousness.

    8 The LORD is gracious and merciful,

    slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
    9 The LORD is good to all,
    and his mercy is over all that he has made.
    (Psalm 145:1–9 ESV)

    Musical Reflection:

    Harp meditation No. 1 by Gretchen Kirby

    Reflection Notes:

    A repetitive pattern in the left hand provides a meditative foundation while the right hand experiments with ascending lines. The tune is meant to be joyful and evoke delight.

    Prayer:

    Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name; your kingdom come; your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

    14 min
  • Old Testament | Zechariah 9:9-12 (with Bryan Zuetel)

    Opening Song:

    Daughters of Zion by Erin Rose, Isaac Wardell, and Paul Zach

    Lyrics:

    When will the truth come out
    When will Your justice roll down
    When will Your kingdom come and evil be undone
    When will the wicked kneel
    And the abused be healed
    When will our sisters speak
    With no more shame or fear

    (So) How long how long

    When will the daughters of Zion rejoice
    In the house of the Lord

    Out of the miry clay we will rise up someday

    Sorrow won't always last the dark will surely pass
    Woe to the wicked ones
    For what their hands have done
    God is our righteous judge
    And He will raise us up

    (So) let Your justice roll down

    (Let Your justice roll down)
    Let Your justice roll down
    (Let Your justice roll down)

    Passage:

    9 Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion!
    Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem!
    Behold, your king is coming to you;
    righteous and having salvation is he,
    humble and mounted on a donkey,
    on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
    10 I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim
    and the war horse from Jerusalem;
    and the battle bow shall be cut off,
    and he shall speak peace to the nations;
    his rule shall be from sea to sea,
    and from the River to the ends of the earth.
    11 As for you also, because of the blood of my covenant with you,
    I will set your prisoners free from the waterless pit.
    12 Return to your stronghold, O prisoners of hope;
    today I declare that I will restore to you double.
    (Zechariah 9:9–12 ESV)

    Musical Reflection:

    Prelude in C Major, BWV 846 by J.S. Bach

    Reflection Notes:

    Bach’s well-known prelude spins out a series of modulations, almost imperceptible at first. The new harmonies continually unfold in a way that intrigues but never shocks.

    Prayer:

    Father, what we know not, teach us; what we have not, give us; what we are not, make us; for the sake of your Son our Savior. Amen.
    -Old Anglican Prayer

    10 min

About Scripture for Today

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Start or close your day with Scripture for Today! The word of God is always applicable and guides us through the hopes and challenges of our daily lives. Explore the episodes found below of our…