Psalm 17
1 Hear my just cause, O Lord; consider my complaint; ♦
listen to my prayer, which comes not from lying lips.
2 Let my vindication come forth from your presence; ♦
let your eyes behold what is right.
3 Weigh my heart, examine me by night, ♦
refine me, and you will find no impurity in me.
4 My mouth does not trespass for earthly rewards; ♦
I have heeded the words of your lips.
5 My footsteps hold fast in the ways of your commandments; ♦
my feet have not stumbled in your paths.
6 I call upon you, O God, for you will answer me; ♦
incline your ear to me, and listen to my words.
7 Show me your marvellous loving-kindness, ♦
O Saviour of those who take refuge at your right hand
from those who rise up against them.
15 Whose bellies you fill with your treasure, ♦
who are well supplied with children
and leave their wealth to their little ones.
Romans 9:1-5
I am speaking the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience confirms it by the Holy Spirit— I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my own people, my kindred according to the flesh. They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises; to them belong the patriarchs, and from them, according to the flesh, comes the Messiah, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen.
