Prayer
Bless the Lord, whose name is to be praised,
Our Father who art in heaven,
who has given us his laws,
to show us the error of our ways,
Blessed is his son, Christ the Messiah,
who redeemed us from having broken them.
Blessed are you, O Holy Spirit,
who assists us in sinning no more,
and sustains us in the way of the Lord,
grant us wisdom and understanding this day.
Amen.
Old Testament Reading - A translator’s preface
THE PROLOGUE
Many great teachings have been given to us through the Law and the Prophets and the othersa that followed them, and for these we should praise Israel for instruction and wisdom. Now, those who read the scriptures must not only themselves understand them, but must also as lovers of learning be able through the spoken and written word to help the outsiders. So my grandfather Jesus, who had devoted himself especially to the reading of the Law and the Prophets and the other books of our ancestors, and had acquired considerable proficiency in them, was himself also led to write something pertaining to instruction and wisdom, so that by becoming familiar also with his bookb those who love learning might make even greater progress in living according to the law.
You are invited therefore to read it with goodwill and attention, and to be indulgent in cases where, despite our diligent labour in translating, we may seem to have rendered some phrases imperfectly. For what was originally expressed in Hebrew does not have exactly the same sense when translated into another language. Not only this book, but even the Law itself, the Prophecies, and the rest of the books differ not a little when read in the original.
When I came to Egypt in the thirty-eighth year of the reign of Euergetes and stayed for some time, I found opportunity for no little instruction.c It seemed highly necessary that I should myself devote some diligence and labour to the translation of this book. During that time I have applied my skill day and night to complete and publish the book for those living abroad who wished to gain learning and are disposed to live according to the law.
. . . . .Ecclesiasticus, prologue- Or other books
- Gk 'with these things'
- Other ancient authorities read I found a copy affording no little instruction
Intercession
Please pray for Israel
We pray for all people in their daily life and work;
For our families, friends, and neighbours
and for those who are alone.
For this community,
the nation,
and the world;
For all who work for justice, freedom, and peace.
Hear us, Lord;
For your mercy is great.
Amen.