November 17, 2022 :: Evening Prayer
Thursday after the Twenty-second Sunday after Trinity
Here beginneth the 48th chapter of Sirach.
Then stood up Elias the prophet as fire, and his word burned like a lamp.
He brought a sore famine upon them, and by his zeal he diminished their number.
By the word of the Lord he shut up the heaven, and also three times brought down fire.
O Elias, how wast thou honoured in thy wondrous deeds! and who may glory like unto thee!
Who didst raise up a dead man from death, and his soul from the place of the dead, by the word of the most High:
Who broughtest kings to destruction, and honourable men from their bed:
Who heardest the rebuke of the Lord in Sinai, and in Horeb the judgment of vengeance:
Who anointedst kings to take revenge, and prophets to succeed after him:
Who wast taken up in a whirlwind of fire, and in a chariot of fiery horses:
Who wast ordained for reproofs in their times, to pacify the wrath of the Lord's judgment, before it brake forth into fury, and to turn the heart of the father unto the son, and to restore the tribes of Jacob.
Blessed are they that saw thee, and slept in love; for we shall surely live.
Elias it was, who was covered with a whirlwind: and Eliseus was filled with his spirit: whilst he lived, he was not moved with the presence of any prince, neither could any bring him into subjection.
No word could overcome him; and after his death his body prophesied.
He did wonders in his life, and at his death were his works marvellous.
For all this the people repented not, neither departed they from their sins, till they were spoiled and carried out of their land, and were scattered through all the earth: yet there remained a small people, and a ruler in the house of David:
Of whom some did that which was pleasing to God, and some multiplied sins.
Ezekias fortified his city, and brought in water into the midst thereof: he digged the hard rock with iron, and made wells for waters.
In his time Sennacherib came up, and sent Rabsaces, and lifted up his hand against Sion, and boasted proudly.
Then trembled their hearts and hands, and they were in pain, as women in travail.
But they called upon the Lord which is merciful, and stretched out their hands toward him: and immediately the Holy One heard them out of heaven, and delivered them by the ministry of Esay.
He smote the host of the Assyrians, and his angel destroyed them.
For Ezekias had done the thing that pleased the Lord, and was strong in the ways of David his father, as Esay the prophet, who was great and faithful in his vision, had commanded him.
In his time the sun went backward, and he lengthened the king's life.
He saw by an excellent spirit what should come to pass at the last, and he comforted them that mourned in Sion.
He shewed what should come to pass for ever, and secret things or ever they came.
Here endeth the first lesson.
Here beginneth the 6th chapter of 1 Timothy.
Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed.
And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.
If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;
He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,
Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
But godliness with contentment is great gain.
For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession;
That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:
Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;
Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.
Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;
That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:
Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen.