Please see How to Use Lection Connection.
Full lections can be read here.
Based on the Readings as Set
First Reading (Genesis 29:15-28)
Jacob agrees to work seven years for his uncle Laban in order to marry his beautiful daughter Rachel. He loves Rachel, but Laban tricks him into marrying his older daughter Leah, and then agrees to let him have Rachel after seven more years of servitude.
Psalm (105:1-11, 45b)
The Psalmist exhorts Israel to live continuously in the presence of the Lord, giving thanks and praise among the nations, while seeking his strength. Remembering what he has done in the past they are to be ever mindful of his eternal covenant with the Patriarchs.
OR
Alternative Psalm for these Readings (128)
The Psalmist promises a productive life, especially in terms of a flourishing family, for those who walk with the Lord. This is expressed as the provision of many children and a life long enough to see them have children of their own.
Second Reading (Romans 8:26-39)
Paul teaches that the Holy Spirit is active even in weak, inarticulate prayer. He points out that with God on the side of those he calls, things will work out for good in spite of current afflictions. Not even death can separate us from his great love in Christ Jesus.
Gospel (Matthew 13:31-33; 44-52)
Jesus outlines aspects of the Kingdom of God in simple parables: like a seed, it will begin tiny and end up huge; like yeast, it will permeate everything; like found treasure, it is worth our all; like a net, it will ensnare many, but the evil will be cast out at the end.
CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS
- The infinitely valuable blessings of living with and for the Lord are beyond cost
- The value of family, including the family of God (Alternative Psalm)
- The importance of prayer and praise (Psalm as Set)
- The unfailing purposes of God
- The difference between the end and the beginning of God’s work
Scripture Sentence (BAS, Canada)
Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. John 6.68
Collect of the Day (BAS, Canada)
O God,
the protector of all who trust in you,
without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy, increase and multiply upon us your mercy,
that with you as our ruler and guide,
we may so pass through things temporal,
that we lose not the things eternal;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. AMEN
Based on the Alternate Readings
First Reading (I Kings 3:5-12)
When the Lord appears to Solomon, son of David, he wisely asks for understanding in order to govern Israel. Pleased, the Lord grants him his request and also blesses him with long life, victory over his enemies and a ranking over all other rulers in history.
Psalm (119:129-136)
The Psalmist extols the wonders of God’s laws that give understanding to the simple. Expressions of his grace, they keep us on the path towards the Lord and away from evil. The Psalmist begs to know and follow them, and he mourns when they are broken.
Second Reading (Romans 8:26-39)
Paul teaches that the Holy Spirit is active even in weak, inarticulate prayer. He points out that with God on the side of those he calls, things will work out for good in spite of current afflictions. Not even death can separate us from his great love in Christ Jesus.
Gospel (Matthew 13:31-33; 44-52)
Jesus outlines aspects of the Kingdom of God in simple parables: like a seed, it will begin tiny and end up huge; like yeast, it will permeate everything; like found treasure, it is worth our all; like a net, it will ensnare many, but the evil will be cast out at the end.
CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS
- The infinitely valuable blessings of living with and for the Lord are beyond cost
- The unfailing purposes of God
- The difference between the end and the beginning of God’s work
- The importance of being led by the Lord/the Spirit/the Word
- God’s wisdom guides the simple and the inexperienced
Scripture Sentence (BAS, Canada)
Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. John 6.68
Collect of the Day (BAS, Canada)
O God,
the protector of all who trust in you,
without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy, increase and multiply upon us your mercy,
that with you as our ruler and guide,
we may so pass through things temporal,
that we lose not the things eternal;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. AMEN