Today's Scripture & Prayer

Daily Bible Reading & Praying with the Church

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Today's Scripture & Prayer

Daily Bible Reading & Praying with the Church


The congregation of Countryside is encouraged to not only read ahead in the texts we will be sharing and studying together during our services, but also to personally read the Scriptures together as a congregation. Here you will find Scripture for the day (a Psalm for each morning (always at least the first Psalm) and night, and selections from the Old Testament, New Testament and Gospels), as well as weekly and daily prayers. Together we read through the New Testament once a year, and the Old Testament every two years. The Scripture selections, and the prayers, are from common sources used by most Christians throughout the world.

The historic church found expression in the same rhythms of worship and devotion that were evident in the early church, and among the Hebrews, God's people, before that.  Our hope is that the regular reminder will be of encouragement to us all to join the people of God in reading the Scriptures and praying. Both are meant to go together with our daily prayer and communion service.

Reading for Sat, Jun 13

Psalm 75-76

Psalm 75[a]

For the director of music. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A psalm of Asaph. A song.

1 We praise you, God,
we praise you, for your Name is near;(A)
people tell of your wonderful deeds.(B)

2 You say, “I choose the appointed time;(C)
it is I who judge with equity.(D)
3 When the earth and all its people quake,(E)
it is I who hold its pillars(F) firm.[b]
4 To the arrogant(G) I say, ‘Boast no more,’(H)
and to the wicked, ‘Do not lift up your horns.[c](I)
5 Do not lift your horns against heaven;
do not speak so defiantly.(J)’”

6 No one from the east or the west
or from the desert can exalt themselves.
7 It is God who judges:(K)
He brings one down, he exalts another.(L)
8 In the hand of the Lord is a cup
full of foaming wine mixed(M) with spices;
he pours it out, and all the wicked of the earth
drink it down to its very dregs.(N)

9 As for me, I will declare(O) this forever;
I will sing(P) praise to the God of Jacob,(Q)
10 who says, “I will cut off the horns of all the wicked,
but the horns of the righteous will be lifted up.”(R)

Psalm 76[d]

For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A psalm of Asaph. A song.

1 God is renowned in Judah;
in Israel his name is great.(S)
2 His tent is in Salem,(T)
his dwelling place in Zion.(U)
3 There he broke the flashing arrows,(V)
the shields and the swords, the weapons of war.[e](W)

4 You are radiant with light,(X)
more majestic than mountains rich with game.
5 The valiant(Y) lie plundered,
they sleep their last sleep;(Z)
not one of the warriors
can lift his hands.
6 At your rebuke,(AA) God of Jacob,
both horse and chariot(AB) lie still.

7 It is you alone who are to be feared.(AC)
Who can stand(AD) before you when you are angry?(AE)
8 From heaven you pronounced judgment,
and the land feared(AF) and was quiet—
9 when you, God, rose up to judge,(AG)
to save all the afflicted(AH) of the land.
10 Surely your wrath against mankind brings you praise,(AI)
and the survivors of your wrath are restrained.[f]

11 Make vows to the Lord your God and fulfill them;(AJ)
let all the neighboring lands
bring gifts(AK) to the One to be feared.
12 He breaks the spirit of rulers;
he is feared by the kings of the earth.

Footnotes:

  1. Psalm 75:1 In Hebrew texts 75:1-10 is numbered 75:2-11.
  2. Psalm 75:3 The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here.
  3. Psalm 75:4 Horns here symbolize strength; also in verses 5 and 10.
  4. Psalm 76:1 In Hebrew texts 76:1-12 is numbered 76:2-13.
  5. Psalm 76:3 The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here and at the end of verse 9.
  6. Psalm 76:10 Or Surely the wrath of mankind brings you praise, / and with the remainder of wrath you arm yourself

Cross references:

  1. Psalm 75:1 : Ps 145:18
  2. Psalm 75:1 : S Jos 3:5; Ps 44:1; S 71:16; 77:12; 105:2; 107:8, 15; 145:5, 12
  3. Psalm 75:2 : S Ex 13:10
  4. Psalm 75:2 : S Ps 7:11
  5. Psalm 75:3 : Isa 24:19
  6. Psalm 75:3 : 1Sa 2:8; S 2Sa 22:8
  7. Psalm 75:4 : S Ps 5:5
  8. Psalm 75:4 : S 1Sa 2:3
  9. Psalm 75:4 : Zec 1:21
  10. Psalm 75:5 : S Job 15:25
  11. Psalm 75:7 : S Ge 16:5; Ps 50:6; 58:11; Rev 18:8
  12. Psalm 75:7 : 1Sa 2:7; S Job 5:11; Ps 147:6; Eze 21:26; Da 2:21
  13. Psalm 75:8 : Pr 23:30
  14. Psalm 75:8 : Isa 51:17; Jer 25:15; Zec 12:2
  15. Psalm 75:9 : Ps 40:10
  16. Psalm 75:9 : Ps 108:1
  17. Psalm 75:9 : S Ge 24:12; Ps 76:6
  18. Psalm 75:10 : Ps 89:17; 92:10; 112:9; 148:14
  19. Psalm 76:1 : Ps 99:3
  20. Psalm 76:2 : S Ge 14:18; Heb 7:1
  21. Psalm 76:2 : S 2Sa 5:7; Ps 2:6
  22. Psalm 76:3 : Eze 39:9
  23. Psalm 76:3 : Ps 46:9
  24. Psalm 76:4 : S Ps 36:9
  25. Psalm 76:5 : S Jdg 20:44
  26. Psalm 76:5 : S Ps 13:3; S Mt 9:24
  27. Psalm 76:6 : S Ps 50:21
  28. Psalm 76:6 : S Ex 15:1
  29. Psalm 76:7 : S 1Ch 16:25
  30. Psalm 76:7 : S Ezr 9:15; Rev 6:17
  31. Psalm 76:7 : Ps 2:5; Na 1:6
  32. Psalm 76:8 : S 1Ch 16:30; Eze 38:20
  33. Psalm 76:9 : S Ps 9:8; 58:11; 74:22; 82:8; 96:13
  34. Psalm 76:9 : S Ps 72:4
  35. Psalm 76:10 : Ex 9:16; Ro 9:17
  36. Psalm 76:11 : S Lev 22:18; S Ps 50:14; Ecc 5:4-5
  37. Psalm 76:11 : S 2Ch 32:23
New International Version (NIV)

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Psalm 23

Psalm 23

A psalm of David.

1 The Lord is my shepherd,(A) I lack nothing.(B)
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,(C)
3 he refreshes my soul.(D)
He guides me(E) along the right paths(F)
for his name’s sake.(G)
4 Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,[a](H)
I will fear no evil,(I)
for you are with me;(J)
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table(K) before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;(L)
my cup(M) overflows.
6 Surely your goodness and love(N) will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.

Footnotes:

  1. Psalm 23:4 Or the valley of the shadow of death

Cross references:

  1. Psalm 23:1 : S Ge 48:15; S Ps 28:9; S Jn 10:11
  2. Psalm 23:1 : Ps 34:9, 10; 84:11; 107:9; Php 4:19
  3. Psalm 23:2 : Ps 36:8; 46:4; Rev 7:17
  4. Psalm 23:3 : S Ps 19:7
  5. Psalm 23:3 : Ps 25:9; 73:24; Isa 42:16
  6. Psalm 23:3 : S Ps 5:8
  7. Psalm 23:3 : Ps 25:11; 31:3; 79:9; 106:8; 109:21; 143:11
  8. Psalm 23:4 : S Job 3:5; Ps 107:14
  9. Psalm 23:4 : Ps 3:6; 27:1
  10. Psalm 23:4 : Ps 16:8; Isa 43:2
  11. Psalm 23:5 : S Job 36:16
  12. Psalm 23:5 : Ps 45:7; 92:10; Lk 7:46
  13. Psalm 23:5 : S Ps 16:5
  14. Psalm 23:6 : S Ne 9:25
New International Version (NIV)

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Psalm 27

Psalm 27

Of David.

1 The Lord is my light(A) and my salvation(B)—
whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold(C) of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid?(D)

2 When the wicked advance against me
to devour[a] me,
it is my enemies and my foes
who will stumble and fall.(E)
3 Though an army besiege me,
my heart will not fear;(F)
though war break out against me,
even then I will be confident.(G)

4 One thing(H) I ask from the Lord,
this only do I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life,(I)
to gaze on the beauty of the Lord
and to seek him in his temple.
5 For in the day of trouble(J)
he will keep me safe(K) in his dwelling;
he will hide me(L) in the shelter of his sacred tent
and set me high upon a rock.(M)

6 Then my head will be exalted(N)
above the enemies who surround me;(O)
at his sacred tent I will sacrifice(P) with shouts of joy;(Q)
I will sing(R) and make music(S) to the Lord.

7 Hear my voice(T) when I call, Lord;
be merciful to me and answer me.(U)
8 My heart says of you, “Seek his face!(V)”
Your face, Lord, I will seek.
9 Do not hide your face(W) from me,
do not turn your servant away in anger;(X)
you have been my helper.(Y)
Do not reject me or forsake(Z) me,
God my Savior.(AA)
10 Though my father and mother forsake me,
the Lord will receive me.
11 Teach me your way,(AB) Lord;
lead me in a straight path(AC)
because of my oppressors.(AD)
12 Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes,
for false witnesses(AE) rise up against me,
spouting malicious accusations.

13 I remain confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the Lord(AF)
in the land of the living.(AG)
14 Wait(AH) for the Lord;
be strong(AI) and take heart
and wait for the Lord.

Footnotes:

  1. Psalm 27:2 Or slander

Cross references:

  1. Psalm 27:1 : S 2Sa 22:29
  2. Psalm 27:1 : S Ex 15:2; S Ps 3:8
  3. Psalm 27:1 : Ps 9:9
  4. Psalm 27:1 : S Job 13:15; Ps 56:4, 11; 118:6
  5. Psalm 27:2 : Ps 9:3; S 20:8; 37:24; Da 11:19; Ro 11:11
  6. Psalm 27:3 : S Ge 4:7; S Ps 3:6
  7. Psalm 27:3 : S Job 4:6
  8. Psalm 27:4 : Lk 10:42
  9. Psalm 27:4 : Ps 23:6; 61:4
  10. Psalm 27:5 : S Job 38:23
  11. Psalm 27:5 : S Ps 12:7
  12. Psalm 27:5 : S Ps 17:8
  13. Psalm 27:5 : Ps 40:2
  14. Psalm 27:6 : 2Sa 22:49; Ps 3:3; 18:48
  15. Psalm 27:6 : S Ps 22:12
  16. Psalm 27:6 : Ps 50:14; 54:6; 107:22; 116:17
  17. Psalm 27:6 : S Ezr 3:13; S Job 22:26
  18. Psalm 27:6 : S Ex 15:1
  19. Psalm 27:6 : Ps 33:2; 92:1; 147:7; S Eph 5:19
  20. Psalm 27:7 : Ps 5:3; 18:6; 55:17; 119:149; 130:2; Isa 28:23
  21. Psalm 27:7 : S Ps 4:1
  22. Psalm 27:8 : S 1Ch 16:11
  23. Psalm 27:9 : S Dt 31:17; S Ps 22:24
  24. Psalm 27:9 : S Ps 2:5
  25. Psalm 27:9 : S Ge 49:25; S Dt 33:29
  26. Psalm 27:9 : S Dt 4:31; Ps 37:28; 119:8; Isa 41:17; 62:12; Jer 14:9
  27. Psalm 27:9 : Ps 18:46
  28. Psalm 27:11 : S Ex 33:13
  29. Psalm 27:11 : S Ezr 8:21; Ps 5:8
  30. Psalm 27:11 : Ps 72:4; 78:42; 106:10; Jer 21:12
  31. Psalm 27:12 : S Dt 19:16; S Mt 26:60; Ac 6:13; 1Co 15:15
  32. Psalm 27:13 : Ex 33:19; S 2Ch 6:41; Ps 23:6; 31:19; 145:7
  33. Psalm 27:13 : S Job 28:13
  34. Psalm 27:14 : Ps 33:20; 130:5, 6; Isa 8:17; 30:18; Hab 2:3; Zep 3:8; Ac 1:4
  35. Psalm 27:14 : S Dt 1:21; S Jdg 5:21; S Eph 6:10
New International Version (NIV)

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Numbers 3:1-13

The Levites

3 This is the account of the family of Aaron and Moses(A) at the time the Lord spoke to Moses at Mount Sinai.(B)

2 The names of the sons of Aaron were Nadab the firstborn(C) and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar.(D) 3 Those were the names of Aaron’s sons, the anointed priests,(E) who were ordained to serve as priests. 4 Nadab and Abihu, however, died before the Lord(F) when they made an offering with unauthorized fire before him in the Desert of Sinai.(G) They had no sons, so Eleazar and Ithamar(H) served as priests during the lifetime of their father Aaron.(I)

5 The Lord said to Moses, 6 “Bring the tribe of Levi(J) and present them to Aaron the priest to assist him.(K) 7 They are to perform duties for him and for the whole community(L) at the tent of meeting by doing the work(M) of the tabernacle. 8 They are to take care of all the furnishings of the tent of meeting, fulfilling the obligations of the Israelites by doing the work of the tabernacle. 9 Give the Levites to Aaron and his sons;(N) they are the Israelites who are to be given wholly to him.[a] 10 Appoint Aaron(O) and his sons to serve as priests;(P) anyone else who approaches the sanctuary is to be put to death.”(Q)

11 The Lord also said to Moses, 12 “I have taken the Levites(R) from among the Israelites in place of the first male offspring(S) of every Israelite woman. The Levites are mine,(T) 13 for all the firstborn are mine.(U) When I struck down all the firstborn in Egypt, I set apart for myself every firstborn in Israel, whether human or animal. They are to be mine. I am the Lord.”(V)

Footnotes:

  1. Numbers 3:9 Most manuscripts of the Masoretic Text; some manuscripts of the Masoretic Text, Samaritan Pentateuch and Septuagint (see also 8:16) to me

Cross references:

  1. Numbers 3:1 : S Ex 6:27
  2. Numbers 3:1 : S Ex 19:11
  3. Numbers 3:2 : Nu 1:20
  4. Numbers 3:2 : S Ex 6:23
  5. Numbers 3:3 : S Ex 28:41; S 29:30
  6. Numbers 3:4 : S Lev 10:2
  7. Numbers 3:4 : S Lev 10:1
  8. Numbers 3:4 : Lev 10:6, 12; Nu 4:28
  9. Numbers 3:4 : 1Ch 24:1
  10. Numbers 3:6 : Dt 10:8; 31:9; 1Ch 15:2
  11. Numbers 3:6 : Nu 8:6-22; 18:1-7; 2Ch 29:11
  12. Numbers 3:7 : Nu 1:53; 8:19
  13. Numbers 3:7 : S Lev 8:35
  14. Numbers 3:9 : ver 12, 45; Nu 8:19; 18:6
  15. Numbers 3:10 : S Ex 30:7
  16. Numbers 3:10 : S Ex 29:9
  17. Numbers 3:10 : Nu 1:51
  18. Numbers 3:12 : Ne 13:29; Mal 2:4
  19. Numbers 3:12 : ver 41; Nu 8:16, 18
  20. Numbers 3:12 : S ver 9; Ex 13:2; Nu 8:14; 16:9
  21. Numbers 3:13 : S Ex 13:12
  22. Numbers 3:13 : Lev 11:44
New International Version (NIV)

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Galatians 6:11-18

Not Circumcision but the New Creation

11 See what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand!(A)

12 Those who want to impress people by means of the flesh(B) are trying to compel you to be circumcised.(C) The only reason they do this is to avoid being persecuted(D) for the cross of Christ. 13 Not even those who are circumcised keep the law,(E) yet they want you to be circumcised that they may boast about your circumcision in the flesh.(F) 14 May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ,(G) through which[a] the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.(H) 15 Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything;(I) what counts is the new creation.(J) 16 Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule—to[b] the Israel of God.

17 From now on, let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks(K) of Jesus.

18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ(L) be with your spirit,(M) brothers and sisters. Amen.

Footnotes:

  1. Galatians 6:14 Or whom
  2. Galatians 6:16 Or rule and to

Cross references:

  1. Galatians 6:11 : S 1Co 16:21
  2. Galatians 6:12 : Mt 23:25, 26
  3. Galatians 6:12 : Ac 15:1
  4. Galatians 6:12 : Gal 5:11
  5. Galatians 6:13 : Ro 2:25
  6. Galatians 6:13 : Php 3:3
  7. Galatians 6:14 : 1Co 2:2
  8. Galatians 6:14 : S Ro 6:2, 6
  9. Galatians 6:15 : S 1Co 7:19
  10. Galatians 6:15 : S 2Co 5:17
  11. Galatians 6:17 : Isa 44:5; S 2Co 1:5; 11:23
  12. Galatians 6:18 : S Ro 16:20
  13. Galatians 6:18 : Php 4:23; 2Ti 4:22; Phm 25
New International Version (NIV)

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Matthew 17:1-13

The Transfiguration(A)(B)

17 After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John(C) the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. 2 There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. 3 Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus.

4 Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.”

5 While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.(D) Listen to him!”(E)

6 When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. 7 But Jesus came and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.”(F) 8 When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus.

9 As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus instructed them, “Don’t tell anyone(G) what you have seen, until the Son of Man(H) has been raised from the dead.”(I)

10 The disciples asked him, “Why then do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?”

11 Jesus replied, “To be sure, Elijah comes and will restore all things.(J) 12 But I tell you, Elijah has already come,(K) and they did not recognize him, but have done to him everything they wished.(L) In the same way the Son of Man is going to suffer(M) at their hands.” 13 Then the disciples understood that he was talking to them about John the Baptist.(N)

Cross references:

  1. Matthew 17:1 : 17:1-8pp — Lk 9:28-36
  2. Matthew 17:1 : 17:1-13pp — Mk 9:2-13
  3. Matthew 17:1 : S Mt 4:21
  4. Matthew 17:5 : S Mt 3:17
  5. Matthew 17:5 : Ac 3:22, 23
  6. Matthew 17:7 : S Mt 14:27
  7. Matthew 17:9 : S Mk 8:30
  8. Matthew 17:9 : S Mt 8:20
  9. Matthew 17:9 : S Mt 16:21
  10. Matthew 17:11 : Mal 4:6; Lk 1:16, 17
  11. Matthew 17:12 : S Mt 11:14
  12. Matthew 17:12 : Mt 14:3, 10
  13. Matthew 17:12 : S Mt 16:21
  14. Matthew 17:13 : S Mt 3:1
New International Version (NIV)

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.