Morning Prayer

A Reading from the Second Letter of John.

1 The elder to the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth, and not only I but also all who know the truth, 2 because of the truth that abides in us and will be with us forever: 3 Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son, in truth and love. 4 I was overjoyed to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as we have been commanded by the Father. 5 But now, dear lady, I ask you, not as though I were writing you a new commandment, but one we have had from the beginning, let us love one another. 6 And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments; this is the commandment just as you have heard it from the beginning—you must walk in it. 7 Many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh; any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist! 8 Be on your guard, so that you do not lose what we have worked for, but may receive a full reward. 9 Everyone who does not abide in the teaching of Christ, but goes beyond it, does not have God; whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. 10 Do not receive into the house or welcome anyone who comes to you and does not bring this teaching; 11 for to welcome is to participate in the evil deeds of such a person. 12 Although I have much to write to you, I would rather not use paper and ink; instead I hope to come to you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete. 13 The children of your elect sister send you their greetings.

A Reading from the Book of Proverbs.

1 Does not wisdom call,    and does not understanding raise her voice? 2 On the heights, beside the way,    at the crossroads she takes her stand; 3 beside the gates in front of the town,    at the entrance of the portals she cries out: 4 ‘To you, O people, I call,    and my cry is to all that live. 5 O simple ones, learn prudence;    acquire intelligence, you who lack it. 6 Hear, for I will speak noble things,    and from my lips will come what is right; 7 for my mouth will utter truth;    wickedness is an abomination to my lips. 8 All the words of my mouth are righteous;    there is nothing twisted or crooked in them. 9 They are all straight to one who understands    and right to those who find knowledge. 10 Take my instruction instead of silver,    and knowledge rather than choice gold; 11 for wisdom is better than jewels,    and all that you may desire cannot compare with her. 12 I, wisdom, live with prudence,    and I attain knowledge and discretion. 13 The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil    and perverted speech I hate. 14 I have good advice and sound wisdom;    I have insight, I have strength. 15 By me kings reign,    and rulers decree what is just; 16 by me rulers rule,    and nobles, all who govern rightly. 17 I love those who love me,    and those who seek me diligently find me. 18 Riches and honour are with me,    enduring wealth and prosperity. 19 My fruit is better than gold, even fine gold,    and my yield than choice silver. 20 I walk in the way of righteousness,    along the paths of justice, 21 endowing with wealth those who love me, and filling their treasuries.