The 1st Reading for the 5th Sunday after Pentecost (Lamentations 3:22-33)

Send us Fan MailLamentations 3:22-33The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases,    his mercies never come to an end;they are new every morning;    great is thy faithfulness.“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,    “therefore I will hope in him.”The Lord is good to those who wait for him,    to the soul that seeks him.It is good that one should wait quietly    for the salvation of the Lord.It is good for a man that he bear    the yoke in his youth.Let him sit alone in silence    when he has laid it on him;let him put his mouth in the dust—    there may yet be hope;let him give his cheek to the smiter,    and be filled with insults.For the Lord will not    cast off for ever,but, though he cause grief, he will have compassion    according to the abundance of his steadfast love;for he does not willingly afflict    or grieve the sons of men.Almighty and merciful God, we implore you to hear the prayers of your people. Be our strong defense against all harm and danger, that we may live and grow in faith and hope, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.Amen.