The Lessons Appointed for Use on the Feast of
Laurence
Deacon, and Martyr at Rome, 258 August 10

2 Corinthians 9:6-10
John 12:24-26
Psalm 112:1-9 or
Psalm 126

Preface of a Saint (3)

Almighty God, you called your deacon Laurence to serve you with deeds of love, and gave him the crown of martyrdom; Grant that we, following his example, may fulfill your commandments by defending and supporting the poor, and by loving you with all our hearts; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

2 Corinthians 9:6-10

The point is this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work. As it is written,

"He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor;
his righteousness endures forever."

He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness.

Psalm 112:1-9 Page 755, BCP

Beatus vir

1

Hallelujah!
Happy are they who fear the Lord *
and have great delight in his commandments!

2

Their descendants will be mighty in the land; *
the generation of the upright will be blessed.

3

Wealth and riches will be in their house, *
and their righteousness will last for ever.

4

Light shines in the darkness for the upright; *
the righteous are merciful and full of compassion.

5

It is good for them to be generous in lending *
and to manage their affairs with justice.

6

For they will never be shaken; *
the righteous will be kept in everlasting remembrance.

7

They will not be afraid of any evil rumors; *
their heart is right;
they put their trust in the Lord.

8

Their heart is established and will not shrink, *
until they see their desire upon their enemies.

9

They have given freely to the poor, *
and their righteousness stands fast for ever;
they will hold up their head with honor.

or

Psalm 126 Page 782, BCP

In convertendo

1

When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, *
then were we like those who dream.

2

Then was our mouth filled with laughter, *
and our tongue with shouts of joy.

3

Then they said among the nations, *
"The LORD has done great things for them."

4

The LORD has done great things for us, *
and we are glad indeed.

5

Restore our fortunes, O LORD, *
like the watercourses of the Negev.

6

Those who sowed with tears *
will reap with songs of joy.

7

Those who go out weeping, carrying the seed, *
will come again with joy, shouldering their sheaves.

John 12:24-26

Jesus said, "Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honor."

The Bible texts of the Old Testament, Epistle and Gospel lessons are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Church of Christ in the USA, and used by permission.

The Collects, Psalms and Canticles are from the Book of Common Prayer, 1979.

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