O Lord, we beseech thee mercifully to hear us; and grant that
we, to whom thou hast given an hearty desire to pray, may by
thy mighty aid be defended and comforted in all dangers and
adversities; through Jesus Christ our Lord. _Amen_.
THE EPISTLE. 1 St Peter v. 5.
All of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility:
for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble
yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may
exalt you in due time; casting all your care upon him, for he
careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the
devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about seeking whom he may
devour: whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same
afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the
world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us into his
eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while,
make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To him be glory
and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
THE GOSPEL. St Luke xv. 1.
Then drew near unto him all the publicans and I sinners for to
hear him. And the Pharisees and Scribes murmured, saying, This
man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them. And he spake this
parable unto them, saying, What man of you having an hundred
sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine
in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find
it? And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders,
rejoicing. And when he cometh home, he calleth together his
friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me, for
I have found my sheep which was lost. I say unto you, that likewise
joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than
over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.
Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one
piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek
diligently till she find it? And when she hath found it, she
calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice
with me, for I have found the piece which I had lost. Likewise,
I say unto you, There is joy in the presence of the angels of God
over one sinner that repenteth.