Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11
[We have lined this passage out to be read responsively; although the passage is lengthy, it will read fairly quickly and be understood better because it’s divided into shorter passages for each reader or reading group.
This can be divided up however you prefer: assign it alternately between a leader and people; assign it to leader, men, women [see next page]; or my favorite way to do these kind of passages – between the left and the right half of the congregation! It could also be read by two or three solo readers. We suggest the final line be read by everyone involved.]
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me and has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed
…to bind up the brokenhearted
…to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners
…to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God
…to comfort all who mourn
…to provide for those who mourn in Zion—
…to give them a garland instead of ashes
…the oil of gladness instead of mourning
…the mantle of praise instead of a timid spirit.
They will be called oaks of righteousness.
They will be planted by the Lord, to display his glory.
They shall build up the ancient ruins.
They shall raise up the places formerly devastated.
They shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many previous generations.
I the Lord love justice.
I hate robbery and wrongdoing.
I will faithfully give them their proper payment.
I will make an everlasting covenant with them.
Their descendants shall be known among the nations.
Their offspring will be recognized among all the peoples.
All who see them shall acknowledge that they are a people whom the Lord has blessed.
I will greatly rejoice in the Lord.
My whole being shall exult in my God.
He has clothed me with the garments of salvation.
He has covered me with the robe of righteousness.
I am as a bridegroom who decks himself with a garland.
I am as a bride who adorns herself with her jewels.
For as the earth brings forth its vegetation, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up, so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all the nations.
This is the Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Responsive Reading from Isaiah 61:1-62:3
Leader: The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me and has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed
Women: …to bind up the brokenhearted
Men: …to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners
Women: …to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God
Men: …to comfort all who mourn
Women: …to provide for those who mourn in Zion—
Men: …to give them a garland instead of ashes
Women: …the oil of gladness instead of mourning
Men: …the mantle of praise instead of a timid spirit.
Leader: They will be called oaks of righteousness.
Women: They will be planted by the Lord, to display his glory.
Men: They shall build up the ancient ruins.
Women: They shall raise up the places formerly devastated.
Men: They shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many previous generations.
Leader: I the Lord love justice.
Women: I hate robbery and wrongdoing.
Men: I will faithfully give them their proper payment.
Women: I will make an everlasting covenant with them.
Men: Their descendants shall be known among the nations.
Women: Their offspring will be recognized among all the peoples.
Men: All who see them shall acknowledge that they are a people whom the Lord has blessed.
Leader: I will greatly rejoice in the Lord.
Women: My whole being shall exult in my God.
Men: He has clothed me with the garments of salvation.
Women: He has covered me with the robe of righteousness.
Men: I am as a bridegroom who decks himself with a garland.
Women: I am as a bride who adorns herself with her jewels.
All: For as the earth brings forth its vegetation, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up, so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all the nations.
Leader: This is the Word of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.