Brothers and sisters: The Spirit comes to the aid of our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes with inexpressible groanings.

There is no god besides you who have the care of all,/ that you need show you have not unjustly condemned./ For your might is the source of justice;/ your mastery over all things makes you lenient to all./ For you show your might when the perfection of your power is disbelieved;/ and in those who know you, you rebuke temerity./ But though you are master of might, you judge with clemency,/ and with much lenience you govern us;/ for power, whenever you will, attends you./ And you taught your people, by these deeds,/ that those who are just must be kind;/ and you gave your children good ground for hope/ that you would permit repentance for their sins.

Woe to those who plan iniquity,/ and work out evil on their couches;/ In the morning light they accomplish it/ when it lies within their power./ They covet fields, and seize them;/ houses, and they take them;/ They cheat an owner of his house,/ a man of his inheritance./ Therefore thus says the Lord:/ Behold, I am planning against this race an evil/ from which you shall not withdraw your necks;/ Nor shall you walk with head high,/ for it will be a time of evil.

“O Lord, remember how faithfully and wholeheartedly I conducted myself in your presence, doing what was pleasing to you!” And Hezekiah wept bitterly.

The way of the just is smooth;/ the path of the just you make level./ Yes, for your way and your judgments, O Lord,/ we look to you;/ Your name and your title/ are the desire of our souls./ My soul yearns for you in the night,/ yes, my spirit within me keeps vigil for you;/ When your judgment dawns upon the earth,/ the world’s inhabitants learn justice./ O Lord, you mete out peace to us,/ for it is you who have accomplished all we have done.

Thus says the Lord:/ Woe to Assyria!

In the days of Ahaz, king of Judah, son of Jotham, son of Uzziah, Rezin, king of Aram, and Pekah, king of Israel, son of Remaliah, went up to attack Jerusalem, but they were not able to conquer it.

Hear the word of the Lord,/ princes of Sodom!/ Listen to the instruction of our God,/ people of Gomorrah!/ What care I for the number of your sacrifices?/ says the Lord./ I have had enough of whole-burnt rams/ and fat of fatlings;/ In the blood of calves, lambs and goats/ I find no pleasure.

Brothers and sisters: I consider that the sufferings of this present time are as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed for us.

Thus says the Lord:/ Just as from the heavens/ the rain and snow come down/ and do not return there/ till they have watered the earth,/ making it fertile and fruitful,/ giving seed to the one who sows/ and bread to the one who eats,/ so shall my word be/ that goes forth from my mouth;/ my word shall not return to me void,/ but shall do my will,/ achieving the end for which I sent it.