The Fourth Sunday after Epiphany (Ps) February 2nd

Psalm 19:1-14

¹  The heavens declare the glory of God,

and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.

²    Day to day pours out speech,

and night to night reveals knowledge.

³    There is no speech, nor are there words,

whose voice is not heard.

⁴    Their voice goes out through all the earth,

and their words to the end of the world.

       In them he has set a tent for the sun,

⁵        which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber,

and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy.

⁶    Its rising is from the end of the heavens,

and its circuit to the end of them,

and there is nothing hidden from its heat.

⁷    The law of the Lord is perfect,

reviving the soul;

       the testimony of the Lord is sure,

making wise the simple;

⁸    the precepts of the Lord are right,

rejoicing the heart;

       the commandment of the Lord is pure,

enlightening the eyes;

⁹    the fear of the Lord is clean,

enduring forever;

       the rules of the Lord are true,

and righteous altogether.

¹⁰    More to be desired are they than gold,

even much fine gold;

       sweeter also than honey

and drippings of the honeycomb.

¹¹    Moreover, by them is your servant warned;

in keeping them there is great reward.

¹²    Who can discern his errors?

Declare me innocent from hidden faults.

¹³    Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins;

let them not have dominion over me!

       Then I shall be blameless,

and innocent of great transgression.

¹⁴    Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart

be acceptable in your sight,

O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

What gifts or benefits does baptism grant? Answer:

It brings about forgiveness of sins, redeems from death and the devil, and gives eternal salvation to all who believe it, as the words and promise of God declare.

What are these words and promise of God? Answer:

Where our Lord Christ says in Mark 16[:16*], “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be damned.”

Lord Jesus Christ, our great High Priest, cleanse us by the power of Your redeeming blood that in purity and peace we may worship and adore Your holy name; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. (B84)