Three-Year Lectionary
Study the appointed readings, prayers and resources for Series A, Series B and Series C through the Church Year.
February 2, 2027
See TodayEpiphany 4
· Three-Year Lectionary · Series B
- First Reading
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Deut. 18:15–20 (read in KJV on Bible Gateway, opens in a new tab)
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15 The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken; 16 According to all that thou desiredst of the LORD thy God in Horeb in the day of the assembly, saying, Let me not hear again the voice of the LORD my God, neither let me see this great fire any more, that I die not. 17 And the LORD said unto me, They have well spoken that which they have spoken. 18 I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him. 19 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him. 20 But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die.
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- Psalm
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Psalm 111 (read in KJV on Bible Gateway, opens in a new tab)
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1 Praise ye the LORD. I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation.
2 The works of the LORD are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.
3 His work is honourable and glorious: and his righteousness endureth for ever.
4 He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the LORD is gracious and full of compassion.
5 He hath given meat unto them that fear him: he will ever be mindful of his covenant.
6 He hath shewed his people the power of his works, that he may give them the heritage of the heathen.
7 The works of his hands are verity and judgment; all his commandments are sure.
8 They stand fast for ever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness.
9 He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name.
10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.
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- Epistle
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1 Cor. 8:1–13 (read in KJV on Bible Gateway, opens in a new tab)
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1 Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth. 2 And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know. 3 But if any man love God, the same is known of him. 4 As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one. 5 For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) 6 But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. 7 Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled. 8 But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse. 9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak. 10 For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol’s temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols; 11 And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? 12 But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ. 13 Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.
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- Gospel
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Mark 1:21–28 (read in KJV on Bible Gateway, opens in a new tab)
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21 And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue, and taught. 22 And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes. 23 And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out, 24 Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God. 25 And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. 26 And when the unclean spirit had torn him, and cried with a loud voice, he came out of him. 27 And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him. 28 And immediately his fame spread abroad throughout all the region round about Galilee.
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Epiphany 4
Three-Year Lectionary · Series B
About this service
Our Lord Jesus Christ, True God in the Flesh, Cleanses Our Consciences from Sin
As He promised, the Lord our God has raised up “a prophet” like Moses, namely Jesus, our brother in the flesh. “To him you shall listen,” because the Word of the Lord is “in his mouth” (Deut. 18:15–18). Indeed, He is more than a prophet and more than a scribe of the Scriptures; He is the incarnate Word, and He speaks “a new teaching with authority” (Mark 1:22, 27). He enters “the synagogue” of His Church and provides true Sabbath rest, using His authority to silence and cast out “even the unclean spirits” (Mark 1:21–27). By His Word of the cross, He removes the accusations of the Law and of the devil, and He cleanses our consciences before God the Father, “from whom are all things and for whom we exist.” Hence, we are now set free from bondage and commended to God by the one Lord, Jesus Christ, “through whom are all things and through whom we exist” (1 Cor. 8:6). Therefore, use your freedom to care for your brothers and sisters, neither causing them to stumble nor wounding their consciences (1 Cor. 8:9–12), but cleansing and strengthening them with the Gospel.
Source: LCMS Worship, Lectionary Summaries — Three-Year Lectionary Series B (opens in a new tab). Used by permission. These pages may be reproduced for congregational use only. Commercial reproduction, or reproduction for sale of this work or any portion of this work, without the written permission of the copyright holder, is prohibited. © The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Scripture quoted in the summary is from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Introit, Gradual and Verse
Source: LCMS Three-Year Series (B) Propers Chart (opens in a new tab). Citations only; no liturgical or Scripture text is reproduced.
Prayers of the Church
Prayers of the Church for January 28, 2024 — Responsive Form
O Holy Trinity, You are God of gods and Lord of lords. Truly, there is no God but You alone. From You and from Your Son, Jesus Christ, are all things. Reveal the saving knowledge of Christ’s truth to us and all the world, that loving You and one another, together we may be known by God. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
O Lord, our God, whose voice was heard at Sinai and whose authority was made manifest in Christ, the Prophet greater than Moses, send faithful preachers into Your harvest who will be diligent to listen to Your Word and speak it faithfully in Your name. Preserve us from false prophets who would lead us away from Your truth, and give us ears to hear gladly the saving words of Christ. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Heavenly Father, guard our families and homes, and build them up in love. Support parents in their task of instructing their children, strengthen those whose faith is weak, and make us bold to forego convenience and security to attest the truths of our most holy faith. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Almighty God, give health and success to our president and governor, our legislators and judges, and all who serve for our governance and protection. Make them high in purpose, wise in counsel and unwavering in duty. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son cast out unclean spirits and taught with authority. He is the Great Physician of body and soul. Have mercy on those who are sick, distressed, in danger or facing any need [especially _____________]. Sustain them with patience, trusting in Your merciful care, and graciously relieve them. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Dear Lord, look with favor on all who partake this day of Christ’s holy body and blood, that in their eating and drinking they may receive the benefits of forgiveness of sins and renewal of life, and so receive a foretaste of the feast to come. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Lord of hope, guard and keep all who face the temptations of the devil, the world and our sinful flesh, and preserve the faith of those troubled by doubts. Through the daily remembrance of our Baptism, enable us to win the victory over all that threatens our faith. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
O Lord, heavenly Father, we gratefully remember the sufferings and death of Your dear Son, Jesus Christ, for our salvation. Rejoicing in His victorious resurrection from the dead, we draw strength from His ascension before You, where He ever stands for us as our own High Priest. Gather us together from the ends of the earth to celebrate with all the faithful the marriage feast of the Lamb in His kingdom, which has no end. Graciously receive our prayers, deliver and preserve us, for to You alone we give all glory, honor and worship, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Source: LCMS Worship, Prayers of the Church — Series B 2023–2024 (opens in a new tab). Prepared by LCMS Worship for congregational use. Used by permission. © The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.
Prayers of the Church for January 28, 2024 — Ektene Form
In peace, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.
To the Holy Trinity who alone is God of gods and Lord of lords, from whom with Jesus Christ are all things, and for the revelation of His saving knowledge to us and all the world, that together we may be known by God, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.
For the Church and her ministers, that the God who speaks by His Christ, the Prophet greater than Moses, would make them diligent to listen to His Word and speak it faithfully in His name; and that God would preserve us from false prophets who would lead us away from His truth, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.
For our families and homes, that God would guard them and build them up in love; that He would support parents in their task of instructing their children; that He would strengthen those whose faith is weak; and that He would make us bold to forego convenience and security to attest the truths of our most holy faith, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.
For the health and success of our president and governor, our legislators and judges, and all who serve for our governance and protection, that God would make them high in purpose, wise in counsel and unwavering in duty, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.
For those who are sick, distressed, in danger or facing any need, [especially _____________,] that the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Great Physician who cast out unclean spirits and taught with authority, would sustain them with patience, trusting in His merciful care, and so graciously relieve them, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.
For all who partake this day of Christ’s holy body and blood, that in their eating and drinking they may receive the benefits of forgiveness of sins and renewal of life, and so receive a foretaste of the feast to come, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.
For all the baptized, that as we face the temptations of the devil, the world and our sinful flesh, we may be enabled to win the victory over all that threatens our faith, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.
O Lord, heavenly Father, we gratefully remember the sufferings and death of Your dear Son, Jesus Christ, for our salvation. Rejoicing in His victorious resurrection from the dead, we draw strength from His ascension before You, where He ever stands for us as our own High Priest. Gather us together from the ends of the earth to celebrate with all the faithful the marriage feast of the Lamb in His kingdom, which has no end. Graciously receive our prayers, deliver and preserve us, for to You alone we give all glory, honor and worship, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Source: LCMS Worship, Prayers of the Church — Series B 2023–2024 (opens in a new tab). Prepared by LCMS Worship for congregational use. Used by permission. © The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.
Hymn of the Day
LSB 842 Son of God, Eternal Savior
The LCMS Hymn of the Day list appoints this hymn as the Hymn of the Day for Epiphany 4 (Series A and B) and Proper 17 (Series C).
Source: LCMS Worship, Hymn of the Day — Arranged by Church Year, pp. 167, 169 (opens in a new tab). Appointment identity only. Lutheran Service Book text and LCMS study content are not reproduced.
Suggested hymns
- Entrance LSB 819 Sing Praise to God, the Highest Good
- Distribution LSB 620 Jesus Comes Today with Healing
- Distribution LSB 696 O God, My Faithful God
- Distribution LSB 394 Songs of Thankfulness and Praise
- Closing LSB 842 Son of God, Eternal Savior
Source: LCMS Worship, Hymn Suggestions — Three-Year Lectionary Series B 2023–24 (opens in a new tab). Hymn numbers and titles only; hymn texts are not reproduced. Reproduction for individual, church or school use does not require permission. © The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.