A reading from the book of the prophet Jeremiah.

The civic leaders spoke to the ruler: ”Let this one named Jeremiah be put to death: he is unquestionably disheartening the remaining soldiers in the city, and all the people too, by talking like this.  He does not have the welfare of this people at heart so much as its ruin.” “He is in your hands as you know,” King Zedekiah answered, “for I am powerless against you.”  So they took Jeremiah and threw him into the well of Prince Malchiah, in the guard’s quarters, letting him down with ropes.  There was no water in the well, only mud, and into the mud Jeremiah sank.

Ebed-Melech came out from the palace and spoke to the ruler.  “My master,” Ebed-Melech said, “these leaders have done a wicked thing by treating the prophet Jeremiah like this: they have thrown him into the well where he will die.”  At this the ruler gave Ebed-Melech the Cushite the following order: ”Take three others with you from here and pull the prophet Jeremiah out of the well before he dies.”

The Word of God recorded in the book of the prophet Jeremiah.

R: O God, come to my aid.

I have waited and waited for You, Adonai!

Now at last You have stooped to me.

R: O God, come to my aid.

You heard my cry for help.

You have pulled me out of the horrible pit.

Out of the slough of the marsh,

You settled my feet on a rock and steadied my steps.

R: O God, come to my aid.

Adonai, You have put a new song in my mouth,

a song of praise.

Many will look on in awe

and will put their trust in God.

R: O God, come to my aid.

To me, afflicted and poor,

come quickly.

My helper, my savior, my God

come and do not delay.

R: O God, come to my aid.