Readings for 2026-07-31 • Fast & Pray

St. Paul's First Epistle to the Corinthians 11:1-16

Context

Paul has been addressing issues of Christian liberty and conscience, particularly regarding food offered to idols. He emphasized that believers should prioritize the spiritual welfare of others over their own rights, using himself as an example of one who forgoes personal privileges for the sake of the gospel and the edification of the church. He urged the Corinthians to avoid causing others to stumble and to seek the good of their neighbors rather than their own advantage. Paul concluded by encouraging them to imitate him as he imitates Christ, establishing a pattern of selfless conduct rooted in Christ's example. Now he transitions to matters of worship practice and proper conduct in the assembly. Paul is addressing the church at Corinth.

[1] Imitateme, just as I also imitate Christ. [2] Now I praise you, brethren, that you remember me in all things and keep the traditions just as I delivered them to you. [3] But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God. [4] Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonors his head. [5] But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head, for that is one and the same as if her head were shaved. [6] For if a woman is not covered, let her also be shorn. But if it is shameful for a woman to be shorn or shaved, let her be covered. [7] For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God; but woman is the glory of man. [8] For man is not from woman, but woman from man. [9] Nor was man created for the woman, but woman for the man. [10] For this reason the woman ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels. [11] Nevertheless, neither is man independent of woman, nor woman independent of man, in the Lord. [12] For as woman came from man, even so man also comes through woman; but all things are from God. [13] Judge among yourselves. Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered? [14] Does not even nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a dishonor to him? [15] But if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her; for her hair is given to her for a covering. [16] But if anyone seems to be contentious, we have no such custom, nor do the churches of God.

Mark 1:35-45

Open source text

Context

Early in the morning after healing many people in Capernaum the previous evening, including Simon Peter's mother-in-law and numerous demon-possessed individuals, Jesus withdraws to a solitary place to pray while it is still dark. Simon and his companions search for Jesus because everyone is looking for him, but Jesus insists on moving to nearby villages to preach there as well, explaining that this is why he came. As Jesus travels throughout Galilee preaching in synagogues and driving out demons, his fame spreads rapidly throughout the region, drawing large crowds who seek his healing power and teaching.

[35] Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed. [36] And Simon and those who were with Him searched for Him. [37] When they found Him, they said to Him, “Everyone is looking for You.” [38] But He said to them, “Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because for this purpose I have come forth.” [39] And He was preaching in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and casting out demons. [40] Now a leper came to Him, imploring Him, kneeling down to Him and saying to Him, “If You are willing, You can make me clean.” [41] Then Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, “I am willing; be cleansed.” [42] As soon as He had spoken, immediately the leprosy left him, and he was cleansed. [43] And He strictly warned him and sent him away at once, [44] and said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone; but go your way, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing those things which Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.” [45] However, he went out and began to proclaim it freely, and to spread the matter, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter the city, but was outside in deserted places; and they came to Him from every direction.