January 29th, 2006, Thursday of the third week in ordinary time.

A reading from the second book of Samuel.

After Nathan had spoken to King David, the king went in and sat before the Lord and said,

Who am I, Lord God, and who are the members of my house,

that you have brought me to this point?

Yet even this you see as too little, Lord God.

You have also spoken of the house of your servant for a long time to come.

This too you have shown to man, Lord God.

You have established for yourself your people Israel as yours forever,

and you, Lord, have become their God.

And now, Lord, God, confirm for all time the prophecy you have made

concerning your servant and his house,

and do as you have promised.

Your name will be forever great when men say, The Lord of hosts is God of Israel, and

the house of your servant David stands firm before you.

It is you, Lord of hosts, God of Israel, who said in a revelation to your servant,

I will build a house for you.

Therefore your servant now finds the courage to make this prayer to you.

And now, Lord God, you are God and your words are truth.

You have made this generous promise to your servant.

Do then bless the house of your servant, that

it may be before you forever. For you, Lord God, have promised, and by your blessing, the house

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