Friday 10 April 2009<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>(GOOD FRIDAY)<!--StartFragment-->
<p class="MsoNormal">DAILY LECTIONARY</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Email Evangelism, forward to a friend: http://www.dailylectionary.org</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">******************************************************************</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Wisdom 1:16-2:1,12-22</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">But the ungodly by their words and deeds summoned death;*</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">considering him a friend, they pined away</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">and made a covenant with him,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">because they are fit to belong to his company.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For they reasoned unsoundly, saying to themselves,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">‘Short and sorrowful is our life,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">and there is no remedy when a life comes to its end,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">and no one has been known to return from Hades.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">‘Let us lie in wait for the righteous man,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">because he is inconvenient to us and opposes our actions;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">he reproaches us for sins against the law,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">and accuses us of sins against our training.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">He professes to have knowledge of God,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">and calls himself a child* of the Lord.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">He became to us a reproof of our thoughts;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">the very sight of him is a burden to us,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">because his manner of life is unlike that of others,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">and his ways are strange.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We are considered by him as something base,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">and he avoids our ways as unclean;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">he calls the last end of the righteous happy,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">and boasts that God is his father.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Let us see if his words are true,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">and let us test what will happen at the end of his life;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">for if the righteous man is God’s child, he will help him,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">and will deliver him from the hand of his adversaries.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Let us test him with insult and torture,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">so that we may find out how gentle he is,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">and make trial of his forbearance.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Let us condemn him to a shameful death,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">for, according to what he says, he will be protected.’</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Thus they reasoned, but they were led astray,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">for their wickedness blinded them,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">and they did not know the secret purposes of God,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">nor hoped for the wages of holiness,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">nor discerned the prize for blameless souls;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">******************************************************************</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">1 Peter 1:10-20</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied of the grace that was to be yours made careful search and inquiry, inquiring about the person or time that the Spirit of Christ within them indicated, when it testified in advance to the sufferings destined for Christ and the subsequent glory. It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in regard to the things that have now been announced to you through those who brought you good news by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things into which angels long to look!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Therefore prepare your minds for action;* discipline yourselves; set all your hope on the grace that Jesus Christ will bring you when he is revealed. Like obedient children, do not be conformed to the desires that you formerly had in ignorance. Instead, as he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in all your conduct; for it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.’</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>If you invoke as Father the one who judges all people impartially according to their deeds, live in reverent fear during the time of your exile. You know that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your ancestors, not with perishable things like silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without defect or blemish. He was destined before the foundation of the world, but was revealed at the end of the ages for your sake. ******************************************************************</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">John 13:36-38</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Simon Peter said to him, ‘Lord, where are you going?’ Jesus answered, ‘Where I am going, you cannot follow me now; but you will follow afterwards.’ Peter said to him, ‘Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.’ Jesus answered, ‘Will you lay down your life for me? Very truly, I tell you, before the cock crows, you will have denied me three times.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">******************************************************************</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Morning Psalms: Psalm 95, 22</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Psalm 95</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">O come, let us sing to the Lord;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For the Lord is a great God,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and a great King above all gods.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In his hand are the depths of the earth;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>the heights of the mountains are his also.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The sea is his, for he made it,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and the dry land, which his hands have formed.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">O come, let us worship and bow down,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For he is our God,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and we are the people of his pasture,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and the sheep of his hand.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">O that today you would listen to his voice!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Do not harden your hearts, as at Meribah,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>as on the day at Massah in the wilderness,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">when your ancestors tested me,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and put me to the proof, though they had seen my work.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For forty years I loathed that generation</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and said, ‘They are a people whose hearts go astray,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and they do not regard my ways.’</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Therefore in my anger I swore,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>‘They shall not enter my rest.’</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Psalm 22</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Why are you so far from helping me, from the words of my groaning?</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and by night, but find no rest.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Yet you are holy,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>enthroned on the praises of Israel.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In you our ancestors trusted;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>they trusted, and you delivered them.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">To you they cried, and were saved;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>in you they trusted, and were not put to shame.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">But I am a worm, and not human;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>scorned by others, and despised by the people.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">All who see me mock at me;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>they make mouths at me, they shake their heads;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">‘Commit your cause to the Lord; let him deliver—</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>let him rescue the one in whom he delights!’</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Yet it was you who took me from the womb;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>you kept me safe on my mother’s breast.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">On you I was cast from my birth,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and since my mother bore me you have been my God.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Do not be far from me,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>for trouble is near</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and there is no one to help.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Many bulls encircle me,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>strong bulls of Bashan surround me;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">they open wide their mouths at me,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>like a ravening and roaring lion.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I am poured out like water,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and all my bones are out of joint;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">my heart is like wax;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>it is melted within my breast;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">my mouth* is dried up like a potsherd,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and my tongue sticks to my jaws;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>you lay me in the dust of death.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For dogs are all around me;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>a company of evildoers encircles me.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">My hands and feet have shrivelled;*</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I can count all my bones.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">They stare and gloat over me;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">they divide my clothes among themselves,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and for my clothing they cast lots.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">But you, O Lord, do not be far away!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>O my help, come quickly to my aid!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Deliver my soul from the sword,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>my life* from the power of the dog!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Save me from the mouth of the lion!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">From the horns of the wild oxen you have rescued* me.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I will tell of your name to my brothers and sisters;*</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>in the midst of the congregation I will praise you:</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">You who fear the Lord, praise him!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>All you offspring of Jacob, glorify him;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>stand in awe of him, all you offspring of Israel!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For he did not despise or abhor</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>the affliction of the afflicted;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">he did not hide his face from me,*</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>but heard when I* cried to him.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">From you comes my praise in the great congregation;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>my vows I will pay before those who fear him.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The poor* shall eat and be satisfied;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>those who seek him shall praise the Lord.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>May your hearts live for ever!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">All the ends of the earth shall remember</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and turn to the Lord;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">and all the families of the nations</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>shall worship before him.*</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For dominion belongs to the Lord,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and he rules over the nations.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">To him,* indeed, shall all who sleep in* the earth bow down;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>before him shall bow all who go down to the dust,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and I shall live for him.*</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Posterity will serve him;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>future generations will be told about the Lord,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">and* proclaim his deliverance to a people yet unborn,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>saying that he has done it.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">******************************************************************</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Evening Psalms: Psalm 40:1-19, 54</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Psalm 40:1-19</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I waited patiently for the Lord;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>he inclined to me and heard my cry.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">He drew me up from the desolate pit,*</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>out of the miry bog,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">and set my feet upon a rock,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>making my steps secure.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">He put a new song in my mouth,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>a song of praise to our God.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Many will see and fear,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and put their trust in the Lord.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Happy are those who make</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>the Lord their trust,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">who do not turn to the proud,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>to those who go astray after false gods.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">You have multiplied, O Lord my God,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>your wondrous deeds and your thoughts towards us;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>none can compare with you.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Were I to proclaim and tell of them,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>they would be more than can be counted.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Sacrifice and offering you do not desire,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>but you have given me an open ear.*</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Burnt-offering and sin-offering</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>you have not required.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Then I said, ‘Here I am;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>in the scroll of the book it is written of me.*</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I delight to do your will, O my God;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>your law is within my heart.’</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I have told the glad news of deliverance</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>in the great congregation;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">see, I have not restrained my lips,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>as you know, O Lord.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I have not hidden your saving help within my heart,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I have not concealed your steadfast love and your faithfulness</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>from the great congregation.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Do not, O Lord, withhold</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>your mercy from me;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">let your steadfast love and your faithfulness</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>keep me safe for ever.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For evils have encompassed me</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>without number;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">my iniquities have overtaken me,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>until I cannot see;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">they are more than the hairs of my head,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and my heart fails me.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Be pleased, O Lord, to deliver me;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>O Lord, make haste to help me.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Let all those be put to shame and confusion</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>who seek to snatch away my life;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">let those be turned back and brought to dishonour</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>who desire my hurt.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Let those be appalled because of their shame</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>who say to me, ‘Aha, Aha!’</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">But may all who seek you</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>rejoice and be glad in you;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">may those who love your salvation</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>say continually, ‘Great is the Lord!’</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As for me, I am poor and needy,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>but the Lord takes thought for me.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">You are my help and my deliverer;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>do not delay, O my God.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Psalm 54</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Save me, O God, by your name,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and vindicate me by your might.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Hear my prayer, O God;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>give ear to the words of my mouth.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For the insolent have risen against me,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>the ruthless seek my life;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>they do not set God before them.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:
yes"> </span>Selah</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">But surely, God is my helper;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>the Lord is the upholder of* my life.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">He will repay my enemies for their evil.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>In your faithfulness, put an end to them.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">With a freewill-offering I will sacrifice to you;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I will give thanks to your name, O Lord, for it is good.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For he has delivered me from every trouble,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and my eye has looked in triumph on my enemies.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">******************************************************************</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
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