Wednesday in the Twenty-Third Week after Pentecost

The Lesson of the Epistle of the Holy Apostle Paul to the Thessalonians.
I Thessalonians §264 (2:1-8).
Brethren: You yourselves know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain: but having suffered many things before, and been shamefully treated (as you know) at Philippi, we had confidence in our God, to speak unto you the gospel of God in much carefulness. For our exhortation was not of error, nor of uncleanness, nor in deceit: but as we were approved by God that the gospel should be committed to us: even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God, Who proveth our hearts. For neither have we used, at any time, the speech of flattery, as you know; nor taken an occasion of covetousness, God is witness: nor sought we glory of men, neither of you, nor of others. Whereas we might have been burdensome to you, as the apostles of Christ: but we became little ones in the midst of you, as if a nurse should cherish her children: so desirous of you, we would gladly impart unto you not only the gospel of God, but also our own souls: because you were become most dear unto us.

The Lesson of the Holy Gospel according to Saint Luke.
Saint Luke §56 (11:9-13).
The Lord said to His disciples: Ask, and it shall be given you: seek, and you shall find: knock, and it shall be opened to you. For every one that asketh, receiveth; and he that seeketh, findeth; and to him that knocketh, it shall be opened. And which of you, if he ask his father bread, will he give him a stone? Or a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? Or if he shall ask an egg, will he reach him a scorpion? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father from heaven give the good Spirit to them that ask Him?