The Need for Lament

Preparing for the First Sunday in Lent: Three Days before Sunday (Year A)

Scripture

Psalter: Psalm 51

Old Testament: Jonah 3:1-10

Epistle: Romans 1:1-7

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Prayer

God of mercy, your word was the sure defense of Jesus in his time of testing. Minister to us in the wilderness of our temptation, that we who have been set free from sin by Christ may serve you well into life everlasting. Amen.

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Reflection

Have mercy on me, O God,

    according to your steadfast love;

according to your abundant mercy,

    blot out my transgressions.

Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,

    and cleanse me from my sin.

For I know my transgressions,

    and my sin is ever before me (Psalm 51:1-3).

PRAYER: God of wilderness and water, your Son was baptized and tempted as we are. Guide us through this season, that we may not avoid struggle, but open ourselves to blessing, through the cleansing depths of repentance and the heaven-rending words of the Spirit. Amen.

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