DAILY MEDITATION FOR LENT

Psalms For Lent A Daily Meditation For The 40 Days Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? —Isaiah 58:6  2/17 Ash Wednesday—Day 1 Read Psalm 51:1-17 Theme: Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me. —Psalm 51:10 Almighty God, you have created us out of the dust of the earth: Grant that these ashes may be to us a sign of our mortality and penitence, that we may remember that it is only by your gracious gift that we are given everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen. Thursday 2/18—Day 2 Read Psalm 37 Theme: Trust in God [יהוה], and do good; so you will live in the land, and enjoy security. Take delight in God [יהוה], and God [יהוה] will give you the desires of your heart. —Psalm 37:3,4 Almighty God, you alone can bring into order the unruly wills and affections of sinners: Grant your people grace to love what you command and desire what you promise; that, among the swift and varied changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found; in your mercy, O God, we pray. Amen. Friday 2/19—Day 3 Read Psalm 31 Theme: Love God [יהוה], all you saints. God [יהוה] preserves the faithful, but abundantly repays the one who acts haughtily. Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for God [יהוה]. —Psalm 31:23,24 Almighty and everliving God, in your tender love for the human race you sent your Beloved and Anointed One to take upon him our nature, and to suffer death upon the cross, giving us the example of his great humility: Mercifully grant that we may walk in the way of his suffering, and also share in his resurrection; in your mercy, O God, we pray. Amen. Saturday 2/20—Day 4 Read Psalm 32 Theme: You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with glad cries of deliverance. —Psalm 32:7 O God, by the passion of your blessed Beloved and Anointed One you made an instrument of shameful death to be for us the means of life: Grant us so to glory in the cross of Christ, that we may gladly suffer shame and loss for the sake of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. First Sunday In Lent Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing you have made and forgive the sins of all who are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; in your mercy, O God, we pray. Amen. Monday 2/22—Day 5 Read Psalm 52 Theme: But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God. I trust in the steadfast love of God forever and ever. —Psalm 52:8 Almighty God, whose blessed Beloved and Anointed One was led by the Spirit to be tempted by wealth, empire and power over all things. Come quickly to help us who are assaulted by many temptations; and, as you know the weaknesses of each of us, let each one find you mighty to save; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Tuesday 2/23—Day 6 Read Psalm 48 Theme: That you may tell the next generation that this is God, our God forever and ever. God [יהוה] will be our guide forever. —Psalm 48:13b,14 O God, whose glory it is always to have mercy: Be gracious to all who have gone astray from your ways, and bring them again with penitent hearts and steadfast faith to embrace and hold fast the unchangeable truth of your Word, Jesus Christ your Son; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen Wednesday 2/24—Day 7 Read Psalm 119:49-72 Theme: It is good for me that I was humbled [or afflicted], so that I might learn your statutes. The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces. —Psalm 119:71,72 Gracious and Loving God whose blessed Beloved and Anointed One came down from heaven to be the true bread which gives life to the world: Evermore give us this bread, that he may live in us, and we in him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Thursday 2/25—Day 8 Read Psalm 50 Theme: Call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me. —Psalm 50:15 Almighty God, you alone can bring into order the unruly wills and affections of sinners: Grant your people grace to love what you command and desire what you promise; that, among the swift and varied changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found; in your mercy, O God, we pray. Amen. Friday 2/26—Day 9 Read Psalm 51 Theme: The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. —Psalm 51:17 Almighty and everliving God, in your tender love for the human race you sent your Beloved and Anointed One to take upon him our nature, and to suffer death upon the cross, giving us the example of his great humility: Mercifully grant that we may walk in the way of his suffering, and also share in his resurrection; in your mercy, O God, we pray. Amen. Saturday 2/27—Day 10 Read Psalm 139:1-17 Theme: I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; that I know very well. —Psalm 139:14 O God, by the passion of your blessed Beloved and Anointed One you made an instrument of shameful death to be for us the means of life: Grant us so to glory in the cross of Christ, that we may gladly suffer shame and loss for the sake of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Second Sunday In Lent Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing you have made and forgive the sins of all who are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; in your mercy, O God, we pray. Amen. Monday 3/1—Day 11 Read Psalm 56 Theme: O Most High, when I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I am not afraid; what can flesh do to me? —Psalm 56:2b-4 Almighty God, whose blessed Beloved and Anointed One was led by the Spirit to be tempted by wealth, empire and power over all things. Come quickly to help us who are assaulted by many temptations; and, as you know the weaknesses of each of us, let each one find you mighty to save; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Tuesday 3/2—Day 12 Read Psalm 62 Theme: For God alone my soul waits in silence, for my hope is from God [יהוה]. God [יהוה] alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. —Psalm 62:5,6 O God, whose glory it is always to have mercy: Be gracious to all who have gone astray from your ways, and bring them again with penitent hearts and steadfast faith to embrace and hold fast the unchangeable truth of your Word, Jesus Christ your Son; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen Wednesday 3/3—Day 13 Read Psalm 72 Theme: Blessed be God [יהוה], the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous things. Blessed be God's [יהוה] glorious name forever; may his glory fill the whole earth. Amen and Amen. —Psalm 72:18,19 Gracious and Loving God whose blessed Beloved and Anointed One came down from heaven to be the true bread which gives life to the world: Evermore give us this bread, that he may live in us, and we in him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Thursday 3/4—Day 14 Read Psalm 71 Theme: Upon you I have leaned from my birth; it was you who took me from my mother's womb. My praise is continually of you. —Psalm 71:6 Almighty God, you alone can bring into order the unruly wills and affections of sinners: Grant your people grace to love what you command and desire what you promise; that, among the swift and varied changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found; in your mercy, O God, we pray. Amen. Friday 3/5—Day 15 Read Psalm 69 Theme: I have become a stranger to my kindred, an alien to my mother's children. It is zeal for your house that has consumed me; the insults of those who insult you have fallen on me. —Psalm 69:8,9 Almighty and everliving God, in your tender love for the human race you sent your Beloved and Anointed One to take upon him our nature, and to suffer death upon the cross, giving us the example of his great humility: Mercifully grant that we may walk in the way of his suffering, and also share in his resurrection; in your mercy, O God, we pray. Amen. Saturday 3/6—Day 16 Read Psalm 23 Theme: God [יהוה] is my shepherd, I shall not want. God [יהוה] makes me lie down in green pastures; God [יהוה] leads me beside still waters; God [יהוה] restores my soul. God [יהוה] leads me in right paths for his name's sake. —Psalm 23:1-3 O God, by the passion of your blessed Beloved and Anointed One you made an instrument of shameful death to be for us the means of life: Grant us so to glory in the cross of Christ, that we may gladly suffer shame and loss for the sake of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Third Sunday In Lent Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing you have made and forgive the sins of all who are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; in your mercy, O God, we pray. Amen. Monday 3/8—Day 17 Read Psalm 77 Theme: I will call to mind the deeds of God [יהוה]; I will remember your wonders of old. I will meditate on all your work, and muse on your mighty deeds. —Psalm 77:11,12 Almighty God, whose blessed Beloved and Anointed One was led by the Spirit to be tempted by wealth, empire and power over all things. Come quickly to help us who are assaulted by many temptations; and, as you know the weaknesses of each of us, let each one find you mighty to save; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Tuesday 3/9—Day 18 Read Psalm 78 Theme: Yet God [יהוה], being compassionate, forgave their iniquity, and did not destroy them; often God [יהוה] restrained God's [יהוה] anger, and did not stir up all God's [יהוה] wrath. God [יהוה] remembered that they were but flesh, a wind that passes and does not come again. —Psalm 78:38,39 O God, whose glory it is always to have mercy: Be gracious to all who have gone astray from your ways, and bring them again with penitent hearts and steadfast faith to embrace and hold fast the unchangeable truth of your Word, Jesus Christ your Son; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen Wednesday 3/10—Day 19 Read Psalm 119:97-120 Theme: Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. —Psalm 119:105 Gracious and Loving God whose blessed Beloved and Anointed One came down from heaven to be the true bread which gives life to the world: Evermore give us this bread, that he may live in us, and we in him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Thursday 3/11—Day 20 Read Psalm 42 Theme: As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and behold the face of God? —Psalm 42:1,2 Almighty God, you alone can bring into order the unruly wills and affections of sinners: Grant your people grace to love what you command and desire what you promise; that, among the swift and varied changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found; in your mercy, O God, we pray. Amen. Friday 3/12—Day 21 Read Psalm 92 Theme: For you, O God [יהוה], have made me glad by your work; at the works of your hands I sing for joy. —Psalm 92 Almighty and everliving God, in your tender love for the human race you sent your Beloved and Anointed One to take upon him our nature, and to suffer death upon the cross, giving us the example of his great humility: Mercifully grant that we may walk in the way of his suffering, and also share in his resurrection; in your mercy, O God, we pray. Amen. Saturday 3/13—Day 22 Read Psalm 136 Theme: God [יהוה] alone does great wonders, for God's steadfast love endures for ever; God [יהוה] by understanding made the heavens, for God's steadfast love endures for ever; God [יהוה] spread out the earth on the waters, for God's steadfast love endures for ever... —Psalm 136:4-6 O God, by the passion of your blessed Beloved and Anointed One you made an instrument of shameful death to be for us the means of life: Grant us so to glory in the cross of Christ, that we may gladly suffer shame and loss for the sake of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Fourth Sunday In Lent Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing you have made and forgive the sins of all who are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; in your mercy, O God, we pray. Amen. Monday 3/15—Day 23 Read Psalm 89:1-18 Theme: The heavens are yours, the earth also is yours; the world and all that is in it—you have founded them. —Psalm 89:11 Almighty God, whose blessed Beloved and Anointed One was led by the Spirit to be tempted by wealth, empire and power over all things. Come quickly to help us who are assaulted by many temptations; and, as you know the weaknesses of each of us, let each one find you mighty to save; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Tuesday 3/16 — Day 24 Read Psalm 94 Theme: The God who disciplines the nations,” the God who teaches knowledge to humankind, does that God not chastise? —Psalm 94:10 O God, whose glory it is always to have mercy: Be gracious to all who have gone astray from your ways, and bring them again with penitent hearts and steadfast faith to embrace and hold fast the unchangeable truth of your Word, Jesus Christ your Son; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen Wednesday 3/17—Day 25 Read Psalm 101 Theme: I will study the way that is blameless. When shall I attain it? I will walk with integrity of heart within my house; —Psalm 101:2 Gracious and Loving God whose blessed Beloved and Anointed One came down from heaven to be the true bread which gives life to the world: Evermore give us this bread, that he may live in us, and we in him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Thursday 3/18—Day 26 Read Psalm 73 Theme: My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion for ever. —Psalm 73:26 Almighty God, you alone can bring into order the unruly wills and affections of sinners: Grant your people grace to love what you command and desire what you promise; that, among the swift and varied changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found; in your mercy, O God, we pray. Amen. Friday 3/19—Day 27 Read Psalm 107:1-32 Theme: Let them thank God [יהוה] for God's [יהוה] steadfast love, for God's [יהוה] wonderful works to humankind. For God [יהוה] satisfies the thirsty, and the hungry God [יהוה] fills with good things. —Psalm 107:8,9 Almighty and everliving God, in your tender love for the human race you sent your Beloved and Anointed One to take upon him our nature, and to suffer death upon the cross, giving us the example of his great humility: Mercifully grant that we may walk in the way of his suffering, and also share in his resurrection; in your mercy, O God, we pray. Amen. Saturday 3/20—Day 28 Read Psalm 108:1-6 Theme: Be exalted, O God, above the heavens, and let your glory be over all the earth. Give victory with your right hand, and answer me, so that those whom you love may be rescued. —Psalm 108:5,6 O God, by the passion of your blessed Beloved and Anointed One you made an instrument of shameful death to be for us the means of life: Grant us so to glory in the cross of Christ, that we may gladly suffer shame and loss for the sake of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Fifth Sunday In Lent Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing you have made and forgive the sins of all who are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; in your mercy, O God, we pray. Amen. Monday 3/22—Day 29 Read Psalm 35 Theme: Contend, O God [יהוה], with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me! Take hold of shield and buckler, and rise up to help me! —Psalm 35:1,2 Almighty God, whose blessed Beloved and Anointed One was led by the Spirit to be tempted by wealth, empire and power over all things. Come quickly to help us who are assaulted by many temptations; and, as you know the weaknesses of each of us, let each one find you mighty to save; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Tuesday 3/23—Day 30 Read Psalm 126 Theme: May those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy. Those who go out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, carrying their sheaves. —Psalm 126:5,6 O God, whose glory it is always to have mercy: Be gracious to all who have gone astray from your ways, and bring them again with penitent hearts and steadfast faith to embrace and hold fast the unchangeable truth of your Word, Jesus Christ your Son; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen Wednesday 3/24—Day 31 Read Psalm 119:145-176 Theme: I rise before dawn and cry for help; I put my hope in your words. —Psalm 119:147 Gracious and Loving God whose blessed Beloved and Anointed One came down from heaven to be the true bread which gives life to the world: Evermore give us this bread, that he may live in us, and we in him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Thursday 3/25—Day 32 Read Psalm 131 Theme: But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; my soul is like the weaned child that is with me. —Psalm 131:2 Almighty God, you alone can bring into order the unruly wills and affections of sinners: Grant your people grace to love what you command and desire what you promise; that, among the swift and varied changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found; in your mercy, O God, we pray. Amen. Friday 3/26—Day 33 Read Psalm 143:1-11 Theme: Let me hear of your steadfast love in the morning, for in you I put my trust. Teach me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. —Psalm 143:8 Almighty and everliving God, in your tender love for the human race you sent your Beloved and Anointed One to take upon him our nature, and to suffer death upon the cross, giving us the example of his great humility: Mercifully grant that we may walk in the way of his suffering, and also share in his resurrection; in your mercy, O God, we pray. Amen. Saturday 3/27— Day 34 Read Psalm 137 Theme: By the rivers of Babylon— there we sat down and there we wept when we remembered Zion. On the willows there we hung up our harps. —Psalm 137:1,2 Almighty God, we grieve the defeats we have experienced in life. In mourning we become angry at those who have triumphed over us. Our anger consumes us. Help us, O God, to let go of our grief—in due season—and to move from mourning to hope and healing. Thank you, O God of compassion and mercy, for your share our pain. Amen. Sixth Sunday In Lent—(Palm Sunday/Passion Sunday) Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing you have made and forgive the sins of all who are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; in your mercy, O God, we pray. Amen. Monday 3/29—Day 35 Read Psalm 36:5-11 Theme: Your steadfast love, O God [יהוה], extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds. Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your judgments are like the great deep; —Psalm 36:5,6 Almighty God, whose blessed Beloved and Anointed One was led by the Spirit to be tempted by wealth, empire and power over all things. Come quickly to help us who are assaulted by many temptations; and, as you know the weaknesses of each of us, let each one find you mighty to save; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Tuesday 3/30—Day 36 Read Psalm 71:1-14 Theme: Be to me a rock of refuge, a strong fortress, to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress. —Psalm 71:3 O God, whose glory it is always to have mercy: Be gracious to all who have gone astray from your ways, and bring them again with penitent hearts and steadfast faith to embrace and hold fast the unchangeable truth of your Word, Jesus Christ your Son; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen Wednesday 3/31—Day 37 Read Psalm 70 Theme: Let all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you. Let those who love your salvation say evermore, God is great! —Psalm 70:4 Gracious and Loving God whose blessed Beloved and Anointed One came down from heaven to be the true bread which gives life to the world: Evermore give us this bread, that he may live in us, and we in him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Thursday 4/1—Day 38 (MAUNDY THURSDAY) Read Psalm 116:1—2, 12—19 Theme: I love God [יהוה], because God [יהוה] has heard my voice and my supplications. Because God [יהוה] inclined God's [יהוה] ear to me, therefore I will call on God [יהוה] as long as I live. —Psalm 116:1,2 Almighty God, you alone can bring into order the unruly wills and affections of sinners: Grant your people grace to love what you command and desire what you promise; that, among the swift and varied changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found; in your mercy, O God, we pray. Amen. Friday 4/2—Day 39 (GOOD FRIDAY) Read Psalm 22 Theme: In you our ancestors trusted; they trusted, and you delivered them. To you they cried, and were saved; in you they trusted, and were not put to shame. —Psalm 22:4,5 Almighty and everliving God, in your tender love for the human race you sent your Beloved and Anointed One to take upon him our nature, and to suffer death upon the cross, giving us the example of his great humility: Mercifully grant that we may walk in the way of his suffering, and also share in his resurrection; in your mercy, O God, we pray. Amen. Saturday 4/3—Day 40 (2nd DAY OF THE TRIDUUM) Read Psalm 31:1-4, 15-16 Theme: You are indeed my rock and my fortress; for your name's sake lead me and guide me. —Psalm 31:3 Jesus, like a mother you gather your people to you; you are gentle with us as a mother with her children. Despair turns to hope through your sweet goodness; through your gentleness we find comfort in fear. Your warmth gives life to the dead, your touch makes sinners righteous. Holy God, in your mercy heal us; in your love and tenderness remake us. In your compassion bring grace and forgiveness, for the beauty of hHeaven may your love prepare us. —Attributed to St. Anselm (1109) Preparation For The Easter Vigil Gracious God, as we remember before you the thousands who have died, surround us and all who mourn with your strong compassion. Be gentle with us in our grief, protect us from despair, and give us grace to persevere and face the future with hope in your healing wholeness. Amen.