Scripture Reading
Psalm 130:1-4
Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord! O Lord, hear my voice! Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my pleas for mercy! If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness, that you may be feared.
Reflection
The De Profundis — "out of the depths" — is the cry of every honest soul in Lent. We cannot pretend we have no need of mercy; the depths are real. Yet the psalm turns on a hinge of grace: with God there is forgiveness. The very fear of the Lord is grounded not in terror but in amazed gratitude that One so holy should stoop to forgive. From the depths, we wait — and he hears.
Prayer for Today
I acknowledged my sin to You, and my iniquity I did not hide. I said, I will confess my transgressions to the Lord [continually unfolding the past till all is told]then You [instantly] forgave me the guilt and iniquity of my sin. Selah [pause, and calmly
think of that]!- Psalm 32:5
He who covers his transgressions will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes his sins will obtain mercy- Proverbs 28:13
If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just (true to His own nature and promises) and will forgive our sins [dismiss our lawlessness] and [continuously] cleanse us from all unrighteousness [everything not in
conformity to His will in purpose, thought, and action].- 1 John 1:9
think of that]!- Psalm 32:5
He who covers his transgressions will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes his sins will obtain mercy- Proverbs 28:13
If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just (true to His own nature and promises) and will forgive our sins [dismiss our lawlessness] and [continuously] cleanse us from all unrighteousness [everything not in
conformity to His will in purpose, thought, and action].- 1 John 1:9
Amen.