A Lenten Prayer

Fast from words that pollute; feast on phrases that purify.

Fast from discontent; feast on gratitude. Fast from anger; feast on patience.

Fast from pessimism; feast on optimism. Fast from complaining;

feast on affirmation. Fast from bitterness; feast on forgiveness.

Fast from self-concern; feast on compassion for others.

Fast from discouragement; feast on hope.

Fast from boredom; feast on enthusiasm.

Fast from suspicion; feast on truth.

Fast from thoughts that weaken; feast on promises that inspire.

Fast from shadows of sorrow; feast on the sunlight of serenity.

Amen.

Peace of Christ to ALL

Psalm 6

A Prayer in Time of Trouble

Don't punish me, LORD, or even correct me
when you are angry!
Have pity on me and heal my feeble body.
My bones tremble with fear,
and I am in deep distress.
How long will it be?

Turn and come to my rescue.
Show your wonderful love and save me, LORD.
If I die, I cannot praise you or even remember you.
My groaning has worn me out.
At night my bed and pillow are soaked with tears.
Sorrow has made my eyes dim, and my sight has failed
because of my enemies.

You, LORD, heard my crying,
and those hateful people had better leave me alone.
You have answered my prayer and my plea for mercy.
My enemies will be ashamed and terrified,
as they quickly run away in complete disgrace.

Psalm 121

I raise my eyes toward the mountains. From where will my help come?

My help comes from the LORD, the maker of heaven and earth.

God will not allow your foot to slip; your guardian does not sleep.

Truly, the guardian of Israel never slumbers nor sleeps.

The LORD is your guardian; the LORD is your shade at your righthand.

By day the sun cannot harm you, nor the moon by night.

The LORD will guard you from all evil, will always guard your life.

The LORD will guard your coming and going both now and forever.