Ash Wednesday

Inspired by Arthur Paul Boers I decided that a good Lenten discipline for me would be to try to improve my shockingly bad practice of prayer by praying a regular daily office. I’m using a version put out by the Society of Saint Francis (Anglican) called Celebrating Common Prayer.

The offices are keyed to the seasons of the church calendar; here is the OT canticle for morning prayer during Lent:

THE SONG OF MANASSEH

Lord almighty and God of our ancestors,

you who made heaven and earth in all their glory:

All things tremble with awe at your presence,

before your great and mighty power.

Immeasurable and unsearchalbe is your promised mercy,

for you are God, Most High.

Your are full of compassion, long-suffering and very merciful,

and you relent at human suffering.

O God, according to your great goodness,

you have promised forgiveness for repentance

to those who have sinned against you.

The sins I have committed against you

are more in number than the sands of the sea.

I am not worthy to look up to the height of heaven,

because of the multitude of my iniquities.

And now I bend the knee of my heart before you,

imploring your kindness upon me.

I have sinned, O God, I have sinned,

and I acknowledge my transgressions.

Unworthy as I am, you will save me,

according to your great mercy.

For all the host of heaven sings your praise,

and your glory is for ever and ever.