Saturday after Ash Wednesday

Saturday after Ash Wednesday, March 4, 2017                            Psalm 57:7      

Psalm 57:7       English Standard Version (ESV)

⁷ My heart is steadfast, O God,
    my heart is steadfast!
I will sing and make melody!

The Psalmist confidently expects God to intervene in his life. Repetition surrounds the source of his confidence in God. Luther reminds us, “So then, before a person begins to pray, he should examine and probe himself to ascertain whether he believes or doubts that his prayer will be fulfilled. If he finds that he doubts or is uncertain, or that he prays at random, the prayer is nothing.” (AE 42:76)[1]

The Lord invites us to pray boldly and confidently. In the Introduction to the Lord’ Prayer we are reminded, “With these words God tenderly invites us to believe that He is our true Father and that we are His true children, so that with all boldness and confidence we may ask Him as dear children ask their dear father.” When we pray, we approach God thoughtfully with confidence and firm trust.[2]

Almighty and everlasting God, mercifully look upon our infirmities, and in all our dangers and necessities stretch forth your right hand to help and defend us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.[3]

---

[1] Lutheran Study Bible © 2009 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

[2] Introduction to the Lord’s Prayer, Luther’s Small Catechism © 2009 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

[3] Collect for Saturday after Ash Wednesday, http://www.liturgies.net/Lent/LentenCollects.htm

Luther’s Seal © Ed Riojas, Higher Things