Wednesday of Lent 5

Wednesday of Lent 5 –April 1, 2020 – John 19:31-37
 

[1]

                        Help, O Christ, Thou God’s own Son,

Through Thy bittern anguish.

That our wills with Thine be one,

Zeal for evil vanquish.

On Thy death and its true cause

Contrite thoughts will render,

And Though weak and full of flaws,

Thee our thanks will tender. [2]

God’s good and gracious will is done among us by Himself – not us! Specifically, when He breaks and hinders every evil counsel and will which would not let us hallow God’s name nor let His Kingdom come. Those forces we contend with are the will of the devil, the world and our own sinful flesh.

God’s good and gracious will is to strengthen and preserve us steadfast. Keeping us faithful to His Word and faith unto our end. “Fear not, little flock, for it is Your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”-Luke 12:32

Keep us, O Lord, from one generation to another, and let not us, who have clung to Thy foundation, be carried away with this present world, but arise to be our Comforter in trouble, and by the bestowal of joy wipe away our sorrows; [3]

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, renew in us the gifts of Your mercy; increase our faith, strengthen our hope, enlighten our understanding, widen our charity, and make us ready to serve You; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen [4]

Lord Jesus Christ, You released many from their bondage to sin, death, and the devil as healer of the nations. But when it came time to release You, the crowd chose a murderer instead. Through our co-crucifixion with You in the waters of our Baptism, may be continually be released from our sins as we confess You to be our everlasting King; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. [5]

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1. Image, Good Friday, © Higher Things

2. Choral from Bach’s St. John Passion

3. A Lenten Collect © 2005 Lutheran Liturgical Prayer Brotherhood

4. Collect for Wednesday of Lent 5, http://www.liturgies.net/Lent/LentenCollects.htm

5. Collect for Wednesday of Lent 5, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis