Monday of Lent 1

MONDAY, MARCH 07, 2022 Scripture Reading: Psalm 17

Additional Scriptures:
1 Chronicles 12:1–17; 1 John 2:1–6

Psalm 17 is one of three that bear the title “A prayer of David” (also 86 and 142). It is a most appropriate heading since the psalm is rich with words for petition: “hear, attend, unto, give ear,” and so on. After an initial cry to God (verses 1-2), David defends his character and motives (verses 3-5). On this basis, he is able to offer his petition, which includes both a beautiful prayer for divine protection (verse 8), and a repulsive description of his would-be captors (verses 9-12). The request, “Keep me as the apple of the eye” (verse 8), is a petition that God protect David just as a man protects the pupil of his eye, the most sensitive part of the most sensitive member of the body. Finally, David asks that his deliverance might be granted: it will involve the destruction of his enemies (verses 13-14), but will result in David’s unhindered devotion (verse 15). [1]

Lord Jesus, prepare us for that eternal Sabbath when You will rest in us, just as now You work in us. The rest that we shall enjoy will be Yours, just as the work that we now do is Your work done through us. But You, O Lord, are eternally at work and eternally at rest. It is not time that You see or in time that You move or in time that You rest, yet You make what we see in time. You make time itself and the repose which comes when time ceases; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. [2]  

Almighty and everlasting God, mercifully increase in us Your gifts of holy discipline, in almsgiving, prayer and fasting; that our lives may be directed to the fulfilling of Your most gracious will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen. [3]

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Baptism copyright © Ed Riojas Higher Things

[1] https://www.bible-studys.org/Bible%20Books/Psalms/Psalm%2017.html

[2] Collect for Monday of Lent 1 Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

[3]Collect for Monday of Lent 1,  http://www.liturgies.net/Lent/LentenCollects.htm