Lenten Prayer

SAINT AUGUSTINE, in his commentary of the second penitential Psalm, writes “not by the merits of works, but by the grace of God, man is delivered, confessing his sins.” According to Saint Thomas Aquinas, God's love “is eternal and unchangeable; whereas, as regards the effect it imprints on us, it is sometimes interrupted, inasmuch as we sometimes fall short of it and once more require it.”

Psalm 31 (Septuagint numbering), Blessed is he whose iniquity is remitted.

BLESSED is he whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.
Blessed is the man to whom the Lord hath not imputed sin, and in whose spirit there is no guile.

Because I was silent my bones wasted away, as I cried out all day.
For day and night Thy hand was heavy upon me: I am twisted in my affliction whilst the thorn is fastened upon me.
I have acknowledged my sin to Thee, and my guilt I have not concealed.
I said "I will confess my injustice against myself to the Lord:" and Thou hast forgiven the wickedness of my sin.
For this shall every one that is holy pray to Thee in due time.
Though in a flood of many waters, they shall not reach him.
Thou art my refuge, from the tribulation which surrounds me: my joy, deliver me from those surrounding me.

God answers David:

I will give thee understanding, and I will instruct thee in the way in which thou shalt walk: I will fix my eyes upon thee.
Do not become like the horse and the mule, who have no understanding.
With bit and bridle bind them fast, else they will not come near to thee.
Many are the sorrows of the sinner, but mercy shall surround him that hopeth in the Lord.
Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, ye just, and glory, all ye of righteous heart.