R. (8a)
The Lord is kind and merciful. Bless the LORD, O my soul;
and all my being, bless his holy name.
Bless the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits.
Prayer: Lord, let me rejoice in your mercy. Let me never forget that all I have comes from you: my breath, each moment of life, the freedoms I enjoy, a body that allows me receive and serve here on earth. Forgive me the times I forget how blessed I am, how much you have given me. Help me always to have a grateful heart. Thank you for all of your blessings.
R.
The Lord is kind and merciful. He pardons all your iniquities,
heals all your ills,
He redeems your life from destruction,
crowns you with kindness and compassion.
When I saw “Les Miserable” for the first time, I was powerfully saddened when—unable to allow himself to be “crowned with compassion” and redeemed by the mercy shown him by Jean Valjean, the lawman Javert chose self-destruction instead.
Prayer: Lord, let my heart be pierced with your mercy and the mercy shown to me by others. Allow it to change me! Like Jean Valjean, allow me to become new! Through your grace, help me begin the process of forgiving others and forgiving myself for the times we have been unmerciful in thought, word, or deed. Help me to believe in your redemption for myself, for others, and for the world.
R.
The Lord is kind and merciful. The LORD secures justice
and the rights of all the oppressed.
He has made known his ways to Moses,
and his deeds to the children of Israel.
Prayer: As I work for peace and justice in the world, Lord, help me to remember that ultimately, justice is yours, not mine.
R.
The Lord is kind and merciful. Merciful and gracious is the LORD,
slow to anger and abounding in kindness.
For as the heavens are high above the earth,
so surpassing is his kindness toward those who fear him.
R.
The Lord is kind and merciful.
Prayer: Lord, I cannot begin to fathom the heights or the depths of your mercy, your love, and your kindness. Strengthen me this Lent to spend time alone with you each day, so that in thought, word, and deed, I may be conformed to you more closely. Thank you for loving me constantly and forgiving me endlessly, as you did your people Israel. You are great, and all glory is yours. May my life be a song of praise to you, united in and through Christ and your Holy Spirit. Amen.