Psalm 77 From the prayer desk of Rev. Deacon Gary
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Today is Wednesday 17th February 2010.
Joel 2:17,18
Let the priests, who minister before the Lord,
weep between temple porch and the altar.
Let them say, "Spare your people, O Lord.
Do not make your inheritance an object of scorn,
a byword among the nations.
Why should they say among the peoples,
Where is their God?"
THEN THE LORD'S ANSWER
Then the Lord will be jealous for his land
and take pity on his people.
Reflections:
Where there is repentance, there is hope. This section of Joel 2:17-18 feeds that hope. Without it, Joel's
prophecy could bring only despair. This promise of forgiveness should have encouraged the people to
repent.
Theology of Repentance.
Repentance is a theological term that
describes salvation whereby believers turn
away from sin. The Greek word for repentance is
Metanoia which for us means spiritual conversion.
Today is Ash Wednesday, it is time for repentance of our sins, and remember that from dust though art shall
return. Repentance is necessary for it will result in the forgiveness of sins, replicating good will,
benevolence, and integration of self in relation to God's presence within us.
Antiphon
Cry out with joy to the Lord, all the earth;
serve the Lord with gladness.
My brothers and sisters in Christ, Good Morning !
To prepare ourselves for today's journey, lets call to mind our sins and ask God for forgiveness for he is full
gentleness and compassion.
Lord have mercy..............Lord have mercy.
Christ have mercy..................Christ have mercy.
Lord have mercy..............Christ have mercy.
May the Almighty God have mercy on us, forgive our sins, and lead us to life everlasting, Amen.
Psalm 77
Your ways, O Lord, are holy.
What god is great as our God?
You are the God who works wonders.
You showed your power among the peoples.
Your strong arm redeemed your people,
the sons of Jacob and Joseph.
Psalm prayer
Father, you established your ancient covenant by signs and wonders, but more wondrously you confirmed
the new one through the sacrifice of your Son. Guide your Church through the pathways of life, that we may
be led to the land of promise and celebrate your name with lasting praise.
Almighty Father, remember all our relatives, friends and even our ancestors who have died, bring them all to
your abode. May your presence bring them your light, happiness and joy, Amen.
Lord Jesus, have mercy and compassion on all our relatives and friends who are suffering from known
illness. Touch them with your healing hand, esp. Rodolfo Clemente, Lucy Waters
and Estelle Levinson. Relieve them of their fears, pains and anxieties, Amen.
Holy Spirit giver of life, power and wisdom, be our guide and guard us from harm. Amen
OL Barangay, pray for us and all who call on thee, Amen.
Reflections:
Matthew 6:6-7
But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father
who sees in secret will repay you. In praying, do not babble like the pagans, who think that they will be heard
because of their many words.
Jesus was drawing attention to the motives behind actions of prayers. Repeating the same words over and
over like a magic incantation is no way to ensure that God will hear your prayer. It's not wrong to come to
God many times with the same requests...Jesus encourages persistent prayer. However he condemns the
shallow repetitions of words that are not offered with a sincere heart. Make sure when you pray it comes
from your heart not from your lips.
Say one "Our Father and Hail Mary" for our own intentions, and the healing intentions of this prayers.
Have a nice fasting day.
Deacon Gary
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