April 2

Monday of the Fourth Week of Lent

 

Read

The Seven Penitential Psalms, Day Seven:

(During times when we wish to express repentance and especially during Lent, it is customary to pray the seven penitential psalms. The penitential designation of these psalms dates from the seventh century. Prayerfully reciting these psalms will help us to recognize our sinfulness, express our sorrow and ask for God’s forgiveness.)

Today we will focus on Psalm 143.
 

Reflect

Read a reflection of Psalm 143—A Prayer in Distress.

Pray

“Hasten to answer me, LORD; 
      for my spirit fails me. 
Do not hide your face from me, 
      lest I become like those descending to the pit. 
In the morning let me hear of your 
      mercy, 
    for in you I trust. 
Show me the path I should walk, 
       for I entrust my life to you.” (Ps 143:7-8) 
 

Act

The psalmist pleads his case before the Lord: he is surrounded by enemies, his spirit is faint, and he has nothing left to withstand them. And so he begs for mercy, that the Lord would show his face and be his refuge in his time of great need.

Listen to a recording of Psalm 143 as you follow along with your Bible.