The Preacher's Lectionary Notebook - A Litany for Lent on Psalm 32
The First Sunday in Lent (Year A)
Leader: Blessed are those whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. People: Blessed are those to whom the Lord imputes no guilt, and in whose spirit there is no deceit. Leader: When we kept silent, our bones wasted away; our strength dried up under the weight of our secrets. People: We confess that we have hidden ourselves from the truth, and called it peace. Leader: Day and night your hand was heavy upon us, not to crush us, but to wake us. People: Break our silence, O God. Give us courage to name what we have done. Leader: Then we acknowledged our sin to you, and did not cover our iniquity. People: We bring what is broken, what is unfinished, what is unresolved. Leader: “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,” and you forgave the guilt of our sin. People: Your mercy is quicker than our repentance, deeper than our shame. Leader: You are a hiding place for us; you preserve us from trouble. People: Hide us not from the world, but in your steadfast love. Leader: You surround us with shouts of deliverance. People: Even now— before we are fully healed, before we are fully changed. Leader: Do not be like the horse or the mule, without understanding. People: Teach us the way we should go; guide us with your loving eye. Leader: Many are the torments of the wicked, but steadfast love surrounds those who trust in the Lord. People: Surround us in this wilderness season, until our trust becomes joy. Leader: Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart. People: We enter Lent in truth, and we rise in hope. Amen.