Worthily Lamenting
There is a phrase in an Anglican collect (group prayer) for Lent that mentions us “worthily lamenting” our sin. I don’t think that that phrase always describes my relationship to sin.
I’m more likely to lament the consequences of sin or regret because of the way I feel afterwards.
perhaps remorse and self-loathing is a beginning step, or else a counterfeit for worthy lament.
Lord, let me worthily lament my sin:
- My selfishness.
- My caring more about my comfort than the comfort of others.
- My caring about what others think of me more than what they think of You, or what you think of me
Happy Lent / Ten sins or fewer
“Happy Lent” I said to our choir director, “or is that the wrong greeting?”
His response: “I guess that it depends on how many sins you have…” left me wondering: I wonder whether Lent would be happier if you have few or many sins? On one hand, having many sins would lead me to have a more penitent lent, and having few would leave me with only light penitence. On the other hand, having many sins forgiven, I would have great gratitude.
From the bulletin for the Ash Wednesday service: Lent Prose
Our choir sings “Lent Prose” at services throughout Lent. The music is beautiful; the words, a wonderful prayer.
We ask God to do what he loves to do: have mercy on us when we stop deceiving ourselves about sin and turn to him for mercy.
joynwonder 