Tuesday 22 March 2022

Today is Tuesday the 22nd of March, in the third week of Lent.
The community of Taizé sing Da Pacem Cordium: "Give peace to our hearts". As I listen, I might join in this prayer, asking the Lord for peace in my heart, asking God to help me still myself for a moment, so I can listen to his gentle voice, speaking to my heart.

Da pacem cordium

Today's reading is from the Prophet Daniel. Verses 34-43 of this passage can be found in the NRSV Catholic Edition.
Dan 3:25, 34-43
Then Azariah stood still in the fire and prayed aloud:
For your name's sake do not give us up forever, and do not annul your covenant. Do not withdraw your mercy from us, for the sake of Abraham your beloved and for the sake of your servant Isaac and Israel your holy one, to whom you promised to multiply their descendants like the stars of heaven and like the sand on the shore of the sea. For we, O Lord, have become fewer than any other nation, and are brought low this day in all the world because of our sins. In our day we have no ruler, or prophet, or leader, no burnt offering, or sacrifice, or oblation, or incense, no place to make an offering before you and to find mercy. Yet with a contrite heart and a humble spirit may we be accepted, as though it were with burnt offerings of rams and bulls, or with tens of thousands of fat lambs; such may our sacrifice be in your sight today, and may we unreservedly follow you, for no shame will come to those who trust in you. And now with all our heart we follow you; we fear you and seek your presence. Do not put us to shame, but deal with us in your patience and in your abundant mercy. Deliver us in accordance with your marvelous works, and bring glory to your name, O Lord.

This song is placed on the lips of Azariah, who has just been flung into the fiery furnace with his two companions. Notice the tone of it, and the certainty that God is going to rescue them. Take a moment now to imagine the very worst thing that could happen to you… then ask: "could God save me even from this?" Notice what comes up for you…
Azariah sings, "we are brought low this day, because of our sins". Is that a prayer that you feel able to make during this time of Lent? What does the Lord want to say in return?

Now listen as the passage is read again…
…"now with all our heart we follow you; we fear you and seek your presence". Do you think you can make this your prayer today? Talk to the Lord about what these words speak to you at this moment…

You have given all to me. To you Lord, I return it.
Everything is yours; do with it what you will.
Give me only your love and your grace…
That is enough for me.