Psalm 137:1-5

By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept when we remembered Zion. (Psalm 137:1)
      Lord, we weep when we remember how far the Episcopal Church has fallen.

We hung our harps upon the willows in the midst of it. (Psalm 137:2)
      Jesus, we grieve and lament when we think of the Episcopal Church and how it has lost its first love for you.

For there those who carried us away captive asked of us a song, and those who plundered us requested mirth, saying, “Sing us one of the songs of Zion!” (Psalm 137:3)
      Lord Jesus, those who have taken over and plundered the Episcopal Church want us to behave as though nothing has gone wrong — to carry on “business as usual.”

How shall we sing the LORD’S song in a foreign land? (Psalm 137:4)
      Father, how shall we sing your song when we are in captivity to unbelievers?

If I forget you, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget its skill! (Psalm 137:5)
      Holy Spirit, if we forget the faith you once for all delivered to the saints, deal with us.

      A word received: Ask for my blessing, seek my blessing.

      A word received: I AM with you, look to me for help.

Saturday: 137:1-6(7-9), 144; Jeremiah 31:27-34; Romans 11:25-36; John 11:28-44, or 12:37-50
Palm Sunday: 24, 29; Zech. 9:9-12; 1 Timothy 6:12-16; Zechariah 12:9-11, 13:1,7-9; Matthew 21:12-17

Albany Intercessor

Lent Prayers: Penitential Prayer of St. Augustine

O Lord,
The house of my soul is narrow;
enlarge it that you may enter in.
It is ruinous, O repair it!
It displeases Your sight.
I confess it, I know.
But who shall cleanse it,
to whom shall I cry but to you?
Cleanse me from my secret faults, O Lord,
and spare Your servant from strange sins.
–St. Augustine of Hippo (AD 354-430)
Source: Churchyear.net

Lent Quotes: JC Ryle – Our Mighty Substitute

hat tip: Cruciform Life blog

But we must not be content with a vague general belief that Christ’s sufferings on the cross were vicarious.  We are intended to see this truth in every part of his passion.

We may follow him all through, from the bar of Pilate to the minute of his death, and see him at every step as our mighty substitute, our representative, our head, our surety, our proxy–the divine friend who under took to stand in our place and, by the priceless merit of his sufferings, to purchase our redemption.

Was he flogged? It was done so that “by his wounds we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5).

Was he condemned, though innocent? It was done so that we might be acquitted, though guilty.

Did he wear a crown of thorns? It was done so that we might wear the crown of glory.

Was he stripped of his clothes? It was done so that we might be clothed in everlasting righteousness.

Was he mocked and reviled? It was done so that we might be honored and blessed.

Was he reckoned a criminal, and counted among those who have done wrong? It was done so that we might be reckoned innocent, and declared free from all sin.

Was he declared unable to save himself? It was done so that he might be able to save others to the uttermost.

Did he die at last, and that the most painful and disgraceful death? It was done so that we might live forevermore, and be exalted to the highest glory.

~ from “The Sufferings of Christ” by J. C. Ryle in Jesus, Keep Me Near The Cross: Experiencing The Passion and Power of Easter, edited by Nancy Guthrie, pp. 58-59.