Ash Wednesday

Another Lent begins, a difficult time of year for some, yet eagerly anticipated by others.  Today's hymn is a partial paraphrase of Psalm 51, one of the appointed psalms for the day.

Gracious God, my heart renew,

Make my spirit right and true;

Cast me not away from thee,

Let thy Spirit dwell in me;

Thy salvation’s joy impart,

Steadfast make my willing heart.

Those who seek shall learn from me

And return, O God, to thee;

Savior, all my guilt remove,

And my tongue shall sing thy love;

Touch my silent lips, O Lord,

And my mouth shall praise accord.

Not the formal sacrifice

Has acceptance in thine eyes;

Broken hearts are in thy sight

More than sacrificial rite;

Contrite spirit, pleading cries,

Thou, O God, will not despise.

Prosper Zion in thy grace

And its broken walls replace:

Then our righteous sacrifice

Shall delight thy holy eyes;

Free-will offerings, gladly made,

On thine altar shall be laid.

The Psalter, 1912; alt.

Tune: BREAD OF HEAVEN (7.7.7.7.7.7.)

William Dalrymple Maclagan, 1875

Eight (Liturgical) Years Ago: Lord, who throughout these forty days

Seven (Liturgical) Years Ago: Awhile in spirit, Christ, to thee (now on Facebook)

Five (Liturgical) Years Ago: O Christ, whose tender mercy hears

Four (Liturgical) Years Ago: All those who seek a comfort sure