The First Sunday in Lent (Ps) March 9th

Psalm 17:1-15

¹  Hear a just cause, O Lord; attend to my cry!

Give ear to my prayer from lips free of deceit!

²    From your presence let my vindication come!

Let your eyes behold the right!

³    You have tried my heart, you have visited me by night,

you have tested me, and you will find nothing;

I have purposed that my mouth will not transgress.

⁴    With regard to the works of man, by the word of your lips

I have avoided the ways of the violent.

⁵    My steps have held fast to your paths;

my feet have not slipped.

⁶    I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God;

incline your ear to me; hear my words.

⁷    Wondrously show your steadfast love,

O Savior of those who seek refuge

from their adversaries at your right hand.

⁸    Keep me as the apple of your eye;

hide me in the shadow of your wings,

⁹    from the wicked who do me violence,

my deadly enemies who surround me.

¹⁰    They close their hearts to pity;

with their mouths they speak arrogantly.

¹¹    They have now surrounded our steps;

they set their eyes to cast us to the ground.

¹²    He is like a lion eager to tear,

as a young lion lurking in ambush.

¹³    Arise, O Lord! Confront him, subdue him!

Deliver my soul from the wicked by your sword,

¹⁴    from men by your hand, O Lord,

from men of the world whose portion is in this life.

       You fill their womb with treasure;

they are satisfied with children,

and they leave their abundance to their infants.

¹⁵    As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness;

when I awake, I shall be satisfied with your likeness.

The First Commandment

You shall have no other gods.

What does this mean?

We should fear, love and trust in God above all things.

The Second Commandment

You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God.

What does this mean?

We should fear and love God so that we do not curse, swear, use satanic arts, lie, or deceive by His name, but call upon it in every trouble, pray, praise, and give thanks.

The Third Commandment

Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.

What does this mean?

We should fear and love God so that we do not despise preaching and His Word, but hold it sacred and gladly hear and learn it.

O Lord God, You led Your ancient people through the wilderness and brought them to the promised land.  Guide the people of Your Church that following our Savior we may walk through the wilderness of this world toward the glory of the world to come; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.