This is part of The Great Fast, our program for Lent, 2024. You can find the rest of the program content here.
DAILY ASPIRATION
A reflection on Lenten fasting to guide you into a deeper relationship with Christ.
PRAYER
(To be prayed in light of the Daily Aspiration.)
ANTIPHON
Remember, not O Lord our or our parents' offences: neither take vengeance of our sins.
Psalm 101 [102 in some translations]
Hear, O Lord, my prayer: and let my cry come to Thee. Hide not Thy face from me: in the day of my distress, incline Thy ear to me.
On the day I call upon Thee, hear me speedily. For my days have vanished like smoke, and my bones burn like dry wood in a fire.
My heart is dried up and withered like grass: and so I have forgotten to eat my bread. Because of my groaning, my bones cleave to my flesh.
I am like a pelican in the desert: I am like a night owl among the ruins. I kept awake, and am like a lone sparrow on the housetop.
All day my enemies reviled me: in their rage against me they made a curse of me. For I eat ashes like bread, and mingle my drink with tears.
Because of Thy anger and indignation: having lifted me up, Thou hast then cast me down. My days are like a lengthening shadow, and I have withered like grass.
But thou, O Lord, endurest for ever: and Thy memorial for generations and generations. Thou shalt arise and have mercy on Sion, for it is time to be merciful, for the appointed time has come.
For her stones have pleased Thy servants: and her dust moves them to pity. All the Gentiles shall fear Thy name, O Lord, and all the kings of the earth Thy glory.
For the Lord hath built up Sion: and He shall be seen in His glory. He hath regarded the prayer of the humble: and he hath not despised their prayer.
Let these things be written for the next generation: and the people that shall be created will praise the Lord: For he hath looked down from his sanctuary on high: from heaven the Lord hath looked upon the earth, that he might hear the groans of those imprisoned that he might release the children of the dead:
That they may declare the name of the Lord in Sion: and His praise in Jerusalem; when the people assemble together, and kings, that they may serve the Lord. He hath broken my strength in the way, He hath cut short my days.
I shall say: "My God take me not away in the midst of my days: Thy years are for generations and generations. In the beginning, O Lord, Thou foundedst the earth: and the heavens are the works of thy hands.
They shall perish but Thou shalt remain: and all of them shall grow old like a garment: And like clothing Thou shalt change them, and they shall be changed.
But Thou art always the same, and Thy years have no end. The children of Thy servants shall abide and their offspring shall be established in Thy presence.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.
DAILY TABLE READING:
Listen to this when you are able. For a true monastic experience, try playing it while you are breaking your fast (during your meal of the day).
