Posted April 9, 2014

Used with permission of  Creighton University Online Ministries

Invitatory:

“Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall declare your praise.”

Collect:

Enlighten, O God of compassion, the hearts of your children, sanctified by penance, and in your kindness grant those you stir to a sense of devotion a gracious hearing when they cry out to you. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

The Readings

Daniel 3:14-20, 91-92, 95; Daniel 3:52-56; John 8:31-42

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Daily Meditation:

Enlighten our minds and sanctify our hearts. In our reflection, Jesus is about to face a fiery furnace, which represents the full rejection of all our sins, and the crushing defeat of death itself. Praying the Stations again, might help us grow in a sense that this is all “for me,” for my freedom. We grow in a sense of repentance and deep sorrow. We grow in a desire to celebrate the glorious Light in the midst of all darkness.

Rid yourself of all your sins and make a new heart and a new spirit. – Gospel antiphon, based upon Ezekiel 18:31

Intercessions:

Blessed be God, the giver of salvation, who decreed that mankind should become a new creation in himself, when all would be made new. With great confidence let us ask him: Lord, renew us in your Spirit.

Lord, you promised a new heaven and a new earth; renew us daily through your Spirit, – that we may enjoy your presence for ever in the heavenly Jerusalem.

Help us to work with you to make this world alive with your Spirit, – and to build on earth a city of justice, love and peace.

Free us from all negligence and sloth, – and give us joy in your gifts of grace.

Deliver us from evil, – and from slavery to the senses, which blinds us to goodness.

Closing Prayer:

Loving Creator, I know in your great love for me, you see the deep sorrow in my heart. Hear my prayers which are offered with such trust in you. Be with me in both mind and heart as I renew my life in your spirit.

Conclusion:

May the Lord bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life.

Amen.