The Daily Office for September 5, 2012
Scripture Readings
Old Testament
Psalm
New Testament
Gospel
Reflection
In Psalm 38 David confesses his sin and cries to God for forgiveness during a time of physical suffering. David felt he had been forgotten by God because he had sinned and was desperately ill. This is one of the Penitential Psalms, and it is recited by many churches on Ash Wednesday. Of all the Penitential Psalms this one exhibits the most severe state of body and mind.
Yet, David knew he had sinned and a rebuke was necessary. His initial prayer, therefore, was not for the cessation of the rebuke, but for the removal of God’s wrath from it. The believer can withstand God’s chastening, but he or she cannot withstand divine wrath. By the end of the Psam David knew he was in danger from both his enemies and his severe physical condition. But, in the midst of this peril, he cried out to God with the kind of faith that still conquers today.
Collect for the Day
Almighty God, who called your Church to bear witness that you were in Christ reconciling the world to yourself: help us to proclaim the good news of your love, that all who hear it may be drawn to you; through him who was lifted up on the cross, and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.