As we enter one final “meaningful, nuanced repetition” of the Litany of Penitence, we do so with our attention toward the light. While we still have a ways to go to Easter morning, and the confines of the grave make dim our eyes, nevertheless, the turn upward from the grave is beginning, and “The sempiternal season of His mercy/Lifts like the sun above our dark horizon.”

Embracing death, “I confess my inquiry; I am sorry for my sin” (Ps. 38:17-18), we discover the first signs of new life (Ps. 38:19-22). A life that leads to more life, for ourselves and for others.

One last time in this Lenten season, pray these words with the intention of getting specific. Let yourself dwell long enough on the emboldened text until there are specific fruits of maturation, new life, which are asking our gracious Father to raise up.

Most holy and merciful Father:
We confess to you and with one another,
that we have sinned by our own fault
in thought, word, and deed;
by what we have done, and by what we have left undone.

Restore us, good Father,
Favorably hear us, for your mercy is great.

Bring to maturity the fruit of your salvation,
That we may show forth your glory in the world.

By the cross and passion of your Son our King and Friend,
Bring us with all your saints into the complete joy of Jesus’ resurrection.
Amen