March 18, 2024, Monday of the 5th Week in Lent-B

Daniel 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62

Psalm 23

John 8:1-11

Even though I walk in the dark valley I fear no evil for you are at my side… Ps 23:4

“Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her”.  John 8:7

Lord, I come before you today a sinner.  I have chosen my ways over your ways.  My choices are selfish and have hurt my relationships with you, other people and even myself.  At times, it seems, I can’t help but live in darkness rather than the light.  I even judge and condemn people for doing the same things I do.  In my thoughts, my words and my deeds I am guilty.  But your mercy is still more powerful than my sin.  Your capacity for forgiveness is greater than my offenses.  Lord, take pity on me like you did the woman caught in sin.  Do not condemn me for my mistakes.  Release me from the shame that I feel.  Lord, I lay my sins at the foot of your cross.  Rescue me from death as you did the woman.  Then with the help of your grace I can go and sin no more.  My prayer is like that of David: “a clean heart create for me, God, renew in me a steadfast spirit.”  Thank you, Jesus, for restoring my joy.  Amen.