Wednesday of Holy Week
"4 The Lord God has given me a trained tongue, that I may know how to sustain the weary with a word.Morning by morning he wakens, wakens my ear to listen as those who are taught.
5 The Lord God has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious; I did not turn backward.
6 I gave my back to those who struck me and my cheeks to those who pulled out the beard; I did not hide my face from insult and spitting.
7 The Lord God helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced; therefore I have set my face like flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame;
8 he who vindicates me is near. Who will contend with me? Let us stand in court together. Who are my adversaries? Let them confront me.
9 It is the Lord God who helps me; who will declare me guilty" Isaiah 50:4-9a?
This is the beautiful third Servant Song of Isaiah, a text that is always read during Holy Week. To this Servant Song, I offer my prayer:
Lord, help me in the remaining days and hours of my life to have a tongue that is disciplined and able to sustain the suffering You bring into my life. And when I awake each day in my life, may words of praise and adoration always be on my tongue. May my morning prayer always devote this day to serving You. Open my ears to hear Your still small voice in my life this day, and should you bring someone into my life may I share Your Word and love with them. If I am hurt by another, may I give back to them only words and a face of love. Fill me with your Divine grace, giving me what I need, not what I deserve, so that I may not disgrace You with my sin. May I never on that day bring shame to my heart - and Yours - because of my sin. Instead, let me face every doubt and temptation with Your ever-present love, strength, and power to resist, for I know it is You alone who gives me strength to admit my guilt and to seek Your help.
In your holy name I pray.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy on me a sinner.
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