The Prayer of Azariah in time of persecution | Tuesday, Third Week of Lent

It's really a beautiful prayer in the time of persecution when the Israelites were not permitted to offer the sacrifices. It's a prayer of trust, and confidence in God. And a prayer that even though we are not allowed to participate in and offer the Holy Sacrifices, the Lord is still pleased by a humble spirit, and a contrite heart. So be humble, be repentant, say your prayers with your families at home on your own, and the Lord will be pleased....

 

There is a reason for all this in the will of God. We just have to pray and wait upon that will.

 

“For your name’s sake, O Lord, do not deliver us up forever, or make void your covenant. Do not take away your mercy from us, for the sake of Abraham, your beloved,Isaac your servant, and Israel your holy one, To whom you promised to multiply their offspring like the stars of heaven, or the sand on the shore of the sea. For we are reduced, O Lord, beyond any other nation, brought low everywhere in the world this day because of our sins. We have in our day no prince, prophet, or leader, no burnt offering, sacrifice, oblation, or incense, no place to offer first fruits, to find favor with you. But with contrite heart and humble spirit let us be received; As though it were burnt offerings of rams and bullocks, or thousands of fat lambs, So let our sacrifice be in your presence today as we follow you unreservedly; for those who trust in you cannot be put to shame. And now we follow you with our whole heart, we fear you and we pray to you. Do not let us be put to shame, but deal with us in your kindness and great mercy. Deliver us by your wonders, and bring glory to your name, O Lord.”

 

Dn 3:25, 34-42; Ps 25: 4-5ab, 6 & 7bc, 8-9; Mt 18:21-35