February 26, 2004, Monday of the second week of Lent.

A reading from the book of the prophet Daniel.

Lord, great and awesome God, you who keep your merciful covenant toward those who love you

and observe your commandments. We have sinned, been wicked, and done evil. We have

rebelled and departed from your commandments and your laws. We have not obeyed your servants

the prophets, who spoke in your name to our kings, our princes, our fathers, and all the

people of the land. Justice, O Lord, is on your side.

We are shame-faced even to this day.

We, the men of Judah, the residents of Jerusalem, and all Israel near and far,

in all the countries to which you have scattered them because of their treachery toward you.

O Lord, we are shamefaced like

our kings, our princes, and our fathers for having sinned against you. But yours, O Lord,

our God, our compassion and forgiveness. Yet we rebelled against you and paid no heed to your command, O Lord, our God,

to live by the law you gave us through your servants the prophets.

The word of the Lord.

The response is, Lord, do not deal with us according to our sins. Remember not against us the

iniquities of the past. May your compassion quickly come to us, for we are brought very low.

Lord, do not deal with us according to our sins. Help us, O God, our Savior, because of the glory of your name. Deliver us and pardon our sins for your name's sake.

Lord, do not deal with us according to our sins.

Let the prisoners sighing come before you.

With your great power, free those doomed to death.

Then we, your people and the sheep of your pasture,

...