March 4th, 2006, Wednesday of the second week of Lent.

A reading from the book of the prophet Jeremiah.

The people of Judah and the citizens of Jerusalem said,

Come, let us contrive a plot against Jeremiah.

It will not mean the loss of instruction from the priests,

nor of the counsel from the wise, nor of messages from the prophets.

And so let us destroy him by his own tongue.

Let us carefully note his every word.

Heed me, O Lord, and listen to what my adversaries say.

Must good be repaid with evil that they should dig a pit to take my life

remember that I stood before you to speak in their behalf

to turn away your wrath from them

the word of the Lord

the response is save me oh Lord in your kindness

you will free me from the snare they set for me save me, O Lord, in your kindness.

You will free me from the snare they set for me,

for you are my refuge.

Into your hands I commend my spirit.

You will redeem me, O Lord, O faithful God.

Save me, O Lord, in your kindness. I hear the whispers of the crowd that frighten me from every side as they consult together against me, plotting to take my life. Save me, O Lord, in your

kindness. But my trust is in you, O Lord, in your kindness.

But my trust is in you, O Lord.

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