March 5th, 2004, Tuesday of the third week of Lent.

A reading from the book of the prophet Daniel.

As Arias stood up in the fire and prayed aloud,

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 promise to multiply

their offspring like the stars of the 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.

The Word of the Lord.

The response is, remember your mercies, O Lord. Your ways, O Lord, make known to me. Teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me for you are God, my Savior. Remember your mercies, O Lord. Remember that your compassion, O Lord, and your kindness are from of old. And your kindness,

remember me because of your goodness, O Lord. Remember your mercies, O Lord. Good and upright is the

Lord. Thus, he shows sinners the way. He guides the humble to justice.

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