Ember Wednesday: A day of Fasting and Meditation

Propers from the Sixteenth Sunday After Pentacost for Meditation this week.

Introit: Ps. 85. 3,5
Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I have cried to Thee all the day; for Thou, O Lord, art sweet and mild and plenteous in mercy to all that call upon Thee. Ps. Bow down Thy ear to me, O Lord, and hear me; for I am needy and poor. V: Glory be to the Father.

Collect
O Lord, we pray Thee that Thy grace may always precede and follow us, and make us continually intent upon all good works. Through our Lord.

Epistle: Ephesians 3. 13-21

Gradual: Ps. 101. 16-17
The Gentiles shall fear Thy name, O Lord, and all the kings of the earth Thy glory. V. For the Lord hath built up Sion, and He shall be seen in His majesty.

Alleluia: Ps. 97.1
Alleluia, alleluia. V. Sing ye to the Lord a new canticle, because the Lord hath done wonderful things. Alleluia.

Gospel: Luke 14. 1-11

Offertory: Ps. 39. 14, 15
Look down, O Lord, to help me; let them be confounded and ashamed that seek after my soul to take it away; look down, O Lord, to help me.

Secret
Cleanse our hearts, we beseech Thee, O Lord, through the effects of this sacrifice: and in Thy mercy make us worthy to partake thereof. Through our Lord.

Communion: Ps. 70. 16-17, 18
O Lord, I will be mindful of Thy justice alone: Thou hast taught me, O God, from my youth, and unto old age and grey hairs, O God, forsake me not.

Postcommunion
In Thy loving kindness, O Lord, purify our souls, we beseech Thee, and renew them by this heavenly sacrament, that in both the present and future, even our bodies therein may find relief. Through our Lord.