talmidim :: trying to be covered in the dust of my rabbi - January 1st, 2006

let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be alway acceptable in your sight, o lord, my strength and my redeemer. psalm xix. 14.

almighty and most merciful father: we have erred, and strayed from your ways like lost sheep. we have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts. we have offended against your holy laws. We have left undone those things which we ought to have done; and we have done those things which we ought not to have done; and there is no health in us. but you, o lord, have mercy upon us, miserable offenders. spare those, o god, who confess their faults. Restore to you those who are penitent; according to your promises declared unto mankind in christ jesus our lord. and grant, o most merciful father, for his sake that we may hereafter live a godly, righteous, and sober life, to the glory of your holy name. amen.

"have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself. do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections but instantly set about remedying them - every day begin the task anew." -- saint francis de sales