A Song of Humility (Lent)

1    Come, let us return to the Lord  

who has torn us and will heal us.

2    God has stricken us  

and will bind up our wounds.

3    After two days, he will revive us,  

and on the third day will raise us up,

    that we may live in his presence.

4    Let us strive to know the Lord;  

his appearing is as sure as the sunrise.

5    He will come to us like the showers,  

like the spring rains that water the earth.

6    ‘O Ephraim, how shall I deal with you?  

How shall I deal with you, O Judah?

7    ‘Your love for me is like the morning mist,  

like the dew that goes early away.

8    ‘Therefore, I have hewn them by the prophets,  

and my judgement goes forth as the light.

9    ‘For loyalty is my desire and not sacrifice,  

and the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.’

Hosea 6.1–6

Glory to the Father and to the Son

and to the Holy Spirit;

as it was in the beginning is now

and shall be for ever. Amen.

Common Worship: Services and Prayers for the Church of England, material from which is included here,
is copyright © The Archbishops' Council 2000 and published by Church House Publishing.

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