The first week in Lent is over and during the services we heard this past week, we prayed the Prayer of Manasseh. Manasseh was king of the southern kingdom of Judah and the son of the godly king Hezekiah. Hezekiah had undertaken reforms in Judah to rid the land of idolatry. Manasseh, his son, was a wicked king and reversed these reforms. He unraveled his father's glorious reformation and profaned the house of God with his idolatry. In 2 Chron 33:1-4 we read: “ Manas'seh was twelve years old when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty-five years in Jerusalem. He did what was evil in the sight of the Lord , according to the abominable practices of the nations whom the Lord drove out before the people of Israel.” God spoke to him through His Prophets but the evil king would not listen. God wanted Manasseh and the people to repent but they turned away from God’s goodness and His warnings. It is truly sad and not rare, even in the present time, that children of godly parents turn aside from God.

As a result of his evilness, Manasseh was soon overcome in battle with the king of Assyria and taken as a prisoner to Babylon, bound with shackles. It was here that, in unbearable distress, Manasseh searched for genuine repentance and divine forgiveness and repented. Today, the prayer may be a suitable penitential devotion for those who are searching for repentance and forgiveness. This beautiful prayer encourages a spirit of deep and genuine religious feeling.

The Prayer of Manasseh O Lord Almighty, God of our fathers, of Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and of their righteous posterity; Thou who hast made heaven and earth with all their order; who hast shackled the sea by Thy word of command, who hast confined the deep and sealed it with Thy terrible and glorious name; at whom all things shudder, and tremble before Thy power, for Thy glorious splendor cannot be borne, and the wrath of Thy threat to sinners is irresistible; yet immeasurable and unsearchable is Thy promised mercy, for Thou art the Lord Most High, of great compassion, long-suffering, and very merciful, and repentest over the evils of men. Thou, O Lord, according to Thy great goodness hast promised repentance and forgiveness to those who have sinned against Thee; and in the multitude of Thy mercies Thou hast appointed repentance for sinners, that they may be saved. Therefore Thou, O Lord, God of the righteous, hast not appointed repentance for the righteous, for Abraham and Isaac and Jacob, who did not sin against Thee, but thou hast appointed repentance for me, who am a sinner. For the sins I have committed are more in number than the sand of the sea; my transgressions are multiplied, O Lord, they are multiplied! I am unworthy to look up and see the height of heaven because of the multitude of my iniquities. I am weighted down with many an iron fetter, so that I am rejected because of my sins, and I have no relief; for I have provoked Thy wrath and have done what is evil in Thy sight, setting up abominations and multiplying offenses. And now I bend the knee of my heart, beseeching Thee for Thy kindness. I have sinned, O Lord, I have sinned, and I know my transgressions. I earnestly beseech Thee, forgive me, O Lord, forgive me! Do not destroy me with my transgressions! Do not be angry with me forever or lay up evil for me; do not condemn me to the depths of the earth. For Thou, O Lord, art the God of those who repent, and in me Thou wilt manifest Thy goodness; for unworthy as I am, Thou wilt save me in Thy great mercy, and I will praise Thee continually all the days of my life. For all the host of heaven sings Thy praise, and Thine is the glory forever. Amen.

Happy Birthday to all who are celebrating their birthday in April. David Baron, April 5; Milena Mejia, April 13; Valentina Szestawicka on April 16; Michael Chaykivsky on April 22, and Helen Margitich on April 23. May God grant them all Many Years!

Helen Baron sends thanks to all who continue to support our Food Pantry. The need for many of our neighbors exist throughout the year and your help is greatly appreciated.