Dave Rueter's Thoughts

Psalm 1:1-2
Blessed is the man who walks not in the council of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.

Psalm 2:1-2; 4-6
Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD and against his Anointed.[…]
He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord holds them in derision. Then he will speak to them in his wrath, and terrify them in is fury, saying, “As for me, I have set my King on Zion, my holy hill.”

Psalm 3:1-3; 7
O LORD, how many are my foes! Many are rising against me; many are saying of my soul, “There is no salvation for him in God.”
But you, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. […] Arise, O LORD! Save me, O my God! For you strike all my enemies on the cheek; you break the teeth of the wicked.

Psalm 4:1; 4-5; 8
Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have given me relief when I was in distress. Be gracious to me and hear my prayer! […]
Be angry, and do not sin; ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent. Offer right sacrifices, and put your trust in the LORD. […]
In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.

Psalm 5:1-2
Give ear to my words, O LORD; consider my groaning. Give attention to the sound of my cry, my King and my God, for to you do I pray. […]
For you are not a God who delights in wickedness; evil may not dwell with you. The boastful shall not stand before your eyes; you hate all evildoers. You destroy those who speak lies; the LORD abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man.

Psalm 6:1; 4; 8
O LORD, rebuke me not in your anger, nor discipline me in your wrath. […]
Turn, O LORD, deliver my life; save me for the sake of your steadfast love. […] Depart from me, all you workers of evil, for the LORD has heard the sound of my weeping.

Psalm 7:1-2; 6
O LORD my God, in you do I take refuge; save me from all my pursuers and deliver me, lest like a lion they tear my soul apart, rending it in pieces, with none to deliver. […]
Arise, O LORD, in your anger; lift yourself up against the fury of my enemies; awake for me; you have appointed a judgment.

---

Eating Plan:

• Water fast Sunday evening to Wednesday evening. (Fresh fruit and vegetables OK if needed.) Break fast at Ash Wednesday Soup Supper, but keep it light.
• Water fast Wednesday evening to Friday evening. (Fresh fruit and vegetables OK if needed.) Break fast at Friday supper.
• Feast days Friday evening through Sunday evening, but eat in moderation.

Psalm Plan:

• Pray and meditate on about 7 psalms each night / early morning.
• Pray them out loud, or at least with lips moving.
• Speak the name of God, “Yahweh”, instead of “LORD”
• Repeat, meditate, and pray as so moved.
• Should allow to go through all psalms twice before Easter

Reading Plan:

• Read and meditate on 1-2 chapters of Isaiah each day.
• Should complete the reading of Isaiah by the start of Holy Week.
• Other readings as able: Treasure of Daily Prayer, etc.

Lord, you have created this world with all its abundance, and you daily and richly provide for me and all creatures.

You gave your Son Jesus as redeemer of us sinful humans–not out of obligation on your part or merit on ours, but solely on account of your love and gracious mercy.

I need not, and indeed cannot, atone for my sins. Jesus has done so perfectly, and gives me his full and complete righteousness.

I want to echo your love in my heart and life. Not out of obligation, and not to earn merit, I want for a time to turn my attention from satisfying my physical hunger. You graciously provide food for me along with all other things I need. I receive your gifts with thankfulness and gladness. Yet without discipline, abundance can lead to complacency and slothfulness.

I do not want to be ruled by the cravings of my body. I want to be ruled only by you. Continually receiving your grace, I want to meditate on your law and strive to better learn it and live it.

As you daily and richly provide, I can do no other than receive your providence. Though my fast may at first seem to be my sacrifice for you, I know that really it will prove to be an emptying out so that I will be able to receive even more wonderful and bountiful blessings from you. I can never stop receiving from you, even as you never stop giving. Let the seed that you sow in my life bear the fruit that you intend.

Bless me as I begin this Lenten fast. Preserve and increase my faith and health. Let me grow in humility and piety, to the end that I may know you better and serve you more faithfully. Support me daily to exercise my volition to intentionally strive to live as your redeemed prodigal son. Grant me wisdom so that I may know how best to do this.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

David Rueter 2/28/2022