First Sunday in Lent: The Decalogue

Detail from a pew in the Abbey on Iona, Scotland.

This is how we begin on the Sundays in Lent at church, by kneeling and hearing the Decalogue (the Ten Commandments) read by the Celebrant. We agree (Amen) and ask for God's mercy after we have heard each commandment, for we know that we have not kept them all. 

And thus we come together each Sunday in Lent to remember and repent of our sins, knowing that pardon is our is we ask for it, and so that we may continue our worship with joy and thanksgiving that indeed, the Lord will not hold our sins against us forever.













The Decalogue:

Hear the commandments of God to his people:
I am the Lord your God who brought you out of bondage.
You shall have no other gods but me.
Amen. Lord have mercy.

You shall not make for yourself any idol.
Amen. Lord have mercy.

You shall not invoke with malice the Name of the Lord your God.
Amen. Lord have mercy.

Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy.
Amen. Lord have mercy.

Honor your father and your mother.
Amen. Lord have mercy.

You shall not commit murder.
Amen. Lord have mercy.
You shall not commit adultery.
Amen. Lord have mercy.
You shall not steal.
Amen. Lord have mercy.
You shall not be a false witness.
Amen. Lord have mercy.
You shall not covet anything that belongs to your neighbor.
Amen. Lord have mercy.