There is an important difference between the teachings that we must believe, which are infallible (deposit, dogma), and/or unchangeable (doctrine), and the rules that we must obey but which are changeable (disciplines). Finally, there are areas where we are free to believe or not believe, practice or not practice, without offending against faith (devotions).

Except for fasting and abstinence, most of what we practice at Lent is under the realm of "devotion." What's the difference? And is it relevant?

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LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary's own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on her method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary.

L - Listen (Receive the Word.)

O - Observe (Choose one or more of the following personality approaches to connect the passage to your life and recent events.)

Listen to Allegri’s Psalm 51, the Miserere (sung in Latin) while reading the words in English here.

According to tradition, this is the song King David composed in his remorse after the prophet Nathan confronted him for his adultery with Bathsheba, as recounted in 2 Samuel 11-12. For both Jews and Christians since, the Psalmist’s plea for mercy and a clean heart has been at the heart of worship and prayer, and is the attitude we cultivate at Lent. 

Written in the late 1630s, this music was considered so sacred that it was forbidden to transcribe it, and to perform it anywhere except in the Sistine Chapel was grounds for excommunication. The choir sings in nine parts, divided between two choirs and a treble voice that soars above the plainsong to high C. Legend has it that Mozart heard the Miserere performed at age fourteen, and later transcribed it from memory. Mozart’s transcription was published, and he was summoned to Rome by the pope who commended him rather than excommunicating him.

Performed here by the Choir of Clare College, Cambridge.

V - Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.)

Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin.

E - Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!)

Have mercy on me, O God, according to thy steadfast love; according to thy abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin! Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me. Amen.+

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You can download a complete, word-for-word transcript here, courtesy of Dora Donovan who does our transcripts for you.