The book of Psalms is filled with teaching, expressions of praise and thanksgiving, summaries of historical accounts, predictive prophecies regarding the Messiah, and utterances of prayer from David and others. It is a rich book, and we have shared some of its various treasures in past lessons.On this occasion, however, we begin an exercise in reading and praying through the Psalms. Our goal at this time is not commentary or explanation of difficult portions of the text. Our aim is to express our heart, using the sacred text as our basic form and outline. Although I am sharing my prayers through the Psalms, I encourage you to passionately pray through the Scriptures also on your own. It is a rewarding effort.
Security in your protection
Lord, be always at my right hand,
close by, always near,
to protect and preserve my life.
Help me to find security
in your protection
and confidence in you
as my protector. Continue reading “Security in your protection”
Alone and Spurned
Rejection, Lord, is painful.
I want to be accepted
by everyone.
But some turn away
with a single look,
And others listen briefly,
then close their ears,
and show their backs.
How far can I go
to win their love?
Does changing to please mean
that I cease to remain myself?
Alone and spurned is a hard
road to walk.
Does Jesus understand?
As Holy Branches
God, let your Word not condemn us,
We hear and do, we love and know,
Believe, obey, in grace we grow;
As holy branches, let it trim us.
Love not only the gospel
O Lord, let us love not only the gospel,
but also those for whom it was intended.
Let us rejoice not only in the truth,
but also in seeing that truth in action,
freeing those enslaved by sin.
Let us be not only people who stand for what is right,
but who also do what you approve. Continue reading “Love not only the gospel”
Everything in your hands
Heavenly Father, today I place everything in your hands, in order that you might protect me, guide me, and give me success in doing your will and in pleasing you in every word and in each action I take.
Your promises are sure. I trust you to fulfill them, as you always have for your people. I believe, O Lord.
Keep me on track today. Help my plans to reflect your priority.
Make Me a Saint
Make me a saint, O God,
Not by my own merit,
But by transforming grace.
Make me a follower of Christ,
With sights set only on him,
His word my power and guide.
Make me a lover of the lost,
To speak salvation’s terms,
Going into the world. Continue reading “Make Me a Saint”
A Morning Prayer of War
The war of Forces waxes strong,
The world is not the only field,
But in my heart the waste of wrong
Would spread destruction if I yield.
Be strength and valor, God, for me,
Let courage meet the rushing foe;
Keep battle-hardened weapons free
To lay the devil’s minions low. Continue reading “A Morning Prayer of War”
The Heavenly Truths that Never Fail
O God, let heart with mind agree,
As thoughts saturate the soul —
The heavenly truths that never fail —
To rein the feelings, set them free
Of earthly passions, and quickly fill
With victory.
Extinguish every burst of desire
For selfish ways, tamp down the flesh,
And every spiritual impulse refresh —
Impose, within, the deeper fire
Of God, and burn all guilt to ash
Upon the pyre. Continue reading “The Heavenly Truths that Never Fail”
God of One-on-One
Dear God of one-on-one,
you know my deepest need —
Yourself, your joyous presence —
and all my vain attempts
to fill this aching void. Continue reading “God of One-on-One”