Psalm 5 (NRSV)
Psalm 5
Trust in God for Deliverance from Enemies
To the leader: for the flutes. A Psalm of David.
1 Give ear to my words, O Lord;
give heed to my sighing.
2 Listen to the sound of my cry,
my King and my God,
for to you I pray.
3 O Lord, in the morning you hear my voice;
in the morning I plead my case to you, and watch.
4 For you are not a God who delights in wickedness;
evil will not sojourn with you.
5 The boastful will not stand before your eyes;
you hate all evildoers.
6 You destroy those who speak lies;
the Lord abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful.
7 But I, through the abundance of your steadfast love,
will enter your house,
I will bow down toward your holy temple
in awe of you.
8 Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness
because of my enemies;
make your way straight before me.
9 For there is no truth in their mouths;
their hearts are destruction;
their throats are open graves;
they flatter with their tongues.
10 Make them bear their guilt, O God;
let them fall by their own counsels;
because of their many transgressions cast them out,
for they have rebelled against you.
11 But let all who take refuge in you rejoice;
let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them,
so that those who love your name may exult in you.
12 For you bless the righteous, O Lord;
you cover them with favor as with a shield.
[1]
Lord,
How blessed I must be. I am not aware of a host of enemies who are trying to destroy me. I am grateful for the security of the moment.
Are there others who are under siege because of their loyalty to you? Absolutely. For Christians under attack in Iraq, Iran, Israel and Palestine, Sudan, I pray your protection and help. For those in America who are belittled and denigrated for their faith in you, it happens for too many people in too many places, grant the wisdom and courage of your Spirit.
Let me not forget to seek refuge in you simply because, for today, I am not aware of being in danger.Save me from the habit of ignoring you until I danger strikes and I need emergency protection. As I go about today, be a shield around me and indeed around all who seek to be faithful to your mission in Jesus Christ.
Ask God to grant you the grace you need to meet whatever threatens your life and faith.
Name 5 things for which you are grateful and say “thank you to God.”
In Christ’s name,
Amen.
[1] The Holy Bible : New Revised Standard Version. Nashville : Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1989
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Friday, May 30, 2008
Psalm 5
Psalm 5 (NRSV)
Psalm 5
Trust in God for Deliverance from Enemies
To the leader: for the flutes. A Psalm of David.
1 Give ear to my words, O Lord;
give heed to my sighing.
2 Listen to the sound of my cry,
my King and my God,
for to you I pray.
3 O Lord, in the morning you hear my voice;
in the morning I plead my case to you, and watch.
4 For you are not a God who delights in wickedness;
evil will not sojourn with you.
5 The boastful will not stand before your eyes;
you hate all evildoers.
6 You destroy those who speak lies;
the Lord abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful.
7 But I, through the abundance of your steadfast love,
will enter your house,
I will bow down toward your holy temple
in awe of you.
8 Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness
because of my enemies;
make your way straight before me.
Lord,
I confess, I tend to be a scarcity person. My parents were children of the depression and I am the child of humble financial resources. The most used words in my house were, “We can’t afford it.” The word “abundance” has come late to me.
The poet rejoices in “the abundance of your steadfast love.” Lord, I’ve known a soul or two who had an abundance of things and experienced a scarcity of love, first from family and friends and, almost by default, never absorbed the abundance of your love. Theirs is the harder lot in life.
Lord, please help all who have never absorbed your love and therefore have never known how loveable they are. Please help me when I ignore your love or forget how you love me. Your love is the beginning and end of every form of grace and goodness. It is the foundation of all that is courageous and righteous. It is the source of all genuine integrity and morality. Knowing your love, being filled with your love is the ground of all salvation.
Fill me with your love. I know that it’s not something to be absorbed and kept. So let me be a conduit of your love, a transmitter of your love for the world. I’ve learned, though I often forget, that as I give your love away, like the mighty river Mississippi, there is always more coming.
And remind me this day of the great love that you gave us in Jesus Christ, the ultimate revelation of your love and grace. Thank you. Thank you.
Ask God to help you to absorb God’s love now. Try to sit quietly with a full awareness of that love.
Pray for those who need fresh experiences of God’s love.
Say “thank you” to God for at least 5 things.
In Christ’s name.
Amen.
9 For there is no truth in their mouths;
their hearts are destruction;
their throats are open graves;
they flatter with their tongues.
10 Make them bear their guilt, O God;
let them fall by their own counsels;
because of their many transgressions cast them out,
for they have rebelled against you.
11 But let all who take refuge in you rejoice;
let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them,
so that those who love your name may exult in you.
12 For you bless the righteous, O Lord;
you cover them with favor as with a shield.
[1]
[1] The Holy Bible : New Revised Standard Version. Nashville : Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1989
Psalm 5
Trust in God for Deliverance from Enemies
To the leader: for the flutes. A Psalm of David.
1 Give ear to my words, O Lord;
give heed to my sighing.
2 Listen to the sound of my cry,
my King and my God,
for to you I pray.
3 O Lord, in the morning you hear my voice;
in the morning I plead my case to you, and watch.
4 For you are not a God who delights in wickedness;
evil will not sojourn with you.
5 The boastful will not stand before your eyes;
you hate all evildoers.
6 You destroy those who speak lies;
the Lord abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful.
7 But I, through the abundance of your steadfast love,
will enter your house,
I will bow down toward your holy temple
in awe of you.
8 Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness
because of my enemies;
make your way straight before me.
Lord,
I confess, I tend to be a scarcity person. My parents were children of the depression and I am the child of humble financial resources. The most used words in my house were, “We can’t afford it.” The word “abundance” has come late to me.
The poet rejoices in “the abundance of your steadfast love.” Lord, I’ve known a soul or two who had an abundance of things and experienced a scarcity of love, first from family and friends and, almost by default, never absorbed the abundance of your love. Theirs is the harder lot in life.
Lord, please help all who have never absorbed your love and therefore have never known how loveable they are. Please help me when I ignore your love or forget how you love me. Your love is the beginning and end of every form of grace and goodness. It is the foundation of all that is courageous and righteous. It is the source of all genuine integrity and morality. Knowing your love, being filled with your love is the ground of all salvation.
Fill me with your love. I know that it’s not something to be absorbed and kept. So let me be a conduit of your love, a transmitter of your love for the world. I’ve learned, though I often forget, that as I give your love away, like the mighty river Mississippi, there is always more coming.
And remind me this day of the great love that you gave us in Jesus Christ, the ultimate revelation of your love and grace. Thank you. Thank you.
Ask God to help you to absorb God’s love now. Try to sit quietly with a full awareness of that love.
Pray for those who need fresh experiences of God’s love.
Say “thank you” to God for at least 5 things.
In Christ’s name.
Amen.
9 For there is no truth in their mouths;
their hearts are destruction;
their throats are open graves;
they flatter with their tongues.
10 Make them bear their guilt, O God;
let them fall by their own counsels;
because of their many transgressions cast them out,
for they have rebelled against you.
11 But let all who take refuge in you rejoice;
let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them,
so that those who love your name may exult in you.
12 For you bless the righteous, O Lord;
you cover them with favor as with a shield.
[1]
[1] The Holy Bible : New Revised Standard Version. Nashville : Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1989
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Psalm 5
Psalm 5 (NRSV)
1 Give ear to my words, O Lord ;
give heed to my sighing.
2 Listen to the sound of my cry,
my King and my God,
for to you I pray.
3 O Lord , in the morning you hear my voice;
in the morning I plead my case to you, and watch.
4 For you are not a God who delights in wickedness;
evil will not sojourn with you.
5 The boastful will not stand before your eyes;
you hate all evildoers.
6 You destroy those who speak lies;
the Lord abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful.
Dear Lord,
Wickedness, evil, the boastful, evildoers, liars, the bloodthirsty and deceitful, all are excluded from your presence. “Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil”, so Jesus taught.
I confess that I do not see myself as living in the community of the wicked. I am a Christian. And yet I know that in those perfect storms that threaten the things that I hold dear, I may be capable of anything and everything, perhaps even evil things. Even when storms seem to be approaching, and it's really not here,I can become capable of anything. And sometimes, when the media shouts that a storm is coming or when neighbors gossip about the storm that could be, or when I just remember the storms of the past, I am tempted to take up the weapons of evil. Fear, justified or not, rational or not, creates the opportunity for evil. In the state of fear, I am most likely to become the very thing that I most abhor.
So today, I pray for the courage that comes from your Spirit. I pray for the courage to be faithful in both belief and behavior. I pray for the courage to face fear without the instruments of evil.
Ask God for the courage you need to meet the storms of your life.
Pray for those who need God’s grace in special ways.
Name 5 things for which your are grateful and say “thank you” to God.
In the name of Christ,
Amen
7 But I, through the abundance of your steadfast love,
will enter your house,
I will bow down toward your holy temple
in awe of you.
8 Lead me, O Lord , in your righteousness
because of my enemies;
make your way straight before me.
9 For there is no truth in their mouths;
their hearts are destruction;
their throats are open graves;
they flatter with their tongues.
10 Make them bear their guilt, O God;
let them fall by their own counsels;
because of their many transgressions cast them out,
for they have rebelled against you.
11 But let all who take refuge in you rejoice;
let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them,
so that those who love your name may exult in you.
12 For you bless the righteous, O Lord ;
you cover them with favor as with a shield.
[1]
[1] The Holy Bible : New Revised Standard Version. 1996, c1989. Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
1 Give ear to my words, O Lord ;
give heed to my sighing.
2 Listen to the sound of my cry,
my King and my God,
for to you I pray.
3 O Lord , in the morning you hear my voice;
in the morning I plead my case to you, and watch.
4 For you are not a God who delights in wickedness;
evil will not sojourn with you.
5 The boastful will not stand before your eyes;
you hate all evildoers.
6 You destroy those who speak lies;
the Lord abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful.
Dear Lord,
Wickedness, evil, the boastful, evildoers, liars, the bloodthirsty and deceitful, all are excluded from your presence. “Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil”, so Jesus taught.
I confess that I do not see myself as living in the community of the wicked. I am a Christian. And yet I know that in those perfect storms that threaten the things that I hold dear, I may be capable of anything and everything, perhaps even evil things. Even when storms seem to be approaching, and it's really not here,I can become capable of anything. And sometimes, when the media shouts that a storm is coming or when neighbors gossip about the storm that could be, or when I just remember the storms of the past, I am tempted to take up the weapons of evil. Fear, justified or not, rational or not, creates the opportunity for evil. In the state of fear, I am most likely to become the very thing that I most abhor.
So today, I pray for the courage that comes from your Spirit. I pray for the courage to be faithful in both belief and behavior. I pray for the courage to face fear without the instruments of evil.
Ask God for the courage you need to meet the storms of your life.
Pray for those who need God’s grace in special ways.
Name 5 things for which your are grateful and say “thank you” to God.
In the name of Christ,
Amen
7 But I, through the abundance of your steadfast love,
will enter your house,
I will bow down toward your holy temple
in awe of you.
8 Lead me, O Lord , in your righteousness
because of my enemies;
make your way straight before me.
9 For there is no truth in their mouths;
their hearts are destruction;
their throats are open graves;
they flatter with their tongues.
10 Make them bear their guilt, O God;
let them fall by their own counsels;
because of their many transgressions cast them out,
for they have rebelled against you.
11 But let all who take refuge in you rejoice;
let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them,
so that those who love your name may exult in you.
12 For you bless the righteous, O Lord ;
you cover them with favor as with a shield.
[1]
[1] The Holy Bible : New Revised Standard Version. 1996, c1989. Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Psalm 4
Psalm 4 (NRSV)
1 Answer me when I call, O God of my right!
You gave me room when I was in distress.
Be gracious to me, and hear my prayer.
2 How long, you people, shall my honor suffer shame?
How long will you love vain words, and seek after lies? Selah
3 But know that the Lord has set apart the faithful for himself;
the Lord hears when I call to him.
4 When you are disturbed,a do not sin;
ponder it on your beds, and be silent. Selah
5 Offer right sacrifices,
and put your trust in the Lord.
6 There are many who say, “O that we might see some good!
Let the light of your face shine on us, O Lord!”
7 You have put gladness in my heart
more than when their grain and wine abound.
8 I will both lie down and sleep in peace;
for you alone, O Lord, make me lie down in safety.
[1]
Dear Lord,
“The light of your face”, may it shine upon us. Please God, let it be so.
Here is my suspicion. I become so enthralled with the darkness in this world that I don’t see the light even when it is shining. I see shadows and fail to remember that shadows are the product of light. Forgive me this nonsense.
Grant me grace to see the beauty that surrounds us and the grace that envelops us and the mystery within which we live and move and have our being. Give me time each day to look for the marks of goodness and grace.
Recently, I spoke with a man who has cancer. It is tough and dark and difficult and threatens to be deadly. He told me about pilots who have flown his family back and forth to the hospital, free of charge. Lord, I cannot ignore the dark power of the disease but I also want to see clearly the bright light of goodness in the mission of those volunteer pilots.
Jesus said, “Seek and you shall find.” How true it is that when we seek the signs of grace and beauty and kindness and goodness, when we seek the marks of your Spirit, they are indeed there to be found.
Open my eyes that I might see….
For the comfort of your presence and the security that allows sleep in the night, thank you.
Ask God to help you to see the good things that fill your life.
Name five things for which you are grateful to God.
Speak the prayers that are stirring in your heart.
In Christ’s name.
Amen
a Or are angry
[1] The Holy Bible : New Revised Standard Version. Nashville : Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1989
1 Answer me when I call, O God of my right!
You gave me room when I was in distress.
Be gracious to me, and hear my prayer.
2 How long, you people, shall my honor suffer shame?
How long will you love vain words, and seek after lies? Selah
3 But know that the Lord has set apart the faithful for himself;
the Lord hears when I call to him.
4 When you are disturbed,a do not sin;
ponder it on your beds, and be silent. Selah
5 Offer right sacrifices,
and put your trust in the Lord.
6 There are many who say, “O that we might see some good!
Let the light of your face shine on us, O Lord!”
7 You have put gladness in my heart
more than when their grain and wine abound.
8 I will both lie down and sleep in peace;
for you alone, O Lord, make me lie down in safety.
[1]
Dear Lord,
“The light of your face”, may it shine upon us. Please God, let it be so.
Here is my suspicion. I become so enthralled with the darkness in this world that I don’t see the light even when it is shining. I see shadows and fail to remember that shadows are the product of light. Forgive me this nonsense.
Grant me grace to see the beauty that surrounds us and the grace that envelops us and the mystery within which we live and move and have our being. Give me time each day to look for the marks of goodness and grace.
Recently, I spoke with a man who has cancer. It is tough and dark and difficult and threatens to be deadly. He told me about pilots who have flown his family back and forth to the hospital, free of charge. Lord, I cannot ignore the dark power of the disease but I also want to see clearly the bright light of goodness in the mission of those volunteer pilots.
Jesus said, “Seek and you shall find.” How true it is that when we seek the signs of grace and beauty and kindness and goodness, when we seek the marks of your Spirit, they are indeed there to be found.
Open my eyes that I might see….
For the comfort of your presence and the security that allows sleep in the night, thank you.
Ask God to help you to see the good things that fill your life.
Name five things for which you are grateful to God.
Speak the prayers that are stirring in your heart.
In Christ’s name.
Amen
a Or are angry
[1] The Holy Bible : New Revised Standard Version. Nashville : Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1989
Monday, May 26, 2008
Psalm 4
Psalm 4 (NRSV)
1 Answer me when I call, O God of my right!
You gave me room when I was in distress.
Be gracious to me, and hear my prayer.
2 How long, you people, shall my honor suffer shame?
How long will you love vain words, and seek after lies? Selah
3 But know that the Lord has set apart the faithful for himself;
the Lord hears when I call to him.
4 When you are disturbed,a do not sin;
ponder it on your beds, and be silent. Selah
5 Offer right sacrifices,
and put your trust in the Lord.
Lord,
Good advice, or is it a commandment? “When you are disturbed or when you are angry, do not sin.” Advice or commandment, it is easier said than done! When the emotions swirl and anger roils and fear boils, self-control is tough. That's the point of a tantrum, to let go of self-control. But, you know that. Don’t you? Of course you do.
You made us as we are. And you know that just because the saying is hard does not mean that the advice, the commandment, can be ignored. “But I was angry”, seems to be a weak excuse in your scheme of things.
Lord, I may need help with this. Instead of raging and ranting and seeking quick and feel-good revenge, the poet says to “ponder it on your beds, and be silent.” In common parlance, “Bite your lip before saying something that you’ll regret later. Just shut-up until you can think things through.”
And then, “Offer right sacrifices and put your trust in the Lord.” Does that mean, “Pray about it”? Take it to worship and offer it to God, is that your wisdom? Lord, by the time I do all of that, I won’t have much to say…which could be the point!
Lord, self-control sometimes seems to be beyond my reach. So I have to ask for help, for the help of your Spirit. As I remember it, self-control is a fruit of your Spirit, the fruit that prevents self-destruction. Give me, please, a double portion. Make me remarkably fruitful. Give me the gift and the fruit of self-control.
Ask God to bless you with the gifts of the Spirit, particularly the gift of self-control.
Ask God to bless those whom you know who need a double portion of grace.
Name 5 things for which you are grateful and say “thank you.”
In the name of Christ,
Amen
1 Answer me when I call, O God of my right!
You gave me room when I was in distress.
Be gracious to me, and hear my prayer.
2 How long, you people, shall my honor suffer shame?
How long will you love vain words, and seek after lies? Selah
3 But know that the Lord has set apart the faithful for himself;
the Lord hears when I call to him.
4 When you are disturbed,a do not sin;
ponder it on your beds, and be silent. Selah
5 Offer right sacrifices,
and put your trust in the Lord.
Lord,
Good advice, or is it a commandment? “When you are disturbed or when you are angry, do not sin.” Advice or commandment, it is easier said than done! When the emotions swirl and anger roils and fear boils, self-control is tough. That's the point of a tantrum, to let go of self-control. But, you know that. Don’t you? Of course you do.
You made us as we are. And you know that just because the saying is hard does not mean that the advice, the commandment, can be ignored. “But I was angry”, seems to be a weak excuse in your scheme of things.
Lord, I may need help with this. Instead of raging and ranting and seeking quick and feel-good revenge, the poet says to “ponder it on your beds, and be silent.” In common parlance, “Bite your lip before saying something that you’ll regret later. Just shut-up until you can think things through.”
And then, “Offer right sacrifices and put your trust in the Lord.” Does that mean, “Pray about it”? Take it to worship and offer it to God, is that your wisdom? Lord, by the time I do all of that, I won’t have much to say…which could be the point!
Lord, self-control sometimes seems to be beyond my reach. So I have to ask for help, for the help of your Spirit. As I remember it, self-control is a fruit of your Spirit, the fruit that prevents self-destruction. Give me, please, a double portion. Make me remarkably fruitful. Give me the gift and the fruit of self-control.
Ask God to bless you with the gifts of the Spirit, particularly the gift of self-control.
Ask God to bless those whom you know who need a double portion of grace.
Name 5 things for which you are grateful and say “thank you.”
In the name of Christ,
Amen
6 There are many who say, “O that we might see some good!
Let the light of your face shine on us, O Lord!”
7 You have put gladness in my heart
more than when their grain and wine abound.
8 I will both lie down and sleep in peace;
for you alone, O Lord, make me lie down in safety.
[1]
a Or are angry
[1] The Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version. Nashville : Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1989
Memorial Weekend Prayer
Dear Lord,
This Memorial Day Weekend, we pause to give you thanks for this remarkable nation and for the men and women who have given themselves for her protection.
Most especially, we give thanks for all who have served in our military and accepted the ultimate risk to preserve our nation, her values and character.
We give you thanks for family members who have been required to say “good bye”, and then to live through months and years of anxious waiting before hoping to say “hello” again.
We remember those who never had a chance to say “hello” but instead received a message of condolences and a folded flag.
We remember the wounded and their families who returned to live normal lives but were never quite the same again.
For all who have given themselves to the terrible realities of war, we say “thank you” and we ask your blessings.
This day we pray for others who have given themselves in other ways for the welfare of our nations:
For ordinary citizens who participate in community activities for the welfare of neighbors,
For those who study election issues and cast informed ballots,
For elected officials and all who serve in government,
For those who speak and write and remind us of our essential character as Americans and consistently call us to the high virtues of “liberty and justice for all”,
For the prophets among us who dare to name our sin and identify those places where we fail to live out the highest calling of our nation’s creed; “We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men and women are created equal and are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights…”,
For all among us who practice charity and hospitality, mercy and kindness, truthfulness and integrity,
We say thank you, O God.
God as your people, as disciples of Jesus Christ, we ask that you will empower us to be faithful witness to you, to your Christ, to your justice and righteousness, in this land of indescribable beauty so that some day, according to your own mysterious way, one by one, every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.
Make your personal prayers to God.
In the name of Christ we pray,
Amen.
Lords Prayer.
This Memorial Day Weekend, we pause to give you thanks for this remarkable nation and for the men and women who have given themselves for her protection.
Most especially, we give thanks for all who have served in our military and accepted the ultimate risk to preserve our nation, her values and character.
We give you thanks for family members who have been required to say “good bye”, and then to live through months and years of anxious waiting before hoping to say “hello” again.
We remember those who never had a chance to say “hello” but instead received a message of condolences and a folded flag.
We remember the wounded and their families who returned to live normal lives but were never quite the same again.
For all who have given themselves to the terrible realities of war, we say “thank you” and we ask your blessings.
This day we pray for others who have given themselves in other ways for the welfare of our nations:
For ordinary citizens who participate in community activities for the welfare of neighbors,
For those who study election issues and cast informed ballots,
For elected officials and all who serve in government,
For those who speak and write and remind us of our essential character as Americans and consistently call us to the high virtues of “liberty and justice for all”,
For the prophets among us who dare to name our sin and identify those places where we fail to live out the highest calling of our nation’s creed; “We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men and women are created equal and are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights…”,
For all among us who practice charity and hospitality, mercy and kindness, truthfulness and integrity,
We say thank you, O God.
God as your people, as disciples of Jesus Christ, we ask that you will empower us to be faithful witness to you, to your Christ, to your justice and righteousness, in this land of indescribable beauty so that some day, according to your own mysterious way, one by one, every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.
Make your personal prayers to God.
In the name of Christ we pray,
Amen.
Lords Prayer.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Psalm 4
Psalm 4 (NRSV)
1 Answer me when I call, O God of my right!
You gave me room when I was in distress.
Be gracious to me, and hear my prayer.
2 How long, you people, shall my honor suffer shame?
How long will you love vain words, and seek after lies? Selah
3 But know that the Lord has set apart the faithful for himself;
the Lord hears when I call to him.
4 When you are disturbed,a do not sin;
ponder it on your beds, and be silent. Selah
5 Offer right sacrifices,
and put your trust in the Lord.
Dear Lord, when do we ever love vain words? Do we ever prefer nice words to your truth? Do we ever seek lies?
Of course! When the truth is difficult I prefer the lie. True or not, I prefer it when people confirm my prejudice and affirm my ignorance and allow me to avoid the conversion or transformation that may be necessary for my soul.
Of course! When everybody else believes the lie or the partial truth and to see the truth and speak the truth will put me out of sync with the rest of my world, I prefer the lie. When the truth leads to opposition or competition or enmity or even persecution, I prefer the lie. Forgive me. Forgive all of us. Forgive us when comfort or safety or acceptance or advancement make the lie preferable to your truth.
Lord, it sometimes takes massive courage to face lies and mistakes and misdeeds, grace that comes only from your Spirit. It’s only in the certainty of forgiveness that I can confess sin. Grant me your Spirit, O God.
Ask God for the forgiveness that you need.
Pray for others who need God's grace in special ways.
Name 5 things for which you are grateful and say "Thank you" to God.
Amen
6 There are many who say, “O that we might see some good!
Let the light of your face shine on us, O Lord!”
7 You have put gladness in my heart
more than when their grain and wine abound.
8 I will both lie down and sleep in peace;
for you alone, O Lord, make me lie down in safety.
[1]
a Or are angry
[1] The Holy Bible : New Revised Standard Version. Nashville : Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1989
1 Answer me when I call, O God of my right!
You gave me room when I was in distress.
Be gracious to me, and hear my prayer.
2 How long, you people, shall my honor suffer shame?
How long will you love vain words, and seek after lies? Selah
3 But know that the Lord has set apart the faithful for himself;
the Lord hears when I call to him.
4 When you are disturbed,a do not sin;
ponder it on your beds, and be silent. Selah
5 Offer right sacrifices,
and put your trust in the Lord.
Dear Lord, when do we ever love vain words? Do we ever prefer nice words to your truth? Do we ever seek lies?
Of course! When the truth is difficult I prefer the lie. True or not, I prefer it when people confirm my prejudice and affirm my ignorance and allow me to avoid the conversion or transformation that may be necessary for my soul.
Of course! When everybody else believes the lie or the partial truth and to see the truth and speak the truth will put me out of sync with the rest of my world, I prefer the lie. When the truth leads to opposition or competition or enmity or even persecution, I prefer the lie. Forgive me. Forgive all of us. Forgive us when comfort or safety or acceptance or advancement make the lie preferable to your truth.
Lord, it sometimes takes massive courage to face lies and mistakes and misdeeds, grace that comes only from your Spirit. It’s only in the certainty of forgiveness that I can confess sin. Grant me your Spirit, O God.
Ask God for the forgiveness that you need.
Pray for others who need God's grace in special ways.
Name 5 things for which you are grateful and say "Thank you" to God.
Amen
6 There are many who say, “O that we might see some good!
Let the light of your face shine on us, O Lord!”
7 You have put gladness in my heart
more than when their grain and wine abound.
8 I will both lie down and sleep in peace;
for you alone, O Lord, make me lie down in safety.
[1]
a Or are angry
[1] The Holy Bible : New Revised Standard Version. Nashville : Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1989
Psalm 4
Psalm 4 (NRSV)
1 Answer me when I call, O God of my right!
You gave me room when I was in distress.
Be gracious to me, and hear my prayer.
Dear Lord,
The poet prayed, “Answer me when I call….” I admit my amazement that you answer. I confess that I marvel that the poet dares to plead “answer me”, and you do. You, the Master of the Universe, the creator of galaxies and generator of stars, and carver of black holes in the universe, you answered the poet and you promise to answer us. What kind of mystery do we have here that we call and you answer?
Let me never take the mystery of prayer for granted. Let me never assume that I deserve to be answered or that you owe it to me to respond to my petitions. Let me never forget that prayer is pure grace, a gift undeserved and freely given.
I confess that there are seasons when prayer seems to be something less than mystery. I confess my doubts that you hear and respond. Receive my confession with understanding and pardon my partial belief and grant me the grace of your presence and response.
Stir my memories of answered prayer. Stir my soul with memories of your presence and power. And help me to pray.
Pray God’s grace on others who are in special need.
Ask God to bless you in the ways that you need today.
Name 5 things for which you are grateful and say “Thank You” to God.
Amen
2 How long, you people, shall my honor suffer shame?
How long will you love vain words, and seek after lies? Selah
3 But know that the Lord has set apart the faithful for himself;
the Lord hears when I call to him.
4 When you are disturbed,a do not sin;
ponder it on your beds, and be silent. Selah
5 Offer right sacrifices,
and put your trust in the Lord.
6 There are many who say, “O that we might see some good!
Let the light of your face shine on us, O Lord!”
7 You have put gladness in my heart
more than when their grain and wine abound.
8 I will both lie down and sleep in peace;
for you alone, O Lord, make me lie down in safety.
[1]
a Or are angry
[1] The Holy Bible : New Revised Standard Version. Nashville : Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1989
1 Answer me when I call, O God of my right!
You gave me room when I was in distress.
Be gracious to me, and hear my prayer.
Dear Lord,
The poet prayed, “Answer me when I call….” I admit my amazement that you answer. I confess that I marvel that the poet dares to plead “answer me”, and you do. You, the Master of the Universe, the creator of galaxies and generator of stars, and carver of black holes in the universe, you answered the poet and you promise to answer us. What kind of mystery do we have here that we call and you answer?
Let me never take the mystery of prayer for granted. Let me never assume that I deserve to be answered or that you owe it to me to respond to my petitions. Let me never forget that prayer is pure grace, a gift undeserved and freely given.
I confess that there are seasons when prayer seems to be something less than mystery. I confess my doubts that you hear and respond. Receive my confession with understanding and pardon my partial belief and grant me the grace of your presence and response.
Stir my memories of answered prayer. Stir my soul with memories of your presence and power. And help me to pray.
Pray God’s grace on others who are in special need.
Ask God to bless you in the ways that you need today.
Name 5 things for which you are grateful and say “Thank You” to God.
Amen
2 How long, you people, shall my honor suffer shame?
How long will you love vain words, and seek after lies? Selah
3 But know that the Lord has set apart the faithful for himself;
the Lord hears when I call to him.
4 When you are disturbed,a do not sin;
ponder it on your beds, and be silent. Selah
5 Offer right sacrifices,
and put your trust in the Lord.
6 There are many who say, “O that we might see some good!
Let the light of your face shine on us, O Lord!”
7 You have put gladness in my heart
more than when their grain and wine abound.
8 I will both lie down and sleep in peace;
for you alone, O Lord, make me lie down in safety.
[1]
a Or are angry
[1] The Holy Bible : New Revised Standard Version. Nashville : Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1989
Psalm 4
Psalm 4 (NRSV)
1 Answer me when I call, O God of my right!
You gave me room when I was in distress.
Be gracious to me, and hear my prayer.
Dear Lord,
Life is not so bad. I am surrounded by good things and good people. Life is far more good than bad and yet….
There are times when we have tried to do the right thing in the right way at the right time and we were clobbered for it. Rumors were started. Lies were told. Folk, whom we trusted, proved to be not-trustworthy…all for the love of Jesus!
Lord,I’m not claiming any kind of moral superiority. I do not pretend to spiritual perfection or even near-perfection. And you know that I am more than capable of making well-intentioned mistakes. I know my sin and I know our sin and I ask your pardon. “Answer me when I call, O God of my right!”
Lord, I am asking for more than pardon. I am seeking your blessing. I remember well other days in other places when troubles were tougher than now. You led us through.
Takes us through difficult seasons, O Lord. Be gracious.
Give God your own special needs and ask God’s blessing.
Name 5 thing for which you are grateful to God.
Amen.
2 How long, you people, shall my honor suffer shame?
How long will you love vain words, and seek after lies? Selah
3 But know that the Lord has set apart the faithful for himself;
the Lord hears when I call to him.
4 When you are disturbed,a do not sin;
ponder it on your beds, and be silent. Selah
5 Offer right sacrifices,
and put your trust in the Lord.
6 There are many who say, “O that we might see some good!
Let the light of your face shine on us, O Lord!”
7 You have put gladness in my heart
more than when their grain and wine abound.
8 I will both lie down and sleep in peace;
for you alone, O Lord, make me lie down in safety.
[1]
a Or are angry
[1] The Holy Bible : New Revised Standard Version. Nashville : Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1989
1 Answer me when I call, O God of my right!
You gave me room when I was in distress.
Be gracious to me, and hear my prayer.
Dear Lord,
Life is not so bad. I am surrounded by good things and good people. Life is far more good than bad and yet….
There are times when we have tried to do the right thing in the right way at the right time and we were clobbered for it. Rumors were started. Lies were told. Folk, whom we trusted, proved to be not-trustworthy…all for the love of Jesus!
Lord,I’m not claiming any kind of moral superiority. I do not pretend to spiritual perfection or even near-perfection. And you know that I am more than capable of making well-intentioned mistakes. I know my sin and I know our sin and I ask your pardon. “Answer me when I call, O God of my right!”
Lord, I am asking for more than pardon. I am seeking your blessing. I remember well other days in other places when troubles were tougher than now. You led us through.
Takes us through difficult seasons, O Lord. Be gracious.
Give God your own special needs and ask God’s blessing.
Name 5 thing for which you are grateful to God.
Amen.
2 How long, you people, shall my honor suffer shame?
How long will you love vain words, and seek after lies? Selah
3 But know that the Lord has set apart the faithful for himself;
the Lord hears when I call to him.
4 When you are disturbed,a do not sin;
ponder it on your beds, and be silent. Selah
5 Offer right sacrifices,
and put your trust in the Lord.
6 There are many who say, “O that we might see some good!
Let the light of your face shine on us, O Lord!”
7 You have put gladness in my heart
more than when their grain and wine abound.
8 I will both lie down and sleep in peace;
for you alone, O Lord, make me lie down in safety.
[1]
a Or are angry
[1] The Holy Bible : New Revised Standard Version. Nashville : Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1989
Friday, May 16, 2008
Psalm 3
Psalm 3 (NRSV)
1 O Lord , how many are my foes!
Many are rising against me;
2 many are saying to me,
“There is no help for youa in God.” Selah
3 But you, O Lord , are a shield around me,
my glory, and the one who lifts up my head.
4 I cry aloud to the Lord ,
and he answers me from his holy hill. Selah
Dear Lord,
I visited our friend in the hospice house today and it appears that she will soon be going home to you. It could be hours or maybe a few days.
It’s pretty clear that you are not going to shield her from death nor will you shield her family and friends from grief. Some shields, it seems, you will not provide.
Today I ask that you will shield her from fear and doubt. Shield her from loneliness and fear of abandonment. Shield her from pain.
Shield her family from despair and anger and any hint of guilt. Shield them from the emotional whirlwinds that sometimes cause family members to harm one another.
Grace her and her family with a sense of your glory: the glory of her creation and redemption and the glory of her resurrection in Christ Jesus. Grant to each the glory of a love from you so deep and profound that all sorrow is finally healed by it.
Answer our prayers, from your holy hill or wherever you are, and grant peace and blessing and eternal life. And we will give you glory and honor and praise.
For her life and for her eternal life, thank you Lord.
Tell God how much you love God.
1 O Lord , how many are my foes!
Many are rising against me;
2 many are saying to me,
“There is no help for youa in God.” Selah
3 But you, O Lord , are a shield around me,
my glory, and the one who lifts up my head.
4 I cry aloud to the Lord ,
and he answers me from his holy hill. Selah
Dear Lord,
I visited our friend in the hospice house today and it appears that she will soon be going home to you. It could be hours or maybe a few days.
It’s pretty clear that you are not going to shield her from death nor will you shield her family and friends from grief. Some shields, it seems, you will not provide.
Today I ask that you will shield her from fear and doubt. Shield her from loneliness and fear of abandonment. Shield her from pain.
Shield her family from despair and anger and any hint of guilt. Shield them from the emotional whirlwinds that sometimes cause family members to harm one another.
Grace her and her family with a sense of your glory: the glory of her creation and redemption and the glory of her resurrection in Christ Jesus. Grant to each the glory of a love from you so deep and profound that all sorrow is finally healed by it.
Answer our prayers, from your holy hill or wherever you are, and grant peace and blessing and eternal life. And we will give you glory and honor and praise.
For her life and for her eternal life, thank you Lord.
Tell God how much you love God.
Ask God's blessing on those for whom you are praying.
Name 5 things for which you are grateful and say "thank you" to God.
Amen
5 I lie down and sleep;
I wake again, for the Lord sustains me.
6 I am not afraid of ten thousands of people
who have set themselves against me all around.
7 Rise up, O Lord !
Deliver me, O my God!
For you strike all my enemies on the cheek;
you break the teeth of the wicked.
8 Deliverance belongs to the Lord ;
may your blessing be on your people! Selah
[1]
a Syr: Heb him
[1] The Holy Bible : New Revised Standard Version. 1996, c1989. Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Psalm 3
Psalm 3 (NRSV)
1 O Lord, how many are my foes!
Many are rising against me;
2 many are saying to me,
“There is no help for youa in God.” Selah
Lord,
The foes that threaten and frighten and sometimes destroy:
In different places and times, we are threatened by different foes;
Soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan have their foes
Arabic Christians in Palistine and Israel have their foes
Christians in Iraq and Somalia have relentless and powerful foes
Unemployed parents in America have theirs
All who struggle with cancer and every life-threatening disease
Those who experience the justice system as really unjust
Young adults trying to find their way and meeting obstacles and diversions of every sort
The children of immigrants who speak in unfamiliar accents on school playgrounds
Employers who are trying to survive when the economic environment is difficult if not hostile
Employees whose job security in intensly insecure
Children of broken families….
Lord, the foes are beyond number.
Sometimes they are the demons of my own mind;
Memories that will not go away
Guilt that will not receive its pardon
Shame that will not yeild to the grace of the gospel of Christ
Anxiety of unknown sources
Fear grounded in ancient experience
Hurtful remarks of long ago that play in our heads like today’s conversation
Lord, the foes are beyond number….
Be a shield, O God,
Be a shield around me and grant me the security of your presence.
Ask God’s blessings on those who need grace in special ways
Offer your personal needs to God
Name 5 things for which you are grateful and say “thank you.”
In Christ’s name.
3 But you, O Lord, are a shield around me,
my glory, and the one who lifts up my head.
4 I cry aloud to the Lord,
and he answers me from his holy hill. Selah
5 I lie down and sleep;
I wake again, for the Lord sustains me.
6 I am not afraid of ten thousands of people
who have set themselves against me all around.
7 Rise up, O Lord!
Deliver me, O my God!
For you strike all my enemies on the cheek;
you break the teeth of the wicked.
8 Deliverance belongs to the Lord;
may your blessing be on your people! Selah
[1]
a Syr: Heb him
[1] The Holy Bible : New Revised Standard Version. Nashville : Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1989
1 O Lord, how many are my foes!
Many are rising against me;
2 many are saying to me,
“There is no help for youa in God.” Selah
Lord,
The foes that threaten and frighten and sometimes destroy:
In different places and times, we are threatened by different foes;
Soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan have their foes
Arabic Christians in Palistine and Israel have their foes
Christians in Iraq and Somalia have relentless and powerful foes
Unemployed parents in America have theirs
All who struggle with cancer and every life-threatening disease
Those who experience the justice system as really unjust
Young adults trying to find their way and meeting obstacles and diversions of every sort
The children of immigrants who speak in unfamiliar accents on school playgrounds
Employers who are trying to survive when the economic environment is difficult if not hostile
Employees whose job security in intensly insecure
Children of broken families….
Lord, the foes are beyond number.
Sometimes they are the demons of my own mind;
Memories that will not go away
Guilt that will not receive its pardon
Shame that will not yeild to the grace of the gospel of Christ
Anxiety of unknown sources
Fear grounded in ancient experience
Hurtful remarks of long ago that play in our heads like today’s conversation
Lord, the foes are beyond number….
Be a shield, O God,
Be a shield around me and grant me the security of your presence.
Ask God’s blessings on those who need grace in special ways
Offer your personal needs to God
Name 5 things for which you are grateful and say “thank you.”
In Christ’s name.
3 But you, O Lord, are a shield around me,
my glory, and the one who lifts up my head.
4 I cry aloud to the Lord,
and he answers me from his holy hill. Selah
5 I lie down and sleep;
I wake again, for the Lord sustains me.
6 I am not afraid of ten thousands of people
who have set themselves against me all around.
7 Rise up, O Lord!
Deliver me, O my God!
For you strike all my enemies on the cheek;
you break the teeth of the wicked.
8 Deliverance belongs to the Lord;
may your blessing be on your people! Selah
[1]
a Syr: Heb him
[1] The Holy Bible : New Revised Standard Version. Nashville : Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1989
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Psalm 2
Psalm 2 (NRSV)
1 Why do the nations conspire,
and the peoples plot in vain?
2 The kings of the earth set themselves,
and the rulers take counsel together,
against the Lord and his anointed, saying,
3 “Let us burst their bonds asunder,
and cast their cords from us.”
4 He who sits in the heavens laughs;
the Lord has them in derision.
5 Then he will speak to them in his wrath,
and terrify them in his fury, saying,
6 “I have set my king on Zion, my holy hill.”
7 I will tell of the decree of the Lord:
He said to me, “You are my son;
today I have begotten you.
8 Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage,
and the ends of the earth your possession.
9 You shall break them with a rod of iron,
and dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.”
10 Now therefore, O kings, be wise;
be warned, O rulers of the earth.
11 Serve the Lord with fear,
with trembling 12 kiss his feet,a
or he will be angry, and you will perish in the way;
for his wrath is quickly kindled.
Happy are all who take refuge in him.
[1]
Lord,
The poet is talking to the Kings, to the rulers of the earth. He is talking directly to those who have power. He is calling all who live at the top of the heap to a profound accountability. “Serve the Lord with fear….or he will be angry and you will perish in the way for his wrath is quickly kindled.”
So Lord, what does it mean to “Serve the Lord with fear”? Does it mean, go to church and read your Bible? Does it mean, keep your zipper up? Does it mean, obey the law? How about, don’t use bad language? What does it mean to “serve the Lord with fear?”
Perhaps it means all of the above and more. I remember Amos, “Let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever flowing stream.” Micah said “Love justice, do mercy and walk humbly with your God.” I remember someplace in the Bible that says to look after widows and orphans and leave food in the fields for the hungry to eat. I remember Jesus’ story of the rich man who was sent to hell for ignoring the hungry man at his doorstep. In the story of the sheep and wolves, he sent to hell those who ignored the hungry and homeless and imprisoned.
Lord, I’ve wondered about your wrath but it seems that Jesus thought that you could be pretty severe with those whose hearts are cold and who refuse to attend to the pain in the neighbors’ lives. Hell is pretty severe!
But, the poet writes, “Happy are all who take refuge in him.” So, what is the connection between “taking refuge in him” and “serving the Lord?” No doubt, they are connected.
Lord, help me to serve you with love and awe and perhaps even trepidation. Help me to serve you in acts of worship and prayer and in deeds of kindness, mercy, love and justice. And when I succumb to the temptations of a culture that calls for simple selfishness and the idolatry of my own ego, forgive me.
And grant me a secure refuge in your presence and love. Bless me with your own safety and protection. Keep me close to you and grant me joy in your service.
Pray God’s special grace for friends and family who have particular needs.
Name 5 things for which you are grateful and say “thank you” to God.
Amen
a Cn: Meaning of Heb of verses 11b and 12a is uncertain
[1] The Holy Bible : New Revised Standard Version. Nashville : Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1989
1 Why do the nations conspire,
and the peoples plot in vain?
2 The kings of the earth set themselves,
and the rulers take counsel together,
against the Lord and his anointed, saying,
3 “Let us burst their bonds asunder,
and cast their cords from us.”
4 He who sits in the heavens laughs;
the Lord has them in derision.
5 Then he will speak to them in his wrath,
and terrify them in his fury, saying,
6 “I have set my king on Zion, my holy hill.”
7 I will tell of the decree of the Lord:
He said to me, “You are my son;
today I have begotten you.
8 Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage,
and the ends of the earth your possession.
9 You shall break them with a rod of iron,
and dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.”
10 Now therefore, O kings, be wise;
be warned, O rulers of the earth.
11 Serve the Lord with fear,
with trembling 12 kiss his feet,a
or he will be angry, and you will perish in the way;
for his wrath is quickly kindled.
Happy are all who take refuge in him.
[1]
Lord,
The poet is talking to the Kings, to the rulers of the earth. He is talking directly to those who have power. He is calling all who live at the top of the heap to a profound accountability. “Serve the Lord with fear….or he will be angry and you will perish in the way for his wrath is quickly kindled.”
So Lord, what does it mean to “Serve the Lord with fear”? Does it mean, go to church and read your Bible? Does it mean, keep your zipper up? Does it mean, obey the law? How about, don’t use bad language? What does it mean to “serve the Lord with fear?”
Perhaps it means all of the above and more. I remember Amos, “Let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever flowing stream.” Micah said “Love justice, do mercy and walk humbly with your God.” I remember someplace in the Bible that says to look after widows and orphans and leave food in the fields for the hungry to eat. I remember Jesus’ story of the rich man who was sent to hell for ignoring the hungry man at his doorstep. In the story of the sheep and wolves, he sent to hell those who ignored the hungry and homeless and imprisoned.
Lord, I’ve wondered about your wrath but it seems that Jesus thought that you could be pretty severe with those whose hearts are cold and who refuse to attend to the pain in the neighbors’ lives. Hell is pretty severe!
But, the poet writes, “Happy are all who take refuge in him.” So, what is the connection between “taking refuge in him” and “serving the Lord?” No doubt, they are connected.
Lord, help me to serve you with love and awe and perhaps even trepidation. Help me to serve you in acts of worship and prayer and in deeds of kindness, mercy, love and justice. And when I succumb to the temptations of a culture that calls for simple selfishness and the idolatry of my own ego, forgive me.
And grant me a secure refuge in your presence and love. Bless me with your own safety and protection. Keep me close to you and grant me joy in your service.
Pray God’s special grace for friends and family who have particular needs.
Name 5 things for which you are grateful and say “thank you” to God.
Amen
a Cn: Meaning of Heb of verses 11b and 12a is uncertain
[1] The Holy Bible : New Revised Standard Version. Nashville : Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1989
Monday, May 12, 2008
Psalm 2
Psalm 2 (NRSV)
1 Why do the nations conspire,
and the peoples plot in vain?
2 The kings of the earth set themselves,
and the rulers take counsel together,
against the Lord and his anointed, saying,
3 “Let us burst their bonds asunder,
and cast their cords from us.”
4 He who sits in the heavens laughs;
the Lord has them in derision.
5 Then he will speak to them in his wrath,
and terrify them in his fury, saying,
6 “I have set my king on Zion, my holy hill.”
7 I will tell of the decree of the Lord:
He said to me, “You are my son;
today I have begotten you.
8 Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage,
and the ends of the earth your possession.
9 You shall break them with a rod of iron,
and dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.”
Lord,
Who are you? Derisive laughter and wrath and fury, is this the core of your character? Surely there is more. I know there is more. You are not defined by your eagerness for revenge on those who wrong you.
This poet knew that you had adopted him, “You are my son; today I have begotten you.” What a relationship! I like the personal relationship. I would like to that close to you.
But Lord, I don’t know this poet; maybe David or maybe somebody else. But I do know another one who was your son, begotten of you. He is Jesus the Christ. My O my, the differences; this poet fully expected you to be is champion in battle. He expected to be king to “the ends of the earth.” He expected you to help him “break them with a rod of iron and dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.”
Jesus, on the other hand, refused to take up the sword. He taught us to bless our enemies rather than curse them. He taught us the way of peace. And instead of dashing his enemies like pieces of pottery, Jesus submitted to the Roman executioner’s cross.
My confession is that there are days when I would prefer you to be the God of this poet rather than the God revealed in Jesus. Fear surges, anger swells, bitterness rises up, hatred explodes and I would like for you to destroy those who torment me. Forgive me.
Take me back to Jesus and I will trust him to take me directly into your heart. Take me to Jesus and he will teach me your character and way. Take me to Jesus and he will give me the deeply personal relationship with you that I so eagerly desire.
Pray God’s blessings for those you know who need grace in special ways.
Name 5 things for which you are grateful and give thanks to God.
Amen.
10 Now therefore, O kings, be wise;
be warned, O rulers of the earth.
11 Serve the Lord with fear,
with trembling 12 kiss his feet,a
or he will be angry, and you will perish in the way;
for his wrath is quickly kindled.
Happy are all who take refuge in him.
[1]
a Cn: Meaning of Heb of verses 11b and 12a is uncertain
[1] The Holy Bible : New Revised Standard Version. Nashville : Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1989
1 Why do the nations conspire,
and the peoples plot in vain?
2 The kings of the earth set themselves,
and the rulers take counsel together,
against the Lord and his anointed, saying,
3 “Let us burst their bonds asunder,
and cast their cords from us.”
4 He who sits in the heavens laughs;
the Lord has them in derision.
5 Then he will speak to them in his wrath,
and terrify them in his fury, saying,
6 “I have set my king on Zion, my holy hill.”
7 I will tell of the decree of the Lord:
He said to me, “You are my son;
today I have begotten you.
8 Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage,
and the ends of the earth your possession.
9 You shall break them with a rod of iron,
and dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.”
Lord,
Who are you? Derisive laughter and wrath and fury, is this the core of your character? Surely there is more. I know there is more. You are not defined by your eagerness for revenge on those who wrong you.
This poet knew that you had adopted him, “You are my son; today I have begotten you.” What a relationship! I like the personal relationship. I would like to that close to you.
But Lord, I don’t know this poet; maybe David or maybe somebody else. But I do know another one who was your son, begotten of you. He is Jesus the Christ. My O my, the differences; this poet fully expected you to be is champion in battle. He expected to be king to “the ends of the earth.” He expected you to help him “break them with a rod of iron and dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.”
Jesus, on the other hand, refused to take up the sword. He taught us to bless our enemies rather than curse them. He taught us the way of peace. And instead of dashing his enemies like pieces of pottery, Jesus submitted to the Roman executioner’s cross.
My confession is that there are days when I would prefer you to be the God of this poet rather than the God revealed in Jesus. Fear surges, anger swells, bitterness rises up, hatred explodes and I would like for you to destroy those who torment me. Forgive me.
Take me back to Jesus and I will trust him to take me directly into your heart. Take me to Jesus and he will teach me your character and way. Take me to Jesus and he will give me the deeply personal relationship with you that I so eagerly desire.
Pray God’s blessings for those you know who need grace in special ways.
Name 5 things for which you are grateful and give thanks to God.
Amen.
10 Now therefore, O kings, be wise;
be warned, O rulers of the earth.
11 Serve the Lord with fear,
with trembling 12 kiss his feet,a
or he will be angry, and you will perish in the way;
for his wrath is quickly kindled.
Happy are all who take refuge in him.
[1]
a Cn: Meaning of Heb of verses 11b and 12a is uncertain
[1] The Holy Bible : New Revised Standard Version. Nashville : Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1989
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Psalm 2
Psalm 2 (NRSV)
Psalm 2
God’s Promise to His Anointed
(Acts 4.23—31)
1 Why do the nations conspire,
and the peoples plot in vain?
2 The kings of the earth set themselves,
and the rulers take counsel together,
against the Lord and his anointed, saying,
3 “Let us burst their bonds asunder,
and cast their cords from us.”
4 He who sits in the heavens laughs;
the Lord has them in derision.
5 Then he will speak to them in his wrath,
and terrify them in his fury, saying,
6 “I have set my king on Zion, my holy hill.”
Lord,
Laughing in derision, it’s not the image that I carry around most days. Tender, loving, sympathetic, kind, merciful; these are the words that come most often to mind when I think of you. But I seldom imagine you laughing in derision.
I think that I get it. It’s like the six year old who puts on boxing gloves and then challenges the heavy weight champion of the world to a fight. Even as the champ plays, he laughs.
I’m thinking of the kings, cultures, and peoples who challenge you are like six year olds in the ring with the champ. These people are drinking the potent cocktail of ignorance mixed with arrogance and the result is a demonic high that totally distorts reality. Ignorance and arrogance may indeed be the number one cause of spiritual death. Ignorance of you, your way, your son and your kingdom mixed with a self-focused arrogance that believes that I the king, or my culture, or my people, or my nation stand at the center of the universe and broker all power and all wisdom for all others.
Under the influence of this powerful demonic drug, enormous pain is inflicted on others and then, following a long spiritual illness, self-destruction.
Lord, I am thinking of America and I pray for my people. I pray for this nation that I love so dearly. I pray for our leaders. Take us to your holy treatment center and cleanse the toxic poison of the ignorance and arrogance drug. Grant to the people of our land a renewed allegiance to you as God and teach us your ways. Grant us a growing knowledge of your Christ-like kingdom and a profound humility in your presence.
Lift to God those for whom you have special concern.
Give thanks to God for at least 5 things.
Amen.
7 I will tell of the decree of the Lord:
He said to me, “You are my son;
today I have begotten you.
8 Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage,
and the ends of the earth your possession.
9 You shall break them with a rod of iron,
and dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.”
10 Now therefore, O kings, be wise;
be warned, O rulers of the earth.
11 Serve the Lord with fear,
with trembling 12 kiss his feet,a
or he will be angry, and you will perish in the way;
for his wrath is quickly kindled.
Happy are all who take refuge in him.
[1]
a Cn: Meaning of Heb of verses 11b and 12a is uncertain
[1] The Holy Bible : New Revised Standard Version. Nashville : Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1989
Psalm 2
God’s Promise to His Anointed
(Acts 4.23—31)
1 Why do the nations conspire,
and the peoples plot in vain?
2 The kings of the earth set themselves,
and the rulers take counsel together,
against the Lord and his anointed, saying,
3 “Let us burst their bonds asunder,
and cast their cords from us.”
4 He who sits in the heavens laughs;
the Lord has them in derision.
5 Then he will speak to them in his wrath,
and terrify them in his fury, saying,
6 “I have set my king on Zion, my holy hill.”
Lord,
Laughing in derision, it’s not the image that I carry around most days. Tender, loving, sympathetic, kind, merciful; these are the words that come most often to mind when I think of you. But I seldom imagine you laughing in derision.
I think that I get it. It’s like the six year old who puts on boxing gloves and then challenges the heavy weight champion of the world to a fight. Even as the champ plays, he laughs.
I’m thinking of the kings, cultures, and peoples who challenge you are like six year olds in the ring with the champ. These people are drinking the potent cocktail of ignorance mixed with arrogance and the result is a demonic high that totally distorts reality. Ignorance and arrogance may indeed be the number one cause of spiritual death. Ignorance of you, your way, your son and your kingdom mixed with a self-focused arrogance that believes that I the king, or my culture, or my people, or my nation stand at the center of the universe and broker all power and all wisdom for all others.
Under the influence of this powerful demonic drug, enormous pain is inflicted on others and then, following a long spiritual illness, self-destruction.
Lord, I am thinking of America and I pray for my people. I pray for this nation that I love so dearly. I pray for our leaders. Take us to your holy treatment center and cleanse the toxic poison of the ignorance and arrogance drug. Grant to the people of our land a renewed allegiance to you as God and teach us your ways. Grant us a growing knowledge of your Christ-like kingdom and a profound humility in your presence.
Lift to God those for whom you have special concern.
Give thanks to God for at least 5 things.
Amen.
7 I will tell of the decree of the Lord:
He said to me, “You are my son;
today I have begotten you.
8 Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage,
and the ends of the earth your possession.
9 You shall break them with a rod of iron,
and dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.”
10 Now therefore, O kings, be wise;
be warned, O rulers of the earth.
11 Serve the Lord with fear,
with trembling 12 kiss his feet,a
or he will be angry, and you will perish in the way;
for his wrath is quickly kindled.
Happy are all who take refuge in him.
[1]
a Cn: Meaning of Heb of verses 11b and 12a is uncertain
[1] The Holy Bible : New Revised Standard Version. Nashville : Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1989
Friday, May 9, 2008
Psalm 2
Psalm 2 (NRSV)
1 Why do the nations conspire,
and the peoples plot in vain?
2 The kings of the earth set themselves,
and the rulers take counsel together,
against the Lord and his anointed, saying,
3 “Let us burst their bonds asunder,
and cast their cords from us.”
Lord,
What is this, a multi-national conspiracy? The poet believes that a consortium of nations led by arrogant rulers is plotting to overthrow the rightful rule of God. Was it so? Is it so? Is it another portrait of sin?
When I think of sin, my first impulse is to consider the misdeeds of individuals, my sin and my neighbor’s sin. It’s a personal thing, a person(al) thing.
But Lord, this is about nations and cultures. More than a personal reality, sin is here identified as a social reality, nations and governments and kings and peoples conspiring against God. Sin is not lodged only in Tom and Mary and Dick and Jane, sin is lodged in the communities within which we live. It is a part of our social reality, so speaks the poet.
So, could it be?
The culturally promoted attitudes that created slavery, gender abuse, class warfare, the manipulation of the weak, taking advantage of the vulnerable, the celebration of pornography and the demeaning of sexual integrity, a new sex-slavery, dishonestly describing those who are different, the mongering of fear, is this the cultural conspiracy against the Lord?
Lord, help us.
Change me that the conspiracy might be weakened.
Change our churches that testimony might be given concerning the plot of the peoples.
Grant wisdom and power to speak to rulers who counsel together.
Help us Lord to speak for your Kingdom, the Kingdom of Christ.
Confess your sin.
Pray for those who need God’s special blessing.
Name 5 things for which your are grateful
Amen
4 He who sits in the heavens laughs;
the Lord has them in derision.
5 Then he will speak to them in his wrath,
and terrify them in his fury, saying,
6 “I have set my king on Zion, my holy hill.”
7 I will tell of the decree of the Lord :
He said to me, “You are my son;
today I have begotten you.
8 Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage,
and the ends of the earth your possession.
9 You shall break them with a rod of iron,
and dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.”
10 Now therefore, O kings, be wise;
be warned, O rulers of the earth.
11 Serve the Lord with fear,
with trembling12 kiss his feet,a
or he will be angry, and you will perish in the way;
for his wrath is quickly kindled.
Happy are all who take refuge in him.
[1]
a Cn: Meaning of Heb of verses 11b and 12a is uncertain
[1] The Holy Bible : New Revised Standard Version. 1996, c1989. Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
1 Why do the nations conspire,
and the peoples plot in vain?
2 The kings of the earth set themselves,
and the rulers take counsel together,
against the Lord and his anointed, saying,
3 “Let us burst their bonds asunder,
and cast their cords from us.”
Lord,
What is this, a multi-national conspiracy? The poet believes that a consortium of nations led by arrogant rulers is plotting to overthrow the rightful rule of God. Was it so? Is it so? Is it another portrait of sin?
When I think of sin, my first impulse is to consider the misdeeds of individuals, my sin and my neighbor’s sin. It’s a personal thing, a person(al) thing.
But Lord, this is about nations and cultures. More than a personal reality, sin is here identified as a social reality, nations and governments and kings and peoples conspiring against God. Sin is not lodged only in Tom and Mary and Dick and Jane, sin is lodged in the communities within which we live. It is a part of our social reality, so speaks the poet.
So, could it be?
The culturally promoted attitudes that created slavery, gender abuse, class warfare, the manipulation of the weak, taking advantage of the vulnerable, the celebration of pornography and the demeaning of sexual integrity, a new sex-slavery, dishonestly describing those who are different, the mongering of fear, is this the cultural conspiracy against the Lord?
Lord, help us.
Change me that the conspiracy might be weakened.
Change our churches that testimony might be given concerning the plot of the peoples.
Grant wisdom and power to speak to rulers who counsel together.
Help us Lord to speak for your Kingdom, the Kingdom of Christ.
Confess your sin.
Pray for those who need God’s special blessing.
Name 5 things for which your are grateful
Amen
4 He who sits in the heavens laughs;
the Lord has them in derision.
5 Then he will speak to them in his wrath,
and terrify them in his fury, saying,
6 “I have set my king on Zion, my holy hill.”
7 I will tell of the decree of the Lord :
He said to me, “You are my son;
today I have begotten you.
8 Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage,
and the ends of the earth your possession.
9 You shall break them with a rod of iron,
and dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.”
10 Now therefore, O kings, be wise;
be warned, O rulers of the earth.
11 Serve the Lord with fear,
with trembling12 kiss his feet,a
or he will be angry, and you will perish in the way;
for his wrath is quickly kindled.
Happy are all who take refuge in him.
[1]
a Cn: Meaning of Heb of verses 11b and 12a is uncertain
[1] The Holy Bible : New Revised Standard Version. 1996, c1989. Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Psalm 1
Psalm 1 (NRSV)
1 Happy are those
who do not follow the advice of the wicked,
or take the path that sinners tread,
or sit in the seat of scoffers;
2 but their delight is in the law of the Lord,
and on his law they meditate day and night.
3 They are like trees
planted by streams of water,
which yield their fruit in its season,
and their leaves do not wither.
In all that they do, they prosper.
4 The wicked are not so,
but are like chaff that the wind drives away.
5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;
6 for the Lord watches over the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked will perish.
[1]
Lord,
Happiness and prosperity you offer, through the poet, in this ancient Psalm. I pray for these blessings. You know my questions and uncertainties. You know that I wonder about the way in which your promises are fulfilled. Even so, I seek your blessings in abundance.
You offer a way, the way of “The Law of the Lord.” Teach me to live according the law of Christ, that I may love you with every ounce of my being and that I may love my neighbor as I love myself.
In loving my neighbor, I pray that your blessings will pour out on all whom You know to be neighbors to me. Especially, I pray for those for whom blessings seem to be in short supply:
For the victims of natural disaster,
For those born deep in the pits of poverty
For those suffering from rocketing gasoline prices
And hungering from rising food prices
And threatened by unemployment which is neither wanted nor deserved
And living under tyrannical political regimes
For those who suffer due to the negligence of parents
Or have been cheated by the manipulation or betrayal of trusted friends
I pray that the whole world will know the way of the Lord and the blessings that flow through way of Christ.
Lord God, let healing prevail and your mercy flow and let your justice roll down like waters that all of your people may know the fullness of your blessing.
In Christ’s name,
Amen.
Pray for those you know who need God’s grace in special ways.
Name at least 5 blessings for which you are grateful.
[1] The Holy Bible : New Revised Standard Version. Nashville : Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1989
1 Happy are those
who do not follow the advice of the wicked,
or take the path that sinners tread,
or sit in the seat of scoffers;
2 but their delight is in the law of the Lord,
and on his law they meditate day and night.
3 They are like trees
planted by streams of water,
which yield their fruit in its season,
and their leaves do not wither.
In all that they do, they prosper.
4 The wicked are not so,
but are like chaff that the wind drives away.
5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;
6 for the Lord watches over the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked will perish.
[1]
Lord,
Happiness and prosperity you offer, through the poet, in this ancient Psalm. I pray for these blessings. You know my questions and uncertainties. You know that I wonder about the way in which your promises are fulfilled. Even so, I seek your blessings in abundance.
You offer a way, the way of “The Law of the Lord.” Teach me to live according the law of Christ, that I may love you with every ounce of my being and that I may love my neighbor as I love myself.
In loving my neighbor, I pray that your blessings will pour out on all whom You know to be neighbors to me. Especially, I pray for those for whom blessings seem to be in short supply:
For the victims of natural disaster,
For those born deep in the pits of poverty
For those suffering from rocketing gasoline prices
And hungering from rising food prices
And threatened by unemployment which is neither wanted nor deserved
And living under tyrannical political regimes
For those who suffer due to the negligence of parents
Or have been cheated by the manipulation or betrayal of trusted friends
I pray that the whole world will know the way of the Lord and the blessings that flow through way of Christ.
Lord God, let healing prevail and your mercy flow and let your justice roll down like waters that all of your people may know the fullness of your blessing.
In Christ’s name,
Amen.
Pray for those you know who need God’s grace in special ways.
Name at least 5 blessings for which you are grateful.
[1] The Holy Bible : New Revised Standard Version. Nashville : Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1989
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Psalm 1
Psalm 1 (NRSV)
1 Happy are those
who do not follow the advice of the wicked,
or take the path that sinners tread,
or sit in the seat of scoffers;
2 but their delight is in the law of the Lord,
and on his law they meditate day and night.
3 They are like trees
planted by streams of water,
which yield their fruit in its season,
and their leaves do not wither.
In all that they do, they prosper.
4 The wicked are not so,
but are like chaff that the wind drives away.
5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;
6 for the Lord watches over the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked will perish.
[1]
Lord, I love the promise but, if I may be so bold, and I really do not intend to be irreverent, I do not understand. The promise is that the faithful, those who immerse themselves in the law of the Lord, will be fruitful and, “In all they do, they prosper.” Forgive my impertinence but I think that I’ve known some wonderfully faithful people who did not prosper in some ways. Lord, I have lived among modest people and they were far from wealthy, if prosperity means wealth. I have visited the poorest of the poor in the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua and I saw electrifying faithfulness – a contagious love for You but the prosperity of wealth had found its home in other places. To my eyes, injustice prevails and the wicked have not yet perished.
So, Lord, what is the promise? Allow me to guess. If prosperity is the ability to contribute to the Kingdom, then I saw that even among the poorest of the poor. If prosperity is the abundant life promised by Christ, a Spirit-enhanced capacity to take in life, an abundance of loving relationships, the joy of spiritual gifts used in Christ’s mission, a Spirit empowered ability to do everything with intensified purpose and power, a continuing awareness of Your presence, then I believe. Those who immerse themselves in the law of the Lord do indeed prosper in all they do.
I believe Lord. Please inform my belief. Please correct my mistakes.
In Christ’s name,
Amen.
Lord, I ask you to bless:
(Offer personal prayers)
Lord, I give you thanks:
Name 5 things for which you are grateful.
[1] The Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version. Nashville : Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1989
1 Happy are those
who do not follow the advice of the wicked,
or take the path that sinners tread,
or sit in the seat of scoffers;
2 but their delight is in the law of the Lord,
and on his law they meditate day and night.
3 They are like trees
planted by streams of water,
which yield their fruit in its season,
and their leaves do not wither.
In all that they do, they prosper.
4 The wicked are not so,
but are like chaff that the wind drives away.
5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;
6 for the Lord watches over the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked will perish.
[1]
Lord, I love the promise but, if I may be so bold, and I really do not intend to be irreverent, I do not understand. The promise is that the faithful, those who immerse themselves in the law of the Lord, will be fruitful and, “In all they do, they prosper.” Forgive my impertinence but I think that I’ve known some wonderfully faithful people who did not prosper in some ways. Lord, I have lived among modest people and they were far from wealthy, if prosperity means wealth. I have visited the poorest of the poor in the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua and I saw electrifying faithfulness – a contagious love for You but the prosperity of wealth had found its home in other places. To my eyes, injustice prevails and the wicked have not yet perished.
So, Lord, what is the promise? Allow me to guess. If prosperity is the ability to contribute to the Kingdom, then I saw that even among the poorest of the poor. If prosperity is the abundant life promised by Christ, a Spirit-enhanced capacity to take in life, an abundance of loving relationships, the joy of spiritual gifts used in Christ’s mission, a Spirit empowered ability to do everything with intensified purpose and power, a continuing awareness of Your presence, then I believe. Those who immerse themselves in the law of the Lord do indeed prosper in all they do.
I believe Lord. Please inform my belief. Please correct my mistakes.
In Christ’s name,
Amen.
Lord, I ask you to bless:
(Offer personal prayers)
Lord, I give you thanks:
Name 5 things for which you are grateful.
[1] The Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version. Nashville : Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1989
Psalm 1
Psalm 1 (NRSV)
1 Happy are those
who do not follow the advice of the wicked,
or take the path that sinners tread,
or sit in the seat of scoffers;
2 but their delight is in the law of the Lord ,
and on his law they meditate day and night.
Dear Lord,
I admit that it is counter-intuitive to think that we find happiness by taking delight “in the law of the Lord” and by meditating “day and night”. It seems rather dreary and more than a little boring. Worse – I remember the laws of Leviticus and Deuteronomy and I don’t see much happiness there.
So, what is this poet talking about? Better yet, what might you be talking about? Jesus’ great summary of the law comes to mind, the two great commandments. Love God with every part of yourself and love your neighbor as you love yourself. Could it be that happiness is found in love, in our loving relationship with You and in the love that we share with our neighbors? Could it be that our deepest and most enduring happiness is found in worship, in the love and adoration that we give to you and in the love from you that we experience deep within our souls? Could it be that as we consider the depths and heights and widths of your love that a serene and powerful happiness grows within? Could it be that I discover happiness as I both give and receive love? Could it be that as I remember the love that has been shared with parents and children and neighbors and most especially with sisters and brothers in Christ, happiness grows? Could it be that as I give myself away in loving service that I just may be surprised by the force of love that swells up from within? Is it possible that the way of love leads to eternal happiness? Yes. Yes. Yes!
As I reflect on the great love that you give us in Christ, happiness happens.
The wicked are those who tramp on the mandates of love. Sinners are those who neglect your great love for us. The scoffers just make fun of it all. Lord, save me from their influence.
Amen.
3 They are like trees
planted by streams of water,
which yield their fruit in its season,
and their leaves do not wither.
In all that they do, they prosper.
4 The wicked are not so,
but are like chaff that the wind drives away.
5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;
6 for the Lord watches over the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked will perish.
[1]
[1] The Holy Bible : New Revised Standard Version. 1996, c1989. Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
1 Happy are those
who do not follow the advice of the wicked,
or take the path that sinners tread,
or sit in the seat of scoffers;
2 but their delight is in the law of the Lord ,
and on his law they meditate day and night.
Dear Lord,
I admit that it is counter-intuitive to think that we find happiness by taking delight “in the law of the Lord” and by meditating “day and night”. It seems rather dreary and more than a little boring. Worse – I remember the laws of Leviticus and Deuteronomy and I don’t see much happiness there.
So, what is this poet talking about? Better yet, what might you be talking about? Jesus’ great summary of the law comes to mind, the two great commandments. Love God with every part of yourself and love your neighbor as you love yourself. Could it be that happiness is found in love, in our loving relationship with You and in the love that we share with our neighbors? Could it be that our deepest and most enduring happiness is found in worship, in the love and adoration that we give to you and in the love from you that we experience deep within our souls? Could it be that as we consider the depths and heights and widths of your love that a serene and powerful happiness grows within? Could it be that I discover happiness as I both give and receive love? Could it be that as I remember the love that has been shared with parents and children and neighbors and most especially with sisters and brothers in Christ, happiness grows? Could it be that as I give myself away in loving service that I just may be surprised by the force of love that swells up from within? Is it possible that the way of love leads to eternal happiness? Yes. Yes. Yes!
As I reflect on the great love that you give us in Christ, happiness happens.
The wicked are those who tramp on the mandates of love. Sinners are those who neglect your great love for us. The scoffers just make fun of it all. Lord, save me from their influence.
Amen.
3 They are like trees
planted by streams of water,
which yield their fruit in its season,
and their leaves do not wither.
In all that they do, they prosper.
4 The wicked are not so,
but are like chaff that the wind drives away.
5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;
6 for the Lord watches over the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked will perish.
[1]
[1] The Holy Bible : New Revised Standard Version. 1996, c1989. Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Psalm 1 (NRSV)
1 Happy are those
who do not follow the advice of the wicked,
or take the path that sinners tread,
or sit in the seat of scoffers;
2 but their delight is in the law of the Lord,
and on his law they meditate day and night.
3 They are like trees
planted by streams of water,
which yield their fruit in its season,
and their leaves do not wither.
In all that they do, they prosper.
Lord,
I attended the funeral of a man who has fought cancer for a long time. Finally, the cancer won. In the end, his body could not process food and he starved to death. Thankfully, he was in the tender care of a hospice program and did not feel the pain of starvation. But he looked it. He looked like a resident of a Nazi concentration camp; emaciation of the worst sort.
He prayed for a miracle. He wanted to live. O how he wanted to live! His life was prolonged for a while but in the end, he did not live, not in this world and that was his prayer and the prayers of all who loved him. You do not, it seems, always deliver up miracles to order. Why some and not others, I do not know but we have here a prayer for a miracle that was not answered in the way most wanted.
I have to tell you Lord, that as I watched him and as I watched his mother, I was those who are “like trees, planted by streams of water.” Faith that generates courage and strength sufficient for the time, I saw it and I heard it and I am grateful to you for the testimony.
It seems that his suffering became the occasion in which he came to know You more completely and trust you more firmly. He was not delivered from the suffering but he was delivered through the suffering or in the midst of the suffering. He was delivered from a sense of your distance into an awareness of your nearness.
Lord, Jesus invited us to pray, “Deliver us from evil.” I do not want to go through his kind of suffering. I did not want him to go through it. But Lord, I do pray for the faith that creates the kind of courage that is needed for the struggles of my own life.
Grant me wisdom to walk the path that takes me to the streams that nurture the grace that I need.
List those for whom you are praying:
Give thanks to God for at least 5 things in your life.
AMEN
4 The wicked are not so,
but are like chaff that the wind drives away.
5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;
6 for the Lord watches over the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked will perish.
[1]
[1] The Holy Bible : New Revised Standard Version. Nashville : Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1989
1 Happy are those
who do not follow the advice of the wicked,
or take the path that sinners tread,
or sit in the seat of scoffers;
2 but their delight is in the law of the Lord,
and on his law they meditate day and night.
3 They are like trees
planted by streams of water,
which yield their fruit in its season,
and their leaves do not wither.
In all that they do, they prosper.
Lord,
I attended the funeral of a man who has fought cancer for a long time. Finally, the cancer won. In the end, his body could not process food and he starved to death. Thankfully, he was in the tender care of a hospice program and did not feel the pain of starvation. But he looked it. He looked like a resident of a Nazi concentration camp; emaciation of the worst sort.
He prayed for a miracle. He wanted to live. O how he wanted to live! His life was prolonged for a while but in the end, he did not live, not in this world and that was his prayer and the prayers of all who loved him. You do not, it seems, always deliver up miracles to order. Why some and not others, I do not know but we have here a prayer for a miracle that was not answered in the way most wanted.
I have to tell you Lord, that as I watched him and as I watched his mother, I was those who are “like trees, planted by streams of water.” Faith that generates courage and strength sufficient for the time, I saw it and I heard it and I am grateful to you for the testimony.
It seems that his suffering became the occasion in which he came to know You more completely and trust you more firmly. He was not delivered from the suffering but he was delivered through the suffering or in the midst of the suffering. He was delivered from a sense of your distance into an awareness of your nearness.
Lord, Jesus invited us to pray, “Deliver us from evil.” I do not want to go through his kind of suffering. I did not want him to go through it. But Lord, I do pray for the faith that creates the kind of courage that is needed for the struggles of my own life.
Grant me wisdom to walk the path that takes me to the streams that nurture the grace that I need.
List those for whom you are praying:
Give thanks to God for at least 5 things in your life.
AMEN
4 The wicked are not so,
but are like chaff that the wind drives away.
5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;
6 for the Lord watches over the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked will perish.
[1]
[1] The Holy Bible : New Revised Standard Version. Nashville : Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1989
Friday, May 2, 2008
PRAYING THE PSALMS
Lord,
I am about to try again, a new blog, “Praying the Psalms.” I hope to pray and model prayer and perhaps teach prayer. I hope to both draw close to you and to invite others to come along. In this public place, there will be some things shared in the prayers that are personal and some personal things that will be spoken in the silence, between the lines. Those who read, I pray, will also speak the deeply personal and intimate realities of their lives to you. And if nobody else reads or is helped, then Lord, still bring me closer to you as I pray the Psalms.
Psalm 1 (NRSV)
1 Happy are those
who do not follow the advice of the wicked,
or take the path that sinners tread,
or sit in the seat of scoffers;
2 but their delight is in the law of the Lord,
and on his law they meditate day and night.
Lord, the promise is happiness. Who doesn’t want to be happy? I confess that I want the blessing. I want to be happy. I want to have a fundamental contentment with life. I want to experience joy and laughter. I yearn for moments of delight. I want to know power of loving and being loved. I want a sense of security and a place to be at home. At the center of my soul, in the marrow of my bones, I want to know that life is good. Lord, grant me the blessings of happiness.
Lord, I’m looking for something of enduring value. When the home team wins, I’m happy but when they lose, the happiness fades. When the sun shines, my spirits are lifted and then they fall as the clouds are blown in. With each pat on the back, I am filled with satisfaction and with each criticism, I am emptied. Lord, I am looking for the blessing that endures the vicissitudes of the changing happenstance and transcends the tides of emotion. Grant to me a persistent happiness, a most stubborn joy.
Lord I pray for the following:
Name those for whom you are praying.
I give you thanks for:
Name five things for which you are grateful.
3 They are like trees
planted by streams of water,
which yield their fruit in its season,
and their leaves do not wither.
In all that they do, they prosper.
4 The wicked are not so,
but are like chaff that the wind drives away.
5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;
6 for the Lord watches over the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked will perish.
[1]
[1] The Holy Bible : New Revised Standard Version. Nashville : Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1989
I am about to try again, a new blog, “Praying the Psalms.” I hope to pray and model prayer and perhaps teach prayer. I hope to both draw close to you and to invite others to come along. In this public place, there will be some things shared in the prayers that are personal and some personal things that will be spoken in the silence, between the lines. Those who read, I pray, will also speak the deeply personal and intimate realities of their lives to you. And if nobody else reads or is helped, then Lord, still bring me closer to you as I pray the Psalms.
Psalm 1 (NRSV)
1 Happy are those
who do not follow the advice of the wicked,
or take the path that sinners tread,
or sit in the seat of scoffers;
2 but their delight is in the law of the Lord,
and on his law they meditate day and night.
Lord, the promise is happiness. Who doesn’t want to be happy? I confess that I want the blessing. I want to be happy. I want to have a fundamental contentment with life. I want to experience joy and laughter. I yearn for moments of delight. I want to know power of loving and being loved. I want a sense of security and a place to be at home. At the center of my soul, in the marrow of my bones, I want to know that life is good. Lord, grant me the blessings of happiness.
Lord, I’m looking for something of enduring value. When the home team wins, I’m happy but when they lose, the happiness fades. When the sun shines, my spirits are lifted and then they fall as the clouds are blown in. With each pat on the back, I am filled with satisfaction and with each criticism, I am emptied. Lord, I am looking for the blessing that endures the vicissitudes of the changing happenstance and transcends the tides of emotion. Grant to me a persistent happiness, a most stubborn joy.
Lord I pray for the following:
Name those for whom you are praying.
I give you thanks for:
Name five things for which you are grateful.
3 They are like trees
planted by streams of water,
which yield their fruit in its season,
and their leaves do not wither.
In all that they do, they prosper.
4 The wicked are not so,
but are like chaff that the wind drives away.
5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;
6 for the Lord watches over the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked will perish.
[1]
[1] The Holy Bible : New Revised Standard Version. Nashville : Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1989
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)