Psalm 24 (NRSV)
7 Lift up your heads, O gates!
and be lifted up, O ancient doors!
that the King of glory may come in.
8 Who is the King of glory?
The Lord, strong and mighty,
the Lord, mighty in battle.
9 Lift up your heads, O gates!
and be lifted up, O ancient doors!
that the King of glory may come in.
10 Who is this King of glory?
The Lord of hosts,
he is the King of glory. Selah
[1]
Lord,
Just as the gates of the ancient fortress were lifted for the friend and stranger to enter, so I ask that the gates of my mind and heart will be lifted today so that you may find you place within me. You are the Lord of hosts, the Lord of all that is; be my Lord today.
Help me to be the person of integrity and love that you created me to be.
As you live within, help me to hear your voice, the Inner Voice of your Spirit, giving direction and encouragement, courage and peace, wisdom and compassion to the movements of my day.
You are the King of Glory
You are the King of Glory
You are the King….
PERSONAL PRAYERS:
Ask God to lead you through your days and nights, to be the Lord of your heart and mind.
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
Monday, October 27, 2008
Friday, October 24, 2008
psalm 24
Psalm 24 (NRSV)
1 The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it,
the world, and those who live in it;
2 for he has founded it on the seas,
and established it on the rivers.
3 Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord?
And who shall stand in his holy place?
4 Those who have clean hands and pure hearts,
who do not lift up their souls to what is false,
and do not swear deceitfully.
5 They will receive blessing from the Lord,
and vindication from the God of their salvation.
6 Such is the company of those who seek him,
who seek the face of the God of Jacob.a Selah
Lord,
What high standards your have! The people who are invited to stand next to you have:
Clean hands
Pure heart
True worship
Honesty
I am grateful for the power of forgiveness. I have, at one time or another, violated every one of those standards and I trust that you have cleansed the dark stain from my heart and soul. If I meet your standards, it is only because you have given me chance after chance after chance to try again.
I am grateful for the power of aspiration. The poet describes the way that I want to live. It is my intention to live according to the highest spiritual and moral standards.
I am grateful for the examples of those who have embodied these virtues and demonstrate for all who will see the inherent rightness of this way of life.
I am grateful for the saints who have brought light to me life.
I am especially grateful for Jesus who is the embodiment of these holy virtues.
For the promises of your presence,
For the promise of your blessings,
For countless blessings already experienced,
For your eternal grace,
Thank you.
PERSONAL PRAYERS:
Ask God for the grace needed to live according to the virtues described in this Psalm.
Ask God for forgiveness for your spiritual and moral failures.
Name 5 things for which you are grateful and say “thank you” to God.
In Christ’s name,
Amen.
a Gk Syr: Heb your face, O Jacob
1 The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it,
the world, and those who live in it;
2 for he has founded it on the seas,
and established it on the rivers.
3 Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord?
And who shall stand in his holy place?
4 Those who have clean hands and pure hearts,
who do not lift up their souls to what is false,
and do not swear deceitfully.
5 They will receive blessing from the Lord,
and vindication from the God of their salvation.
6 Such is the company of those who seek him,
who seek the face of the God of Jacob.a Selah
Lord,
What high standards your have! The people who are invited to stand next to you have:
Clean hands
Pure heart
True worship
Honesty
I am grateful for the power of forgiveness. I have, at one time or another, violated every one of those standards and I trust that you have cleansed the dark stain from my heart and soul. If I meet your standards, it is only because you have given me chance after chance after chance to try again.
I am grateful for the power of aspiration. The poet describes the way that I want to live. It is my intention to live according to the highest spiritual and moral standards.
I am grateful for the examples of those who have embodied these virtues and demonstrate for all who will see the inherent rightness of this way of life.
I am grateful for the saints who have brought light to me life.
I am especially grateful for Jesus who is the embodiment of these holy virtues.
For the promises of your presence,
For the promise of your blessings,
For countless blessings already experienced,
For your eternal grace,
Thank you.
PERSONAL PRAYERS:
Ask God for the grace needed to live according to the virtues described in this Psalm.
Ask God for forgiveness for your spiritual and moral failures.
Name 5 things for which you are grateful and say “thank you” to God.
In Christ’s name,
Amen.
a Gk Syr: Heb your face, O Jacob
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
psalm 24
Psalm 24 (NRSV)
1 The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it,
the world, and those who live in it;
2 for he has founded it on the seas,
and established it on the rivers.
Lord,
The earth is yours by the rights of creation. The earth:
The mountains, rivers, plains and seas;
The oil and natural gas, the top soil and water rights;
Cattle, chickens, tuna, and the legs of crab and frog;
And all of the acreage, it all belongs to you according to the rights of creation. You were before the earth and you will be after the earth and when all else is done, it’s yours.
The people of the world are yours:
Men of every hue and women of every language and children of every size, all are yours.
The oil sheiks of the middle east and the moguls of Wall Street;
Generals and privates and civilians who pray not to become collateral damage;
Plumbers and carpenters, lawyers and doctors, preachers and beggars;
We all belong to you.
Now this is the hard part. Some of us do not know to whom we belong. We see ourselves as the masters of our own universe. And some of us do not know that the others belong to you. We simply cannot bring ourselves to believe that the damaged children of Iraq and the people of Iran and Sudan, and Moslem and Hindu and the practitioners of Native American traditional spirituality – all are yours. All are yours.
Lord, if the earth is yours, and it is, make me a good steward of the earth. And if all people belong to you, grant me to see every boy and girl and man and woman as a person created by you and beloved by you. Help me to see the beauty and value in each.
PERSONAL PRAYERS:
Ask God to help you see the creator in the creation.
Ask God to help you to see the image of the creator in each person you meet.
Name 5 things for which you are grateful and say “Thank you” to God.
In Christ’s name,
Amen.
3 Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord?
And who shall stand in his holy place?
4 Those who have clean hands and pure hearts,
who do not lift up their souls to what is false,
and do not swear deceitfully.
5 They will receive blessing from the Lord,
and vindication from the God of their salvation.
6 Such is the company of those who seek him,
who seek the face of the God of Jacob.a Selah
7 Lift up your heads, O gates!
and be lifted up, O ancient doors!
that the King of glory may come in.
8 Who is the King of glory?
The Lord, strong and mighty,
the Lord, mighty in battle.
9 Lift up your heads, O gates!
and be lifted up, O ancient doors!
that the King of glory may come in.
10 Who is this King of glory?
The Lord of hosts,
he is the King of glory. Selah
[1]
a Gk Syr: Heb your face, O Jacob
[1] The Holy Bible : New Revised Standard Version. Nashville : Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1989
1 The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it,
the world, and those who live in it;
2 for he has founded it on the seas,
and established it on the rivers.
Lord,
The earth is yours by the rights of creation. The earth:
The mountains, rivers, plains and seas;
The oil and natural gas, the top soil and water rights;
Cattle, chickens, tuna, and the legs of crab and frog;
And all of the acreage, it all belongs to you according to the rights of creation. You were before the earth and you will be after the earth and when all else is done, it’s yours.
The people of the world are yours:
Men of every hue and women of every language and children of every size, all are yours.
The oil sheiks of the middle east and the moguls of Wall Street;
Generals and privates and civilians who pray not to become collateral damage;
Plumbers and carpenters, lawyers and doctors, preachers and beggars;
We all belong to you.
Now this is the hard part. Some of us do not know to whom we belong. We see ourselves as the masters of our own universe. And some of us do not know that the others belong to you. We simply cannot bring ourselves to believe that the damaged children of Iraq and the people of Iran and Sudan, and Moslem and Hindu and the practitioners of Native American traditional spirituality – all are yours. All are yours.
Lord, if the earth is yours, and it is, make me a good steward of the earth. And if all people belong to you, grant me to see every boy and girl and man and woman as a person created by you and beloved by you. Help me to see the beauty and value in each.
PERSONAL PRAYERS:
Ask God to help you see the creator in the creation.
Ask God to help you to see the image of the creator in each person you meet.
Name 5 things for which you are grateful and say “Thank you” to God.
In Christ’s name,
Amen.
3 Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord?
And who shall stand in his holy place?
4 Those who have clean hands and pure hearts,
who do not lift up their souls to what is false,
and do not swear deceitfully.
5 They will receive blessing from the Lord,
and vindication from the God of their salvation.
6 Such is the company of those who seek him,
who seek the face of the God of Jacob.a Selah
7 Lift up your heads, O gates!
and be lifted up, O ancient doors!
that the King of glory may come in.
8 Who is the King of glory?
The Lord, strong and mighty,
the Lord, mighty in battle.
9 Lift up your heads, O gates!
and be lifted up, O ancient doors!
that the King of glory may come in.
10 Who is this King of glory?
The Lord of hosts,
he is the King of glory. Selah
[1]
a Gk Syr: Heb your face, O Jacob
[1] The Holy Bible : New Revised Standard Version. Nashville : Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1989
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
psalm 23
Psalm 23 (NRSV)
4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley,d
I fear no evil;
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff—
they comfort me.
Lord,
Oh how I admire the courage of the poet! “I will fear no evil.” What faith he has, “for you are with me.” What a powerful peace, “they comfort me.” This courage, faith and peace I would have as my own.
You and I both know that I do not always walk in the pathways of righteousness. You know my sin. But if this poet was David, we know his sin too. So I ask that you will be with me in days dark and bright. Grant me the courage that comes with a firm faith in you and grant me the peace of your comforting presence.
In this quiet moment, I know that you are here. In the spirit of the Quakers, let me hear the voice that speaks from within. Let me hear the voice that speaks through scripture. Let me hear your voice and know that you are with me.
Lord, some among us are experiencing some very dark days. The economic plight of our nation, indeed our world, has put families and homes and the necessities of life at risk for many many people. Even more than I, they need faith, courage, and comfort. Bless each one with the peace that only your presence can offer.
PERSONAL PRAYERS:
Ask God to grant you assurance of God’s presence.
Sit quietly for a time in an awareness that the Spirit lives within you and around you and with the community of God’s people.
Name 5 things for with you are grateful and say “Thank you” to God.
In Christ’s name,
Amen.
d Or the valley of the shadow of death
4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley,d
I fear no evil;
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff—
they comfort me.
Lord,
Oh how I admire the courage of the poet! “I will fear no evil.” What faith he has, “for you are with me.” What a powerful peace, “they comfort me.” This courage, faith and peace I would have as my own.
You and I both know that I do not always walk in the pathways of righteousness. You know my sin. But if this poet was David, we know his sin too. So I ask that you will be with me in days dark and bright. Grant me the courage that comes with a firm faith in you and grant me the peace of your comforting presence.
In this quiet moment, I know that you are here. In the spirit of the Quakers, let me hear the voice that speaks from within. Let me hear the voice that speaks through scripture. Let me hear your voice and know that you are with me.
Lord, some among us are experiencing some very dark days. The economic plight of our nation, indeed our world, has put families and homes and the necessities of life at risk for many many people. Even more than I, they need faith, courage, and comfort. Bless each one with the peace that only your presence can offer.
PERSONAL PRAYERS:
Ask God to grant you assurance of God’s presence.
Sit quietly for a time in an awareness that the Spirit lives within you and around you and with the community of God’s people.
Name 5 things for with you are grateful and say “Thank you” to God.
In Christ’s name,
Amen.
d Or the valley of the shadow of death
Monday, October 13, 2008
Psalm 23
Psalm 23 (NRSV)
1 The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures;
he leads me beside still waters;a
3 he restores my soul.b
He leads me in right pathsc
for his name’s sake.
Lord,
Restore my soul. I am not confessing to any unusual distress today, though the economy has me a bit worried and I’m always concerned for my family and friends, but I am confessing the need for daily restoration. As my body needs daily bread, so my soul requires daily attention, the ongoing nurture of your Spirit.
And I pray for those who need more than daily bread, for those whose souls are being damaged by the challenges and tragedies of life – the poor and bankrupt, the ill, dying and grieving, all who care for the vulnerable and wounded, all who must choose between the bad and the worst, for all who require significant soul-restoration.
Lord, it appears that there are times when you restore our souls without fixing the circumstances that wound and even destroy. So, I pray, that in the midst of danger and death, you will restore souls. When illness will not be cured and when death will not be denied and when bankruptcy is inevitable, please grant to your servants soul-wholeness in the midst of the worst that this world has to offer.
Lead us in the path of righteousness. Teach us to do the right thing in the right way at the right time. Above all, keep us in right relationship with You and with our neighbors.
PERSONAL PRAYERS:
Pray that God will keep your soul whole.
Pray that the wounds on your soul will be healed and that all around you will be made whole.
Name 5 things for which you are grateful and say “Thank you” to God.
In Christ’s name,
Amen.
a Heb waters of rest
b Or life
c Or paths of righteousness
1 The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures;
he leads me beside still waters;a
3 he restores my soul.b
He leads me in right pathsc
for his name’s sake.
Lord,
Restore my soul. I am not confessing to any unusual distress today, though the economy has me a bit worried and I’m always concerned for my family and friends, but I am confessing the need for daily restoration. As my body needs daily bread, so my soul requires daily attention, the ongoing nurture of your Spirit.
And I pray for those who need more than daily bread, for those whose souls are being damaged by the challenges and tragedies of life – the poor and bankrupt, the ill, dying and grieving, all who care for the vulnerable and wounded, all who must choose between the bad and the worst, for all who require significant soul-restoration.
Lord, it appears that there are times when you restore our souls without fixing the circumstances that wound and even destroy. So, I pray, that in the midst of danger and death, you will restore souls. When illness will not be cured and when death will not be denied and when bankruptcy is inevitable, please grant to your servants soul-wholeness in the midst of the worst that this world has to offer.
Lead us in the path of righteousness. Teach us to do the right thing in the right way at the right time. Above all, keep us in right relationship with You and with our neighbors.
PERSONAL PRAYERS:
Pray that God will keep your soul whole.
Pray that the wounds on your soul will be healed and that all around you will be made whole.
Name 5 things for which you are grateful and say “Thank you” to God.
In Christ’s name,
Amen.
a Heb waters of rest
b Or life
c Or paths of righteousness
Sunday, October 12, 2008
psalm 23
Psalm 23 (NRSV)
1 The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
Lord,
We could use a really good shepherd now. The market is down about a third and our annuities are down nearly that much which means for those who are about to retire, their annual income from their annuity will be reduced by a third and that, dear Lord, is a powerful kick in the sensitive places of life. Your servants are being hurt in powerful ways and need your shepherding. Quiet waters and green grass are wonderful things but some green money would be helpful too.
Lord, I look at my colleagues and the faithful servants they have given all of their adult lives to you and then I look at the corporate executives who, with the blessing of our political leaders, have driven our economy into near-oblivion and I see the “golden parachutes” they are given to provide soft landings following the chain collision crashes they have created and, to be honest, I am really angry. Where is the justice? Oh that they would live on the reduced incomes of some of your faithful servants! (I know. It’s a little vindictive but I prefer to call it justice.)
Lord, for the sake of your faithful servants, for the sake of ministers and missionaries who are about to retire, for the sake of all sisters and brothers of faith who are being seriously damaged by our current economic crisis, be a good shepherd. Grant us your relief and return us to ample prosperity. And as we wait for better days, walk with us through the valley of financial fear and failure and grant us your grace in every needed way.
PERSONAL PRAYERS:
Pray for all who are being hurt by the current economic crisis, including yourself, your family, and those you love.
Give God thanks for the good shepherd we know in Jesus.
Name 5 things for which you are grateful and say “Thank you” to God.
In Christ’s name,
Amen.
1 The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
Lord,
We could use a really good shepherd now. The market is down about a third and our annuities are down nearly that much which means for those who are about to retire, their annual income from their annuity will be reduced by a third and that, dear Lord, is a powerful kick in the sensitive places of life. Your servants are being hurt in powerful ways and need your shepherding. Quiet waters and green grass are wonderful things but some green money would be helpful too.
Lord, I look at my colleagues and the faithful servants they have given all of their adult lives to you and then I look at the corporate executives who, with the blessing of our political leaders, have driven our economy into near-oblivion and I see the “golden parachutes” they are given to provide soft landings following the chain collision crashes they have created and, to be honest, I am really angry. Where is the justice? Oh that they would live on the reduced incomes of some of your faithful servants! (I know. It’s a little vindictive but I prefer to call it justice.)
Lord, for the sake of your faithful servants, for the sake of ministers and missionaries who are about to retire, for the sake of all sisters and brothers of faith who are being seriously damaged by our current economic crisis, be a good shepherd. Grant us your relief and return us to ample prosperity. And as we wait for better days, walk with us through the valley of financial fear and failure and grant us your grace in every needed way.
PERSONAL PRAYERS:
Pray for all who are being hurt by the current economic crisis, including yourself, your family, and those you love.
Give God thanks for the good shepherd we know in Jesus.
Name 5 things for which you are grateful and say “Thank you” to God.
In Christ’s name,
Amen.
Friday, October 3, 2008
Psalm 22
Psalm 22 (NRSV)
12 Many bulls encircle me,
strong bulls of Bashan surround me;
13 they open wide their mouths at me,
like a ravening and roaring lion.
14 I am poured out like water,
and all my bones are out of joint;
my heart is like wax;
it is melted within my breast;
15 my moutha is dried up like a potsherd,
and my tongue sticks to my jaws;
you lay me in the dust of death.
16 For dogs are all around me;
a company of evildoers encircles me.
My hands and feet have shriveled;b
17 I can count all my bones.
They stare and gloat over me;
18 they divide my clothes among themselves,
and for my clothing they cast lots.
19 But you, O Lord, do not be far away!
O my help, come quickly to my aid!
20 Deliver my soul from the sword,
my lifec from the power of the dog!
21 Save me from the mouth of the lion!
From the horns of the wild oxen you have rescuedd me.
22 I will tell of your name to my brothers and sisters;e
in the midst of the congregation I will praise you:
23 You who fear the Lord, praise him!
All you offspring of Jacob, glorify him;
stand in awe of him, all you offspring of Israel!
24 For he did not despise or abhor
the affliction of the afflicted;
he did not hide his face from me,f
but heard when Ig cried to him.
25 From you comes my praise in the great congregation;
my vows I will pay before those who fear him.
26 The poorh shall eat and be satisfied;
those who seek him shall praise the Lord.
May your hearts live forever!
27 All the ends of the earth shall remember
and turn to the Lord;
and all the families of the nations
shall worship before him.i
28 For dominion belongs to the Lord,
and he rules over the nations.
29 To him,j indeed, shall all who sleep ink the earth bow down;
before him shall bow all who go down to the dust,
and I shall live for him.l
30 Posterity will serve him;
future generations will be told about the Lord,
31 andm proclaim his deliverance to a people yet unborn,
saying that he has done it.
[1]
Lord,
I marvel at the poet’s faith and ask that his faith will inform my faith. He is clearly in serious trouble. And he is free to proclaim his problems to you with no pretension. As he engages you in prayer, he takes his problem to you in a state of absolute desperation. That desperation forces him to confess his absolute dependency on you. And in that state of physical, emotional and spiritual dependency, he becomes aware of your listening presence. In your presence he remembers desperate prayers long ago answered. Those memories, both personal and historical, remind him of your long persisting faithfulness. And remembering past faithfulness, he is made bold to proclaim that you will be faithful for all generations to come. It’s nearly paradoxical but it seems that his desperation becomes the tap root for hope.
In the words of Paul, it becomes grace delivered through faith. But this time, faith has been stirred by fear.
Lord, I confess that I would be more than happy to avoid those circumstance that generate fear and desperation – though with the present economy we may all be driven to that place. But I do confess my dependence on you and I seek your grace.
PERSONAL PRAYERS:
Speak your fears to God and ask for help.
As you speak, be aware of God’s listening presence and allow yourself to hope.
Name 5 things for which you are grateful and say “Thank you” to God.
In Christ’s name,
Amen
a Cn: Heb strength
b Meaning of Heb uncertain
c Heb my only one
d Heb answered
e Or kindred
f Heb him
g Heb he
h Or afflicted
i Gk Syr Jerome: Heb you
j Cn: Heb They have eaten and
k Cn: Heb all the fat ones
l Compare Gk Syr Vg: Heb and he who cannot keep himself alive
m Compare Gk: Heb it will be told about the Lord to the generation, 31they will come and
[1] The Holy Bible : New Revised Standard Version. Nashville : Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1989
12 Many bulls encircle me,
strong bulls of Bashan surround me;
13 they open wide their mouths at me,
like a ravening and roaring lion.
14 I am poured out like water,
and all my bones are out of joint;
my heart is like wax;
it is melted within my breast;
15 my moutha is dried up like a potsherd,
and my tongue sticks to my jaws;
you lay me in the dust of death.
16 For dogs are all around me;
a company of evildoers encircles me.
My hands and feet have shriveled;b
17 I can count all my bones.
They stare and gloat over me;
18 they divide my clothes among themselves,
and for my clothing they cast lots.
19 But you, O Lord, do not be far away!
O my help, come quickly to my aid!
20 Deliver my soul from the sword,
my lifec from the power of the dog!
21 Save me from the mouth of the lion!
From the horns of the wild oxen you have rescuedd me.
22 I will tell of your name to my brothers and sisters;e
in the midst of the congregation I will praise you:
23 You who fear the Lord, praise him!
All you offspring of Jacob, glorify him;
stand in awe of him, all you offspring of Israel!
24 For he did not despise or abhor
the affliction of the afflicted;
he did not hide his face from me,f
but heard when Ig cried to him.
25 From you comes my praise in the great congregation;
my vows I will pay before those who fear him.
26 The poorh shall eat and be satisfied;
those who seek him shall praise the Lord.
May your hearts live forever!
27 All the ends of the earth shall remember
and turn to the Lord;
and all the families of the nations
shall worship before him.i
28 For dominion belongs to the Lord,
and he rules over the nations.
29 To him,j indeed, shall all who sleep ink the earth bow down;
before him shall bow all who go down to the dust,
and I shall live for him.l
30 Posterity will serve him;
future generations will be told about the Lord,
31 andm proclaim his deliverance to a people yet unborn,
saying that he has done it.
[1]
Lord,
I marvel at the poet’s faith and ask that his faith will inform my faith. He is clearly in serious trouble. And he is free to proclaim his problems to you with no pretension. As he engages you in prayer, he takes his problem to you in a state of absolute desperation. That desperation forces him to confess his absolute dependency on you. And in that state of physical, emotional and spiritual dependency, he becomes aware of your listening presence. In your presence he remembers desperate prayers long ago answered. Those memories, both personal and historical, remind him of your long persisting faithfulness. And remembering past faithfulness, he is made bold to proclaim that you will be faithful for all generations to come. It’s nearly paradoxical but it seems that his desperation becomes the tap root for hope.
In the words of Paul, it becomes grace delivered through faith. But this time, faith has been stirred by fear.
Lord, I confess that I would be more than happy to avoid those circumstance that generate fear and desperation – though with the present economy we may all be driven to that place. But I do confess my dependence on you and I seek your grace.
PERSONAL PRAYERS:
Speak your fears to God and ask for help.
As you speak, be aware of God’s listening presence and allow yourself to hope.
Name 5 things for which you are grateful and say “Thank you” to God.
In Christ’s name,
Amen
a Cn: Heb strength
b Meaning of Heb uncertain
c Heb my only one
d Heb answered
e Or kindred
f Heb him
g Heb he
h Or afflicted
i Gk Syr Jerome: Heb you
j Cn: Heb They have eaten and
k Cn: Heb all the fat ones
l Compare Gk Syr Vg: Heb and he who cannot keep himself alive
m Compare Gk: Heb it will be told about the Lord to the generation, 31they will come and
[1] The Holy Bible : New Revised Standard Version. Nashville : Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1989
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Psalm 22
Psalm 22 (NRSV)
6 But I am a worm, and not human;
scorned by others, and despised by the people.
7 All who see me mock at me;
they make mouths at me, they shake their heads;
8 “Commit your cause to the Lord; let him deliver—
let him rescue the one in whom he delights!”
9 Yet it was you who took me from the womb;
you kept me safe on my mother’s breast.
10 On you I was cast from my birth,
and since my mother bore me you have been my God.
11 Do not be far from me,
for trouble is near
and there is no one to help.
Lord,
The poet is having a bad day, a really bad day! His soul is arena for a grand wrestling match. On the one hand he is struggling with the horrible events of the season and, on the other hand, he is remembering the eternal reality of your care. On the one hand, “I am a worm, and not human.” And on the other hand, “Yet it was you who took me from the womb.” Who am I, worm or child of God?
It was the poet’s soul-struggle and some days it is my struggle. Lord, who am I and who are you? Am I a worm to be ignored or a child whom you delivered into this life? Are you a God who ignores the plight of your people or are you the One who responds with grace and love?
I pray with the poet, “Since my mother bore me you have been my God.” And I continue, “Do not be far from me, for trouble is near and there is no one to help.”
PERSONAL PRAYERS:
Give God thanks for being your God and for giving you life.
Confess to God whatever conflict may be present within your soul today.
Name 5 things for which you are grateful and say, “Thank you” to God.
In Christ’s name,
Amen.
6 But I am a worm, and not human;
scorned by others, and despised by the people.
7 All who see me mock at me;
they make mouths at me, they shake their heads;
8 “Commit your cause to the Lord; let him deliver—
let him rescue the one in whom he delights!”
9 Yet it was you who took me from the womb;
you kept me safe on my mother’s breast.
10 On you I was cast from my birth,
and since my mother bore me you have been my God.
11 Do not be far from me,
for trouble is near
and there is no one to help.
Lord,
The poet is having a bad day, a really bad day! His soul is arena for a grand wrestling match. On the one hand he is struggling with the horrible events of the season and, on the other hand, he is remembering the eternal reality of your care. On the one hand, “I am a worm, and not human.” And on the other hand, “Yet it was you who took me from the womb.” Who am I, worm or child of God?
It was the poet’s soul-struggle and some days it is my struggle. Lord, who am I and who are you? Am I a worm to be ignored or a child whom you delivered into this life? Are you a God who ignores the plight of your people or are you the One who responds with grace and love?
I pray with the poet, “Since my mother bore me you have been my God.” And I continue, “Do not be far from me, for trouble is near and there is no one to help.”
PERSONAL PRAYERS:
Give God thanks for being your God and for giving you life.
Confess to God whatever conflict may be present within your soul today.
Name 5 things for which you are grateful and say, “Thank you” to God.
In Christ’s name,
Amen.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Psalm 22
Psalm 22 (NRSV)
1 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
Why are you so far from helping me, from the words of my groaning?
2 O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer;
and by night, but find no rest.
3 Yet you are holy,
enthroned on the praises of Israel.
4 In you our ancestors trusted;
they trusted, and you delivered them.
5 To you they cried, and were saved;
in you they trusted, and were not put to shame.
Lord,
Women and men around the world are crying, “Lord, where are you?” Hurricanes, tornadoes, flood and drought have taken lives and destroyed homes and livelihoods and the cry is, “Where are you?” Tyrants, both political and economic, have reduced men and women to the bare necessities and less and they cry, “Where are you?” The ravages of disease and crashing of relationships cause us to wonder, “Where are you?” And across America today, as the gods of Greed are bringing forth their flowers of economic destruction, we wonder, “Where are you?”
And, with the poet we pray, “Yet you are holy.” “In you our ancestors trusted…and you delivered them.” Look with mercy on all of your suffering people and grant your salvation.
“Yet”, the poet prayed “Yet”. He remembered the experience of his ancestors and he chose to trust in you, even when the immediate evidence called for panic and distrust. He remembered that there is more to our reality than our immediate experiences. That which dominates our senses does not include all that is. He remembered that which came long before the experience of the moment and he chose to trust himself into your care.
Lord, make it so with us, with me, today and every day.
Help me to trust even when I cannot find you. Even when I cry, “My God…why have you forsaken me?” remind me to pray, “Yet….” Help me to choose to believe and trust.
PERSONAL PRAYERS:
Ask God to grant you the power of trust even when everything calls for fear and panic.
Affirm with the poet, “Yet you are holy”, and remember the faith of those who have gone before.
Name 5 things for which you are grateful and say “Thank you” to God.
In Christ’s name,
Amen.
1 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
Why are you so far from helping me, from the words of my groaning?
2 O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer;
and by night, but find no rest.
3 Yet you are holy,
enthroned on the praises of Israel.
4 In you our ancestors trusted;
they trusted, and you delivered them.
5 To you they cried, and were saved;
in you they trusted, and were not put to shame.
Lord,
Women and men around the world are crying, “Lord, where are you?” Hurricanes, tornadoes, flood and drought have taken lives and destroyed homes and livelihoods and the cry is, “Where are you?” Tyrants, both political and economic, have reduced men and women to the bare necessities and less and they cry, “Where are you?” The ravages of disease and crashing of relationships cause us to wonder, “Where are you?” And across America today, as the gods of Greed are bringing forth their flowers of economic destruction, we wonder, “Where are you?”
And, with the poet we pray, “Yet you are holy.” “In you our ancestors trusted…and you delivered them.” Look with mercy on all of your suffering people and grant your salvation.
“Yet”, the poet prayed “Yet”. He remembered the experience of his ancestors and he chose to trust in you, even when the immediate evidence called for panic and distrust. He remembered that there is more to our reality than our immediate experiences. That which dominates our senses does not include all that is. He remembered that which came long before the experience of the moment and he chose to trust himself into your care.
Lord, make it so with us, with me, today and every day.
Help me to trust even when I cannot find you. Even when I cry, “My God…why have you forsaken me?” remind me to pray, “Yet….” Help me to choose to believe and trust.
PERSONAL PRAYERS:
Ask God to grant you the power of trust even when everything calls for fear and panic.
Affirm with the poet, “Yet you are holy”, and remember the faith of those who have gone before.
Name 5 things for which you are grateful and say “Thank you” to God.
In Christ’s name,
Amen.
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