Psalm 16

Psalm 16 (NRSV)

1 Protect me, O God, for in you I take refuge.
2 I say to the Lord , “You are my Lord;
I have no good apart from you.”
3 As for the holy ones in the land, they are the noble,
in whom is all my delight.

Lord,
“The holy ones in the land….” The realities of corruption and destruction are so pervasive that we are sometimes blinded to the reservoir of goodness that surrounds us. Your saints are scattered around us. Men and women of character and integrity bless us every day. Folk of faith encourage and instruct and sometimes even correct us. You have not left yourself without witnesses in this broken world. Thank you.

Lord, keep our eyes open to the holy ones who surround us. Bind us together with folk of faith for the sake of our own spiritual vitality. Help us all to be faithful together in you mission for the healing of your world.

PERSONAL PRAYERS:
Name 5 persons who have nurtured you in the journey of faith.
Ask God to help you to live in such a way that another may see something “holy” in you.
Name 5 things for which you are grateful and say “Thank you” t0 God.
In Christ’s name,
Amen.


4 Those who choose another god multiply their sorrows;
their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out
or take their names upon my lips.
5 The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup;
you hold my lot.
6 The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
I have a goodly heritage.
7 I bless the Lord who gives me counsel;
in the night also my heart instructs me.
8 I keep the Lord always before me;
because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my soul rejoices;
my body also rests secure.
10 For you do not give me up to Sheol,
or let your faithful one see the Pit.
11 You show me the path of life.
In your presence there is fullness of joy;
in your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
[1]

[1] The Holy Bible : New Revised Standard Version. 1996, c1989. Nashville: Thomas Nelson.