Wednesday, August 6, 2008

psalm 17

Psalm 17 (NRSV)
Psalm 17
Prayer for Deliverance from Persecutors
A Prayer of David.
1 Hear a just cause, O Lord ; attend to my cry;
give ear to my prayer from lips free of deceit.
2 From you let my vindication come;
let your eyes see the right.
3 If you try my heart, if you visit me by night,
if you test me, you will find no wickedness in me;
my mouth does not transgress.
4 As for what others do, by the word of your lips
I have avoided the ways of the violent.
5 My steps have held fast to your paths;
my feet have not slipped.
6 I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God;
incline your ear to me, hear my words.
7 Wondrously show your steadfast love,
O savior of those who seek refuge
from their adversaries at your right hand.
8 Guard me as the apple of the eye;
hide me in the shadow of your wings,

Lord,
“Guard me as the apple of the eye,
Hide me in the shadow of your wings.”
What a pleasant thought to compare myself with “the apple of the eye!” It is simply astounding to believe that I could have that much value to you, that you could take such delight in me, one of your simple ordinary children.

This feels a little strange to me. It feels like an exercise in arrogance to allow myself to consider my significance to you and I do so only under the influence of the poet. If the poet can claim a special place in your heart, why should the rest of us claim a similar status? I would deny this privilege to no other person. I am looking for no advantage over others. But, dear Lord, in these few moments, I will allow myself to sit and absorb the amazing love that you have for me and for each of your people. And I follow the poet and also ask that you will give me a region of security "in the shadow of your wings".

PERSONAL PRAYERS:
Give thanks to God for the love that God has for you, the apple of his eye.
Name 5 things for which you are grateful and say “Thank you” to God.
In Christ’s name,
Amen.



9 from the wicked who despoil me,
my deadly enemies who surround me.
10 They close their hearts to pity;
with their mouths they speak arrogantly.
11 They track me down;a now they surround me;
they set their eyes to cast me to the ground.
12 They are like a lion eager to tear,
like a young lion lurking in ambush.
13 Rise up, O Lord , confront them, overthrow them!
By your sword deliver my life from the wicked,
14 from mortals—by your hand, O Lord —
from mortals whose portion in life is in this world.
May their bellies be filled with what you have stored up for them;
may their children have more than enough;
may they leave something over to their little ones.
15 As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness;
when I awake I shall be satisfied, beholding your likeness.
[1]

a One Ms Compare Syr: MT Our steps
[1] The Holy Bible : New Revised Standard Version. 1996, c1989. Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

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