Psalm 20

Psalm 20 (NRSV)
1 The Lord answer you in the day of trouble!
The name of the God of Jacob protect you!
2 May he send you help from the sanctuary,
and give you support from Zion.
3 May he remember all your offerings,
and regard with favor your burnt sacrifices. Selah
4 May he grant you your heart’s desire,
and fulfill all your plans.
5 May we shout for joy over your victory,
and in the name of our God set up our banners.
May the Lord fulfill all your petitions.

Lord,

I’m reminded of an Irish blessing. “May the road rise up to meet you and the wind be always at your back.” I take this Psalm as a “Psalmic Blessing.”

Jesus once said, “Ask and you will receive. Seek and you will find. Knock and the door will be opened to you.”

And where in the Christian writings does it say, “You have not because you ask not”? We are clearly invited to place the dearest desires of the heart before God.

Lord, I ask that you lead me to give careful attention to my petitions and requests. I ask that you will inform the desires of my heart.

As the poet sets his requests in the context of sacrifice and offering, set my requests in the context of worship and faithful discipleship.

And, Lord, I ask that you will fulfill my petitions.

PERSONAL PRAYERS:
Ask God to shape the fundamental desires of your heart and to fulfill them.
Name 5 things that you want, pray that your desires are consistent with the character of Christ and ask God to open the doors necessary to their accomplishment.
Name 5 things for which you are grateful and say “Thank you” to God.

In Christ’s name.
Amen.

[1]

[1] The Holy Bible : New Revised Standard Version. Nashville : Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1989