psalm 25

Psalm 25 (NRSV)
1 To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
2 O my God, in you I trust;
do not let me be put to shame;
do not let my enemies exult over me.
3 Do not let those who wait for you be put to shame;
let them be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.
4 Make me to know your ways, O Lord;
teach me your paths.
5 Lead me in your truth, and teach me,
for you are the God of my salvation;
for you I wait all day long.
6 Be mindful of your mercy, O Lord, and of your steadfast love,
for they have been from of old.
7 Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions;
according to your steadfast love remember me,
for your goodness’ sake, O Lord!

Lord,
Even as I ask for guidance, I ask as one who knows that he has no right to ask. I seek your guidance because you have invited me to do so. You have made the offer. You have asked me to accept the gift that comes from you.

As I extend my hand to receive the gift of guidance from you, I am mindful, with the poet, of the sins of youth and maturity and I ask that you will continue to be merciful. Do not allow my mistakes, either old or new, to get in the way of following you as the One who knows the way through this life.

Lord, your mercy and kindness are grounded deeply in the essence of your character. You are God and you are merciful and it is with this assurance that I ask that you will remember me. “According to your steadfast love, remember me.”

PERSONAL PRAYERS:
Give thanks that mercy, kindness and pardon form the shape of God’s heart.
Ask God to be your companion through the course of your day and week.
Name 5 things for which you are grateful and say “Thank you” to God.
In Christ’s name,
Amen.