A SONG OF ASCENTS. OF DAVID.
If it had not been the LORD who was on our side— let Israel now say—
if it had not been the LORD who was on our side
when people rose up against us,
then they would have swallowed us up alive,
when their anger was kindled against us;
then the flood would have swept us away,
the torrent would have gone over us;
then over us would have gone the raging waters.
Blessed be the LORD, who has not given us as prey to their teeth!
We have escaped like a bird from the snare of the fowlers;
the snare is broken, and we have escaped!
Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth.
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
We praise you and thank you for hearing our prayers, or sustaining us, for intervening for us, for being on our side. We know that you deliver and bless your people. You sent your Son, Jesus, to save us from our sins and give us the courage to live holy lives because we have the hope of a better life to come. We are free and the world cannot ultimately harm us. We know that blessings come from your hand, and not from our works. It is you who have saved us. And so we pray today for our little church, that you would keep us faithful and sustain us, for you can do mighty things. Help us to reach our neighbours and to be good witnesses to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Bring us a pastor to guide our flock. Help us to thrive so that we may shine the light of your love and bring glory to your holy name.
AMEN