A collection of the prayers based on Psalms that Janet prepares each week for the Faith Fellowship and Prayer group.
[expand title=”Book 1 – Psalms 1-41″ tag=h4]
[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 1″ tag=h6]
Dear heavenly Father,
We thank you for the wisdom you share with us in your holy books. We are taught that to be happy and blessed we must avoid the wisdom of the world and not be drawn into its misguided and sinful approach to life. We are to base our worldview and our moral decisions on the truth of your laws which we are to meditate on day and night. Father, help us to discern what is right and to throw off the secular attitudes and biases that saturate our modem world. Draw us closer to you so that we may delight more and more in your word and your truth and keep us on the path that leads to righteousness. We know that this will lead to blessings and prosperity. LORD, we often struggle with maintaining a disciplined prayer life and consistent Bible study. Just like our gardens need water to thrive, we need to be watered with the word. Forgive us when we fail to put you first. Help us, LORD. Restore us and lead us to the living waters.
Father, the ungodly are like plants in a drought. Like the chaff that blows away. They have no root, no connection to the Word and no hope of life eternal. They live in fear of death and don’t have the lasting joy of the believer. So many reject you because they think they know better or because they think they do not need you. Open their eyes and their hearts, LORD.
Father, you promise to save us and to keep us on the road to blessing. Father, we so often fail, and it is easy to be tempted to go the way of the ungodly. Strengthen our faith in the one who was able to delight in your laws and to fulfill them all perfectly. Thank you for sending Jesus to die for us and that he covers us with his own righteousness. Father, we thank you that when we live according to your ways, in communion with Jesus, we can be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, fully nourished and forever blessed.
AMEN
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 2″ tag=h6]
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
We come before you today with a godly fear and reverence for who you are. We thank you for your loving kindness, your everyday mercies and the amazing gift of your son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.
Father, we look at the world today, and we see nations which are in rebellion against you. Great nations and small nations, they all rebel against your laws and your moral authority and see them as bondage. They don’t want to serve you, they want to do whatever they want and to be in control. Corruption, murder, theft, injustice, slavery, sexual sin, are all too common among world leaders and nations. Their sin has become acceptable in their eyes. They don’t want to be held back by your holy laws. They want to be like you, just like Adam and Eve did when they succumbed to the temptation of the devil. Some things never change.
LORD, you look at the nations and laugh at them for their foolishness and blind sin. You are not threatened by the evil in the world because you are sovereign over all things and you have a plan for the world and for your people that will not be thwarted.
You have sent your one and only son, the anointed king Jesus to reign over the nations and to judge them. Their evil will not go unpunished. Jesus will break them with a rod of iron and dash them to pieces like a potter’s vessel.
Father, you still offer the nations your hand of love if they repent. You tell them to turn to you and serve you in reverence so that they may not perish but have life. For you do not wish any to perish but that all should come to repentance. This is the only way to be blessed and be happy.
Father, we pray today for our own nation, and ask that you would give our leaders the wisdom to lead in righteousness. Open our leaders’ eyes to their own sin, and show them the way to life. Let their decisions be made according to what is right for our country, and not what is expedient for them to stay in power. We want a nation that is honourable, that protects and provides for its citizens and is a leader in the world that can respect for doing the right thing. Let them see that they have authority over us only because you have allowed it. Take away their pride and make them humble servants of our country and of you.
Father, we confess our own sins. Our pride and selfishness, our blindness to your will and how we fall short every day. We ask for your forgiveness. We thank you for answering our prayers and for loving us, even though we sin. You are a gracious and merciful God. Help us to please you more and more each day. For we ask it in Jesus’ name, AMEN.
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 3″ tag=h6]
Father in heaven,
When King David’s son Absalom was plotting to take over the kingdom and forced him to flee for his life, many told him that you, LORD, would not save him. We are surrounded by people who despair and do not put their hope in you. They try to bring us down too. Help us to be like David who, for all his faults, knew where his help came from and which voice to listen to.
Father, David knew that you are our shield, you are our sustainer, the one who answers our prayers and gives us the strength to keep going when we are in pain or discouraged or sad or wronged or dying. Because of you, LORD, we can go on. You give us comfort and peace so that we can sleep and not be afraid.
LORD, we are so blessed here in Canada. There is no war or famine or drought or widespread violence or danger. We have what we need and so much more. Help us not to take all our blessings for granted. We don’t have enemy armies here LORD. We do ask, however, that this pandemic might end soon. Not only here but all over the world. So many are ill and dying.
Today LORD, we ask for your shield of protection to surround Selvy and Ravee as they do your work in Malaysia. They will be supporting their churches there in the face of real hostility and potential danger from those who seek to make it difficult for Christians to gather and make a witness to you in their country. Keep them safe from COVID-19 and grant them a safe return to us when their work is done.
Thank you for sending Jesus to live among us and pay the price for our salvation through his suffering on the cross. We exalt you for raising him from the dead in victory and for sending your Holy Spirit to dwell in us. Dear LORD, to you alone be the glory, for ever and ever.
AMEN.
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 4″ tag=h6]
Gracious LORD, you are just and merciful. Hear our prayers today, we ask. We come before you with confidence today, because we know you love us and want all things to work out for our good.
We pray today for all those who are slandered and lied about because they follow Jesus. Give us the courage to stand up against the ungodly and the skeptics and help us to witness with our words and our actions. Give us the strength we need and the assurance of your faithfulness to hear you when we pray. We pray for Christians in India, Pakistan, the Middle East, China and so many other places where it is dangerous to worship you.
Help us not to sin when we are angry but to take time to get things into perspective and reflect on your word and your goodness. When we come before you, help us to worship you from the heart and not just do things that seem right on the outside. Transform our hearts into hearts of praise and thanksgiving so that we approach you in the right way and ask things that are according to your will.
Help us not to be discouraged when we see the hatred and discontent and selfishness, ingratitude and unbelief in the world. Help us to know that we are in your hands and help us to encourage those who are weaker in the faith. Where we are, we are so blessed. So many things we have and enjoy. Yet all these things can’t compare to the peace and joy we have as your children.
I pray for those who are anxious today. I think particularly of all the children who haven’t been able to go to school and have the freedom to play anywhere and with all of their friends. Lord, some are having such trouble and are not thriving. They need your love and your peace. Be with the children and youth and all others who are not finding relief because they don’t know you.
We know that you alone are the one who keeps us safe and who allows us to sleep with calm hearts. Thank you LORD.
AMEN
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 5″ tag=h6]
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
We are so thankful that we can come before you in prayer, praising you and making our requests known, and that you hear us and answer us. We worship you because you are the living God, the way, the truth and the life.
Today, the world is moving farther and farther away from the truth. We are inundated with secular values in television and advertising while godly values are denounced. Foreign governments seek to manipulate election results by flooding the internet with lies about candidates in order to gain more control over their interests. Social media has made it easier and easier to spread misinformation and lies by people who are either malicious or deluded, often with deadly consequences. There are millions of people who deny that Covid 19 is a threat and who say that the vaccine is deadlier than the disease. Father, we must look to you for the truth and for our protection. To Jesus, who is the way, the truth and the life. For without him, we are lost in a lie.
Father, you are holy, and you cannot abide sin. You will destroy all those who are liars and deceivers. Lord, with your help, we will choose not to lie but to follow you and walk in a straight path. Protect us from our enemies and from this world. Do not let us be deceived, but make the right path clear to us.
LORD, all those who are flatterers, deceivers and who speak lies for their own gain or to hurt others deserve your judgment for their rebellion. They lie to gain something or to protect themselves, and even convince themselves that their lies are the truth. But you see who they really are and you know what they are doing. Their path leads to death.
By contrast, LORD, we know that you are trustworthy and able to protect us from the lies and the liars of this world. You bless those who love you every day with your goodness, your lovingkindness, your mercy and your grace and you provide us with a shield of protection by your Spirit.
Thank you Father, thank you Lord Jesus, thank you Holy Spirit. AMEN
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 6″ tag=h6]
Prayer for Healing
Father, we confess our sins and ask for your mercy. We need your healing, Father.
We live in troubled times. There is the pandemic which continues to rage. Many are sick and dying. There are floods and drought and earthquakes and raging fires and wars and injustice and persecution and is it any wonder that we despair?
But also we despair when we see the wickedness of those who reject you. Open the eyes of our leaders to the harm that they cause and give them wisdom to do what is acceptable in your eyes in order to bring you glory and to be a blessing to their people. Open the eyes of those who know better but reject your word in favour of their own selfish desires. Help parents to raise their children, showing them the wisdom of your truth and the foolishness of the world. Help them to see the consequences of their actions and that their eternal lives depend on them believing and obeying the living God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Help us to reach out to our unsaved family and friends and show them the blessings of a life lived to your glory.
Help our friends and family who are suffering from serious or terminal diseases. Help them to cope with the pain and the knowledge that they will not get better. Heal them if it is your will. Help researchers find a cure or effective treatments for cancer and other debilitating diseases. Make the rich countries generous so that the poor countries can be vaccinated for Covid-19. Help them see that their generosity will benefit the whole world and not only the poor countries, as it will cause the virus to die away.
Father, still others are suffering from grief and depression. Many are afflicted because of unjust persecution. Be with Michael Spavor who has been unjustly tried and sentenced to 11 years in prison for espionage in China. Others suffer from isolation and loneliness, separation from loved ones by death or because of war or the pandemic and border closures. The Taliban are in control Afghanistan now and our Afghan allies and women and children are in great danger. Children here are safer but have been affected by anxiety in greater numbers because of the pandemic and the unusual need to stay at home in uncertain and stressful circumstances.
So many of us need your healing touch and saving grace today, LORD. Have mercy on us. We know where our help comes from. Father, as Christians we suffer like anyone else but we have faith that this will end and that we are secure in your loving arms. Help us to deal with whatever comes our way. Help us to be cheerful and to be joyful witnesses to your love and mercy in all circumstances. We ask these things with confidence because we know you are faithful to keep your promises and are able to do all things. And as the apostle Paul says in 2 Corinthians 4:1 “Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart.”
Thank you, Father. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Holy Spirit. AMEN
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 7″ tag=h6]
Dear Father in heaven,
We live in a fallen world where injustice is seen everywhere. People lie and don’t keep their word. International treaties and business deals are broken every day by people who are looking out for their own interests and who have no sense of morality or responsibility to do what is right. People who can afford expensive lawyers can escape punishment while the poor are more likely to be unjustly imprisoned. Corruption weakens our societies and personal relationships. You, however, are a righteous God who will judge the nations fairly and hold everyone to account. When we come to you, you answer your people and deal with us justly.
This morning we think of Christians all over the world who are hated and treated unjustly for boldly proclaiming the gospel and living out the true faith. We pray that you would strengthen and encourage those who have been imprisoned for their beliefs, who have to meet secretly in houses because their churches have been closed, who are unable to work or receive aid, who are beaten and who have watched loved ones being killed. We also pray particularly for the women and girls of Afghanistan who are prisoners in their own homes under Taliban rule. They have no freedom to work or go to school or to show their faces in public and are in constant fear of being beaten, kidnapped to be married off or killed.
Islamist terrorists have murdered people in the West, as the British MP who was knifed during a constituency meeting on Friday, and they also continue to target people of their own faith with suicide bombings in mosques. There seems to be no end to this wickedness. O LORD, please comfort the victims, strengthen the faith of the faithful, deliver your people from their enemies. Deal justly with the evildoers, we pray.
Father, we acknowledge that we are sinners and that we need your forgiveness. But sometimes, LORD, we, like David, have not acted unjustly but have been falsely accused or treated badly for no good reason. Bring the truth to light and vindicate us, LORD. We know that vengeance belongs to you, and we trust that you will punish the wicked who will not repent. Father, deliver us from temptation, from blindness to our sin, from any wickedness within us and keep us on the path of sanctification. We repent of our sins and ask for your Holy Spirit to help us, for we know that one day we will all be judged, and that we will all be condemned if we do not believe and live by the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Father, you are God Most High. We praise you and we are assured that you will judge the wicked and have mercy on those of us who repent and believe. For this we offer our praise with thankful, joyful hearts.
AMEN
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 8″ tag=h6]
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
You are holy and perfect and majestic. You have created the heavens and the earth and we are in awe of you. Your glory is seen in everything you have made. Children and adults alike praise you because you are great and good. What seems foolish to the world you use to shame the wise. Jesus crucified on the cross makes no sense to the unbeliever but to us it is all grace and life and hope. When your people, both weak and strong, praise you, the devil’s power is diminished.
LORD, you are majestic, the eternal creator of all that is great and good. And yet you are our God. You know us and love us like a father, and we can come to you with all our cares. This is so hard for us to comprehend when we look at the moon and the stars and contemplate all that you have made. The more we know about the universe, the more amazing you become to us! We are mortal people with short lifespans who live on one planet in a universe of a hundred billion galaxies. That you should love us and have mercy on us by sending your Son to die for us is truly amazing. We can’t take it in. Thank you, LORD!
Many who don’t believe in you think that we are small and insignificant with no real meaning or purpose. Your people, Father, know that this is not true. Your word tells us that you have made us in your likeness and we are to reflect who you are in our character and behaviour and to have communion with you through prayer and worship. You made us a little lower
than the angels and have crowned us with glory and honour. You have given us the responsibility of taking care of the earth and all that is in it.
Father, we have failed so often in our stewardship of the earth, and in obeying your commands, and yet we are redeemed by the blood of your Son whom you sent to restore fallen creation. Jesus has defeated sin and death and has saved us. And because of Jesus we have our true purpose and calling, to be witnesses to your glory, goodness, love and grace in all the earth. Help us to fulfil this calling. In Jesus’ name we pray.
AMEN
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 9″ tag=h6]
I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.
I will be glad and exult in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
You have indeed done wonderful things for us. You made a covenant with your people and you have kept all your promises to us. You have redeemed us through the blood of your son, who now sits at your right hand and intercedes for us, and you have sent the Holy Spirit to be with us and guide us. You have loved and taken care of your people throughout the ages. You have answered prayers for healing and for direction in our congregation. Thank you, LORD! We praise your name and we rejoice in our salvation.
When my enemies turn back, they stumble and perish before your presence.
For you have maintained my just cause; you have sat on the throne, giving righteous judgement.
You have rebuked the nations; you have made the wicked perish; you have blotted out their name forever and ever.
The enemy came to an end in everlasting ruins; their cities rooted out; the very memory of them has perished.
But the LORD sits enthroned forever; he has established his throne for justice,
and he judges the world with righteousness; he judges the peoples with uprightness. The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.
And those who know your name put their trust in you,
for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you.
Father, you uphold the righteous and judge the wicked. When you are with us, we need not fear our enemies. Our Lord Jesus has already won the victory over sin and death. The powers and principalities of this dark world will only thrive for a short time. They will go to everlasting punishment while the faithful are saved and vindicated. LORD, may many people be turned back to you before it is too late. We pray for those who do not know you among our family, friends and neighbours and even our enemies. Open their hearts, LORD, to your truth and love that they also may be saved, for you do not turn away anyone who comes truly seeking you. You are the eternal, righteous and holy God who is a refuge for the oppressed and the persecuted and all who put their trust in you. This is our great comfort, that you are our God, that we belong, body and soul, to our Lord Jesus Christ and that the Holy Spirit abides in us.
Sing praises to the LORD, who sits enthroned in Zion! Tell among the peoples his deeds!
For he who avenges blood is mindful of them;
he does not forget the cry of the afflicted.
Be gracious to me, O LORD! See my affliction from those who hate me, O you who lift me up from the gates of death,
that I may recount all your praises,
that in the gates of the daughter of Zion I may rejoice in your salvation.
LORD, our response must be to praise you in the sanctuary with our prayers and voices and attentive listening to your word. You save us from our enemies and from the burden of our sin so that we can truly rejoice and praise you. Let us be faithful witnesses to your power and love in our worship and our interactions with our families and community to your glory. We owe you so much that we cannot possibly repay, but we desire to become more and more like Jesus. Help us, LORD, we pray.
The nations have sunk in the pit that they made;
in the net that they hid, their own foot has been caught.
The LORD has made himself known; he has executed judgement; the wicked are snared in the work of their own hands.
The wicked shall return to Sheol, all the nations that forget God. For the needy shall not always be forgotten,
and the hope of the poor shall not perish forever.
Dear Lord, you give unbelievers over to their wicked ways. The wicked only seem to prosper. Dishonest builders who cut corners to increase their profits and cause the death of thousands are arrested and imprisoned. Leaders who start unjust wars and cause the death of thousands for their own glory live in fear and will be judged in death. Those who reject the sound teaching of the Bible are ensnared by Satan and doomed to eternal damnation. On the other hand, the poor in spirit and the persecuted who struggle to survive can live in the hope that one day they will be lifted up by the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Arise, O LORD! Let man not prevail; let the nations be judged before you! Put them in fear, O LORD! Let the nations know that they are but men!
Heavenly Father, we pray for your holy justice. We pray also for your grace, that those who have made themselves into gods in their arrogant and mistaken minds might be convicted of their sin and turn to you in sincere repentance. Grant this we pray, for we ask it in Jesus’ name.
AMEN.
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 10″ tag=h6]
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
There are times when you seem very distant, when prayers go unanswered, the wicked prosper and we see injustice everywhere we look. The wicked happily pursue their corrupt practices and think only of themselves because they have no fear of you and do not even acknowledge that you exist. They are motivated by greed and do not hesitate to persecute the poor for their own gain.
The wicked fear neither God nor their enemies. They are so rich and powerful that they feel they can’t be touched. They do not remember that they too will die one day and face the judgement of a holy God. They lie, cheat, use violence, oppress the weak and target the powerless. They are like lions hunting their prey. Cold and merciless. When people deny the existence of God, they are able to unleash all sorts of evil on humanity without a second thought. They convince themselves that God is not everywhere and he cannot see everything so they believe they are able to get away with whatever they want.
Father, we implore you to save the innocent poor from the hands of the ungodly. Do not forget your people who are persecuted for their faith. Help those who need you desperately today. Take up arms against those who reject you in favour of their own wicked desires.
Father, those of us who know you and love you know that you are not absent but present with us. That you are all powerful and all seeing and are sovereign over our lives. We trust that you will deliver us. You are on the side of the poor and humble. Jesus told his disciples to be like little children, completely trusting in him, in order to enter into his kingdom. We know that you will help the needy and judge the wicked whose hearts are hardened. It is you who are Lord of all. You are the eternal living God who is able to act in history. Answer our prayers today. You are the almighty God who loves us and protects us and brings us peace. To you alone be the glory forever.
In Jesus’ name. AMEN.
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 11″ tag=h6]
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
We look to you for refuge. Our world is full of violence and wickedness. We are tempted to hide when confronted with evil, with those who target the righteous. The foundations of our society are crumbling. Many places are ruled by dictators who use war and terror to get what they want. All over the world there is persecution of all types of minorities or anyone who speaks out against the government. Many are resigned to their fate and cease to fight or to speak out. But there are many Christians who put their faith in you, and who are strong in the face of persecution because they know you will save them, if not in this world, then certainly in the next. Corrupt leaders fear Christians the most, because they cannot be controlled. Satan is powerless against the testimony of a righteous person.
We need not fear the erosion of once solid foundations. Our world is temporary but the foundation of our God and Saviour is eternal and unchanging. We need only put our trust in him who sees and knows everything and everyone. The LORD will judge the wicked and give them what they deserve. The righteous, however, will be rewarded with seeing him face to face, for he rejoices when his people repent and seek to serve him, and he will welcome them to his eternal home.
Father, in our world where relativism is the order of the day and true righteousness is not perceived as it ought to be, we need you more and more. We need to be convicted of our sin and to turn to you for forgiveness and to be able to witness to your truth with compassion to those around us. Help us to do so, Father, for we ask it in Jesus’ name.
AMEN
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 12″ tag=h6]
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
We pray for your saving grace. Our society no longer looks to you, and there is a decline in faithfulness. And there are hypocrites in the church; those who are proud and quick to judge, selfish and uncaring towards the poor, flattering and deceitful, concealing the moral corruption of their true thoughts. Evangelists who dupe the people out of their money for their own gain, pastors who seduce congregants they are meant to counsel, those who believe they know better than God and promote their own vain thoughts. Cleanse us, LORD, of our own hypocrisy, and give us humble, thankful, generous, forgiving hearts. Help us to be instruments of your grace, to comfort and encourage others and to put them before ourselves. For you love the poor and the poor in spirit.
Unlike us, Father, your words are always pure and true. There is no deceit or error in your words; they are trustworthy, true and eternal. As Paul tells Timothy: “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (2 Tim 3:16). We become closer to you when we learn, study and obey your word. When we ignore, discount or downplay the truth of your words, we are left with emptiness. Let us exalt your word and by doing so exalt you, O LORD, so that we may be blessed and so that your church might be renewed for your glory.
In Jesus’ name. AMEN
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 13″ tag=h6]
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
There are times when we suffer and you seem so far away. We can only see our own pain and sorrow and feel like you have abandoned us. We pray and do not get the answer we hope for. Our family members or friends have terminal illnesses or are overwhelmed and in despair. When you are absent, our enemy seems sure to defeat us.
Answer our prayers, LORD. Shine your face on us and restore our relationship with you. Reveal to us your truth so that we may walk in your light and not in darkness. Forgive our unbelief and help us to be joyful and at peace in all circumstances.
When we are going through times of sorrow, help us to remember the goodness you have shown us in the past and to trust in your salvation. You answer our prayers when we cry out to you; you sustain us even when we are dying. The goodness and faithfulness you have shown to us gives us the assurance of our future salvation. For this we give you thanks and praise. Thank you Father. AMEN.
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 14″ tag=h6]
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
Our world has rejected you and has no desire to believe in you. It worships nature and science, ignoring the one who created nature and established the laws governing it. They are blind to the possibility of your supernatural intervention which breaks these laws, forgetting that you who have the power to create a whole universe from nothing also have the capability to control what happens in it. Father, most people realize that there is a power beyond themselves, but if they acknowledge you as God, they will have to submit to your moral authority and they don’t want to do that. So we live in a world where people can believe what they want and justify whatever they do and claim that you do not exist.
The world considers us ignorant for clinging to the truth of the bible. But your word, LORD, teaches that fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and that those who reject you are rejecting truth and wisdom and that they are in fact the fools. Belief in nature or science while ignoring your command for us to love you and to love our neighbour is idolatry and has increased the sin we see in the world. Father, you see what is in the hearts of all people. Send your Spirit to open the eyes of the world, that they might seek to know the truth, and find your Son Jesus, who is the truth.
LORD, the unbeliever does not have you on his side. You are with the righteous. While your children have peace and security with you, even in the most difficult circumstances, the atheist fears death and judgement. When atheist totalitarian governments try to extinguish the church, they may cause it to suffer, but they ultimately fail because God is with his people and so often we see the church thrive where there is persecution. LORD, you are able to preserve us unto eternal life. You are our rock and our fortress. If you are with us, who can be against us?
Father, you promised that salvation would come from Zion and you have fulfilled that promise in the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is he who restores us and frees us from the bondage of sin and death by his own death for our sake on the cross. Thanks be to God! Let us praise you all day long and be forever grateful for this amazing gift of grace and life everlasting. To you, Father, to Jesus who sits at your right hand, and to the Holy Spirit be all honour and glory and praise. In Christ’s name. AMEN.
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 15″ tag=h6]
Heavenly Father, the most important questions we can ask, are how can we be blessed by your presence now and eternally? Or How can we be saved? How do we show that we belong to You? How should we live?
This psalm tells us that our actions, our words and our attitudes and what is in our heart are important. Father, we need to obey your Word, and live our lives according to it. We need not only to speak the truth but it must be central to our lives. Help us to see our own sin, to confess it and to repent. Stop us from saying unkind things and gossiping. Help us to have integrity in our financial dealings and to be true to our word. Help us not to take advantage of others but to seek the good of our neighbours.
Father, we want to be close to You, but you know how often we fall short, disappoint you, and go our own way, even when we know it is wrong. Such is the power of sin. Lord Jesus, you make it possible for us to be forgiven and blessed. Take away the guilt of our past sins and heal us, Lord. Thank you, Lord Jesus! Help us to resist the devil and set us on the path to holiness. Make our desire to please you grow stronger and more consistent so that we can grow as Christians and be in your presence.
And Lord, we are prone to worry and to be anxious about so many things. Help us to depend on you and to give our cares over to you. Help us to stand firm in the faith and to put our trust in you. For we know that through Christ we can have abundant life both here and in the world to come.
Your name be praised! AMEN
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 16″ tag=h6]
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
You keep us safe because we come to you for refuge. You hear the prayers of your people and you answer them. We receive so many blessings from your hand, and when we must face illness or the death of loved ones, you comfort us and give us peace. And when it is our time, we can say like Jesus, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit”.
LORD, everything good comes from you and you supply all our needs. We delight to see the faithful who proclaim your gospel and help the needy. We are inspired by people like the pastors and members of Ukrainian churches who are risking their lives to help their countrymen who have had to leave their homes to survive; they provide for their physical needs but also give them hope by sharing the gospel. When we truly love you, LORD, we love our neighbours as well. The faithless, on the other hand, will not be comforted by their gods because the gods they worship do not exist. They will have no refuge and no hope. We, however, will continue to worship you, LORD, for you are the one true and living God.
Father, you give us our inheritance, a beautiful inheritance, for it is the hope of resurrection and eternal life, as it is written in Romans 8:16-17: “The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs–heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.”
Father, your word instructs us on how to live and we thank you for your guidance. You are not a far away god, but a personal God who cares for us and is always with us, so we are safe and can stand firm in the faith. We need not even fear death because of the certainty of the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ and the promise of our glorious life to come.
Father, we praise you for this glorious promise to us that we first see fulfilled in Christ. He was crucified, dead and buried, but you did not let his body see corruption, and you raised him on the third day. Father, you preserved your Son, Jesus, you secured his victory over death and the grave, and he is now with you in a place of perfect joy and peace. We thank you that you have shown us the path of life that leads to abundant joy and assurance now, and a beautiful inheritance that we will one day share with Jesus in your holy presence for eternity.
He is risen! Thanks be to God. AMEN
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 17″ tag=h6]
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
Hear our prayers this morning. Like David, we strive to follow in your paths of righteousness. We delight in your word and we love to worship you in the sanctuary. We are bold to approach you, not because we are righteous in and of ourselves, it is all grace; the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has provided the way for the forgiveness of sins. We are cleansed by the blood of the Lamb, and he intercedes on our behalf. Hear us now, Father, as we bring our petitions before you.
Father, we pray for those who are unjustly accused by those who wish to do them harm. Let your justice be done and the false accusers condemned. Protect your people who are persecuted for the faith in countries all over the world. Sustain the political prisoners in Russia and China and the Middle East. Be with the oppressed women and girls in Afghanistan and other places where they are denied education and jobs and a normal life in society. Be with godly pastors who are disciplined for going against the current idolatrous culture infecting the church. Give them the courage to proclaim the gospel boldly just as you did for Peter and John when they were arrested and ordered by the religious leaders to stop preaching about Jesus. Save, protect and sustain all who seek to do your will. Bring judgement on the wicked who have evil and destruction in their hearts or bring them to repentance. Your will be done, LORD.
Father, you can do all things. By your grace we are saved and our enemies defeated. You deliver us and protect us, like a hen shelters her chicks with her wings, you keep us safe. Save your people so that they may continue to do your work and to live lives of obedience and joyful service in your name.
Father, we are confident that you hear us and that you are able to intervene in our lives. Those who do not know you care only about this material world and have no heavenly hope. One day, we will all see you face to face and be held to account. We are profoundly grateful that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Thanks be to God.
In Christ’s name. AMEN.
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 18″ tag=h6]
Dear holy Father,
We love you LORD.
You are majestic, mighty and merciful.
We see your power in the terrible beauty of nature – thunderstorms and raging seas. We see you in the beautiful way you have designed the earth and everything living in it. We love this time of year when all nature springs to life again. LORD, You are loving and merciful and we can count on you to protect us and sustain us.
Father, you showed such lovingkindness to your servant David when he was being pursued by his powerful enemies. When he called to you, in fear of his life, you caused thunderbolts from the sky to scatter them and deliver David. Father, you are like a fortress that protects all who take refuge in you. You uphold the righteous and you are faithful to those who are faithful to you. LORD, we can face anything with you by our side. We know that Jesus conquered sin and death and that we need not be afraid. Be our rock and our fortress LORD, in our times of distress.
Father, you helped David to regain his strength and confidence to fight and kept him safe. You made him a powerful king and blessed him mightily. Father you have bestowed your love not only on your king David, but on all his descendants forever through your son Jesus. Father, keep us on the right path, that we might be obedient to your word, humble and not proud, ever trusting in you, for you are the living God who is worthy of all praise.
Thank you, LORD.
AMEN
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 19″ tag=h6]
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
We see all around us in your glorious creation the evidence of your existence. The beauty, infinite variety and astounding complexity of what you have created leave us in awe. It all points to an intelligent design of the universe and everything in it. It is as if creation is speaking to us and announcing your truth to the world. We see your glory in the daytime in all its colourful splendour, in flowers and fields, sunrises and sunsets, and at night with the beauty of the moon and the stars. With this general revelation, there is no one on earth without some concept of God and what you are like: holy, eternal, intelligent, all-knowing, powerful, beautiful, gentle, loving, unique. The sun comes out every day from its tent and is radiant like a bridegroom leaving his wedding chamber. The sun brings light and heat and can be felt everywhere in the world. Just as the sun rules the day and exposes what can be hidden in darkness, your words radiate the truth and light we need to bring us to a deeper knowledge of who you are.
How blessed we are, then, LORD, to have also your express and special revelation to us in the Law you gave to Moses so that we can know you intimately and know your will for our lives. Your law is perfect, containing everything we need for our salvation. You warn us against what we must not do and show us the blessings we receive when we obey you. Your Law is sure. It is faithful and its wisdom benefits those willing to learn from it. It is right, rejoicing the heart. Your laws show us how to please you so we can worship you in joy and gratitude. It is pure, enlightening the eyes, because you, O God, are holy, and all light. The Law shows us your holiness and our sin. We cannot possibly complete all its requirements as Jesus did, and so we must turn to him for our salvation. When we are not in Christ, the Law brings guilt and condemnation, but when we belong to him, we are pleased to do what is commanded in the Law. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever. LORD, you are holy and separate from us. We need to fear you because you are awesome and we are sinful. Your words are eternal. Your commands are true and righteous and one day we will face your judgement. We are so thankful that the righteousness of Christ is imputed to those who believe and that our sins are laid on him.
Father, your law is more valuable than gold because of the blessings obedience brings. When we read and study your word, when we listen to sermons and seek to do what is pleasing to you, our hearts are light and unburdened and all our anxieties disappear. We can have true fellowship with you that sustains us through whatever we might have to face. Your laws are sweeter than honey. We delight in them because obedience to them brings us wisdom, enlightenment and the joy of living a fulfilled life. We also live with the assurance that Christ will stand in our stead on Judgement Day when we are called to account. We humbly ask for your help, through the Holy Spirit, to be able to increase our obedience to your laws and to be able to live lives that are truly pleasing to you.
Father, we know we are not naturally inclined to obey you and beg for your healing and forgiveness of sins. Father, we need your Holy Spirit to open up your word to us and to fill us with the desire to live for you. Gracious God, help us to stay close to you by living more obedient lives so that what we say and think may be acceptable in your sight, for you are our strength and our redeemer and we owe you unending love and gratitude.
AMEN
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 20″ tag=h6]
Dear LORD, hear our prayers in times of trouble. The pandemic is worsening with cases increasing and the disease becoming more dangerous. Please sustain all the health care workers who have an intolerable burden. Give them the strength and courage to carry on. We are grateful for the vaccines and pray that more and more people will be vaccinated in the coming days. Father, protect us, help us, grant us your mercy. Just as you helped Israel under David to conquer its enemies, look upon our faith with favour and grant us relief from our present distress.
LORD, we know you save your chosen people, the ones whom you love, and we thank you with all our hearts for this indescribable gift. Be with us now in our fight to remain faithful and to trust in you alone for our physical and spiritual salvation. Fulfill our desires to return to a normal life where we can spend time with our family and friends and enjoy fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ and where we can worship you with more freedom at church.
Father,we have comfortable homes and plenty to eat and we live in a country with political and religious freedom and we have more blessings than we can count. Help us not to be complacent in our faith or to rely on ourselves because of who we are or what we have. Teach us to rely on you alone to bring us peace and love and joy. Forgive us our sins, which are many, and help us to truly repent and increase our service to you. Increase our faith and we know that everything will fall into place after that. Please strengthen and comfort those who love you and who are suffering because of war, discrimination, persecution and violence. LORD, hear our prayer.
Amen.
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 21″ tag=h6]
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
You are merciful, powerful and gracious. You heard King David’s prayers for victory in battle and you delivered him time and again from his enemies. You blessed him with a glorious reign because he was one of your chosen people, a faithful servant who longed to be in your presence and who repented of his sins when he went astray. LORD, you also protected your son King Jesus as a baby from Herod and from hostile crowds and authorities until his appointed time when he needed to die to accomplish your purposes for your glory and for our blessing and then you raised him to sit at your right hand where he rules an eternal kingdom. Father, we are so grateful that you provided a way for us to be saved and reconciled to you. Our lives are full of blessings, but life can also be a battle; though we are not faced with the death and destruction that comes with actual war, we do know about spiritual warfare. We are faced with struggles against temptation and continuing sin in our lives, the temptation to despair when we are ill or grieving, and we see the darkness and chaos in the world around us. In Christ, we share the victory over sin and death and the enemy. Thank you for being our rock and our anchor in this unsettling world of ours!
LORD, you graciously bestow on us your divine mercy, but those who are enemies of your children will face your divine judgement. Those who persecute Christians all over the world will not succeed in the end, but will be destroyed by your holy and righteous wrath.
Father, we praise you for your mercy, power and grace and your unfailing love for your children. Fill us with your Spirit so that we may be convicted of our sin, fervent in prayer, increasingly obedient, joyful in worship, and faithful in service. We ask it in Christ’s name.
AMEN.
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 22″ tag=h6]
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
David cried out to you, and Jesus on the cross cried out to you:
“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
David your anointed king suffered unjust attacks from his enemies and he cried out to you for deliverance. He trusted in your saving grace and was a man after your own heart. But no one was more undeservedly scorned, despised, mocked and humiliated than our Lord Jesus Christ, our eternal king, the Messiah.
He was taunted:
He trusts in the LORD, they say, Let the LORD rescue him, Since he delights in him.
He was surrounded by his enemies, they pierced his hands and his feet, and they cast lots for his clothes.
We remember what he suffered, the sinless Lamb of God, and how he died for our sake and we can scarcely take it in. He enjoyed the most intimate communion with you, Father, and yet he willingly endured this agonizing separation from you, not for sinning against you, but by becoming sin for our sake so that we might leave our sins behind and take on his righteousness. Amazing love, how can it be that thou, my God, shouldst die for me? We thank you for this incredible sacrifice offered up for our sakes by Jesus in obedience to your will.
The world then could not see the Truth, that Jesus is the king of kings and our only hope for salvation and the world now is just as blind.
But you o Lord, have caused more and more people to revere him and not to scorn him. You have made people from all the ends of the earth bow down before him, both the rich and the poor, from all walks of life. Jesus is remembered and celebrated by millions especially at this time of year and his atoning sacrifice and his righteousness will be proclaimed forever.
Because of Jesus we are able to pray directly to you Lord. What a privilege! Thank you Jesus! Father we praise your holy name! We confess our sins and beg your forgiveness. We are so grateful that through Jesus we can be forgiven, start afresh and strive for greater holiness and communion with you. Thank you Holy Spirit for being our comforter and guide. Keep us on the right path, we pray. Help us to be ever grateful for the life we have because of you, Jesus, both here on earth and in our future eternal home and may we proclaim your truth with our words and by how we live so that more will be drawn to you.
We ask it in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 23″ tag=h6]
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
You are our loving provider. You are our God and we are the sheep of your pasture. You give us what we need and guide us in our daily lives. As a shepherd leads its flock to green pastures to feed, and beside still waters to drink, you draw us into your presence and nourish our souls. Lord Jesus, you are the Good Shepherd who is the bread of life and you provide us with living water. If we believe in you, Lord Jesus, we will never be spiritually hungry or thirsty again. Help us to slow down and take time to pray, and meditate, and listen to what you have to say to us in your holy word. Bring us understanding and help us to do your will, for we know this is the way to be blessed and to bring glory to your name.
Father, you are also our protector. You loved us so much that you sent your Son, Jesus, to die in our place, although we did not deserve it. You raised him to life and he has conquered sin and death so they no longer have power over us. In you, we have everything we need to feel secure. Whatever situation we are facing, be it difficulties at work or in the family, an upcoming operation, a terminal illness, or the loneliness of losing a loved one, we know that you alone are faithful to save. When we trust and obey you, as a sheep obeys its shepherd, you dispel all fear and anxiety and bring us peace. We can be assured of your amazing love and your presence with us all the days of our lives. You have saved us and now we can face life with confidence and with hope for the future.
Praise be to God! AMEN.
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 24″ tag=h6]
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
You are the creator of the world and everything in it. We are your handiwork and we belong to you. It is you alone we are to worship.
How do we dare come before you in your sanctuary? Those who seek you earnestly and have a pure heart, who long to worship you and not the idols of the day, and who are honest and walk in the light will be blessed by you. O LORD, we are so grateful that we can come into your presence because of what Jesus has done for us. Thank you for your precious gift of grace and your mercy to us. Thank you that when you look at us you see the righteousness of Christ, and not our failure to obey you. We thank you that through repentance, faith in Jesus and the gift of the Holy Spirit we are able to approach you and come into your presence. We humbly confess our sins and ask that you would give us the will and the strength to follow you more closely every day and to worship you faithfully, joyfully, and reverently. Give us understanding and discernment so that we might be good witnesses to your truth and the instruments through which you draw people to yourself.
Father God, you are indeed the conquering King of glory! You were with your people Israel as they claimed the land you promised them. You caused them to triumph over wicked and idolatrous peoples. You are the LORD of hosts both earthly and angelic. You were worshipped in the Tabernacle and the Temple and you have entered the gates to Heaven where you rule in all your glory today and forever. Jesus conquered the powers of evil during his earthly ministry, and through his sacrifice on the cross, and he truly is the Lord of glory. Your Holy Spirit is able to transform unregenerate hearts and turn them to you. It is by your Spirit that the King of glory enters our hearts and guides us on the path of sanctification until we are glorified when we enter the gates of heaven.
Hear our prayers today, LORD. Enter our hearts. Your will be done. AMEN.
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 25″ tag=h6]
Gracious God and heavenly father,
We look to you and trust in you.
You are our God and we are your people.
Thank you for loving us first, and for drawing us to yourself. Thank you for your Scriptures and your living Word, our lord Jesus.
Father, we ask that you have mercy on us and don’t count our sins against us. We are so sorry for all the things we have done that have displeased you and our sin is ever before us. Help us to be humble and not full of pride. Forgive us LORD, through your son Jesus Christ.
Thank you LORD.
Teach us and guide us, LORD. Make us want to do your will more and more, for you are our salvation. Open our hearts and minds to learn your way and to be obedient to your will. You are faithful to your people and we know that we will be blessed with peace and a sense of well-being if we fear you, repent of our sins, trust in Jesus and do our best to obey you. Send your Holy Spirit into our hearts, LORD, to help us live the way you want us to live.
LORD, be with those who are lonely and struggling in this time of isolation and disease. Help us to be instruments of your comfort and companionship. Be with those who are charged with taking care of the very sick in hospital and give them the strength they need to do their job and to be a blessing to others. Bring a sense of calm and hope to all those battling Covid-19. Heal them and bring them close to you.
Father, there is so much hatred for your original covenant people in Israel, and anti-semitism is growing all over the world. Protect your people, LORD, and soften the hearts of those who hate them. LORD, we ask for your protection for your people of the new covenant, for Christians who have enemies who try to silence them, or imprison them or kill them. Use the integrity and the righteous witness of these Christians to change the hearts of their persecutors and turn them to you. Give your people courage, faith and peace in the face of their trials. And help us here to witness to our neighbours through our words and our actions. Help us to be kind and to be a blessing to others so that they will be drawn to you. Let there be a revival in Canada.
We ask all these things in the name of your precious son, Jesus.
AMEN.
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 26″ tag=h6]
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
One day, we will all stand before you on the Day of Judgement. We hope we are able to say with confidence, like David, that we have trusted in you, and have been faithful to you. LORD, your coming judgement on mankind is not a popular topic, and too often avoided. But we know that revival in the church comes when people are confronted with that reality and turn to Jesus for hope and forgiveness.
LORD, we must ask ourselves if we would pass the test of walking in your truth in love. Do I strive to be obedient and confess my sin when I fail? Am I loving to my brothers and sisters in Christ and my neighbours? Do I condone or ignore sinful behaviour in the church? Am I brave enough to stand firm for the gospel when this is increasingly unpopular?
Father, help us to love you and our neighbour. Help us to discern false teaching and to affirm the truth of the whole counsel of God. Help us to be loving and kind. Forgive us when we confess our sins. Help us to be a beacon of light in a dark world and to withstand the scorn of others. Like David, let us continue to walk in your ways, not forsaking your word or taking for granted our salvation by your grace through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Have mercy on us all, Father, for we ask it in Jesus’ name.
AMEN
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 27″ tag=h6]
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
You are our light and our salvation. You are holy and there is no darkness in you. You reveal your truth through Jesus Christ who is the Light of the world. We are not afraid of our enemies or the hard things we have to face because the light of your presence dispels all darkness. You are our faithful God who has saved us to be your people. We need not fear because you are strong to save. Those who do not know you know despair and fear death but your children can face death with peace and assurance, because we know you and you have promised us a place with you in heaven. We thank you for our saving faith. You are so merciful to us, LORD.
We long to have the presence of the Holy Spirit fill us and to worship you with our whole hearts. Abide with us so that your light shines through us. Help us to love our neighbour and do good works. Bring more people to the church so that they may have their eyes opened by your word. Help us to pray and to listen and to trust you for everything. May we offer true thanksgiving and praise and may our worship strengthen us as we seek to serve you. Let us be joyful and full of hope. We need revival in a world that is so dark and godless. We wait on you. We trust you because you always keep your promises. We are confident because the victory over sin and death is already won through our Lord Jesus Christ. His name be praised.
AMEN.
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 28″ tag=h6]
LORD, we come before you humbly today to ask that you hear our prayers. We are so grateful that we can come together to praise you, to confess our sins, to thank you and to intercede for others. We have so many prayers and needs. It is a dark time for us with this pandemic. We miss seeing our family and friends in person. We want our friends and loved ones to be able to get medical help if necessary and we think of the hospital workers who are so overburdened and worn out. Strengthen them too, Lord. We beseech you for your mercy. Hear our prayers, Lord.
Heavenly Father, we are sorry for all our sins which we have committed in the past and which we continue to do, even when we don’t want to. Forgive our pride, self-centredness, lack of zeal and compassion and so many other things we do that we should not or that we should but fail to do. Do not judge us like the wicked. Help us to forsake our sin and to become more and more like Jesus every day. LORD, we also think of parts of the world that are governed by very wicked people. Godless societies that have turned their back on you and continually oppress their people by refusing them basic rights of freedom or freedom of speech and the freedom to worship you. We think of those who are unjustly tried in secret, like the trial of our Lord Jesus that we remember particularly in this season. We think of Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor in China and ask that their release would be made possible. Lord, we ask that you judge the wicked accordingly.
LORD, we bless your holy name! You are the almighty, omniscient, immutable and most holy God who created the universe and yet you know each one of us, down to the number of hairs on our head and what is in our hearts. We marvel at how that can be and yet we know it is true because it is written in your holy word. In you we trust, you are our hope and protection and it is you we need to thank, because you answer all our prayers. Thank you LORD!
LORD, you are our strength and refuge. You are our loving shepherd. Please be with us and with our Christian brothers and sisters throughout the world, for we ask it in Jesus’ name.
Amen.
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 29″ tag=h6]
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
We praise you and worship you. You are almighty, holy and glorious!
You are sovereign over nature and over all the peoples of the Earth. You created the universe and everything in it by your voice and you are in control of all things. Just as Jesus calmed the storm simply by speaking, you are able to bring peace over chaos. We cannot comprehend your power and your majesty. We come before you in awe and reverence. All who listen to their own voice and not the voice of your truth will perish in their pride. You alone are the giver of truth and righteousness and strength and peace. We ask for your blessing, not because we deserve it, but because we are clothed in the righteousness of Jesus, who died for our sakes, and in so doing he has made us holy in your sight. Give us the strength to do your will with cheerful hearts and grant us your peace. We ask it in Jesus’ name.
AMEN
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 30″ tag=h6]
Dear heavenly Father, we come before you again with thanksgiving and praise. You have listened to our prayers and our pleas for mercy. You have healed the sick and strengthened those in pain. We thank you that Cathy is able to lead us and that her pain is reduced when she is serving you. Please continue to strengthen her and help her to manage her pain until she is healed. I thank you that my great-nephew Tommy Ramsay has come through a week of terrible migraine pain following his first covid shot and that there were no complications and that he is feeling well again. I pray that you would continue to be with my friend Stacy and her family as they are mourning the death of her father. I pray that they would all turn to you and feel your healing presence in their lives.
We all need to sing praise to you LORD, and to thank you for having mercy on us. None of us deserves this and yet we have your promise that after dark times comes joy in the morning. I am grateful that I got to visit with friends I haven’t seen in nine months on an outdoor restaurant patio. We had a wonderful time, and I so appreciate this blessing. We have more and more people vaccinated and there is a new feeling of hope. I pray that poorer countries would soon have access to the vaccines that they need and that they would be blessed as well.
LORD, sinful people, like us, tend to forget you when things are going well and falsely attribute our success or happiness to ourselves or to your being pleased with us when in fact we may be far from you. Forgive us when we stray and draw us closer to you. Help us to appreciate you more and more and to realize that all our blessings come from you. We tend to feel closer to you when we are in desperate need. Open our eyes, LORD, when things are going well, to diminish our pride and to increase our dependence on you.
Father, we thank you for all our countless blessings. In times of hardship or prosperity, may we ever praise you, worship you with our whole hearts and be forever thankful.
In Jesus name we pray, AMEN.
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 31″ tag=h6]
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
In our lifetimes we all go through periods of despair, illness and suffering, and trials of every kind. We struggle with anxiety about the future and about loved ones who go astray. But through all this you are with us. You are the solid foundation that cannot be moved. Our rock, our fortress, our anchor. We praise you, LORD, for your faithfulness and your lovingkindness. You alone bring us peace. You restore us when we confess our sins and you remove our guilt and heal our souls. You have redeemed us and you guide us in the way everlasting. You are all glory and beauty and goodness and mercy. Thank you, Father. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Holy Spirit.
It pains us to see others who mock you or simply deny you exist. We are discouraged when we face others whose hearts are hardened and who will not hear your message of life and truth and love and justice. But we are so grateful that you have opened our eyes and shown us who you are through your holy word. You have been so good to us. You are our refuge. We thank you for the word that is being faithfully preached to us and for the fellowship of your people. We love to worship you in the sanctuary, to hear the uplifting music and to praise you with song. You have blessed us with a warm and caring fellowship that we enjoy when we are studying or praying or serving together or when we are just spending time with each other. It is truly a joy to belong to you. We are so blessed! We can be strong in the face of physical or emotional pain because we know you are with us and you will give us the strength we need. Let us be like Stephen, who trusted you so completely that even as he was being unjustly put to death, he remained full of peace and hope, looking to Jesus and sure of his glorious salvation.
In Christ’s name. AMEN
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 32″ tag=h6]
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
We may seem good in the eyes of the world, but your holiness and light expose all our dark thoughts and attitudes and deeds. We cannot hide our guilt from you, for you are everywhere and all-seeing. There is no escape for the sinner without confession and repentance. Guilt can bring on depression and self-hatred, but you love us and restore us.
We confess our sins before you. Forgive us, LORD. Thank you for the blessing of your divine forgiveness that lifts our burdens and relieves our pain. We feel immediate relief when we confess our sins to you. O that everyone with such a burden would come to you. You are faithful to forgive and you bring us freedom from the slavery of sin and peace to our souls.
Lord Jesus, you not only cleanse us of our sin but you give us your righteousness so that the Father sees only you when he looks at us. What an amazing gift of love! We thank you for this precious deliverance and we praise you with grateful hearts.
Father, just as you have spoken to David, you speak also to us through your word. You have given us the Law, you have given us Jesus, the Living Word, who has fulfilled the Law perfectly so that he might be an acceptable sacrifice for our sakes, and you have given us the Holy Spirit to dwell in us. This is truly an amazing inheritance and we must respond with thanksgiving and by serving you and praising you with our whole hearts. We know that it is only by grace through faith that we are able to keep the law and serve you in obedience. Help us, Jesus, to gladly follow your teaching, and to deepen our relationship with you, so that we may grow to be more like you every day. It is in our nature to be stubborn and to want to go our own way. Help us to stay on the path and guide us. We pity those who refuse to accept your word and continue in their rebellion, because they will know pain without mercy.
Father, we pray that more and more people in this area will be convicted of their sin by the Holy Spirit through the preaching of the word and by the sharing of the gospel. We know that it is true confession and repentance that will bring blessing and revival. We pray earnestly for the lost souls in our community and that you will bring a revival that shines the light of truth and hope across our land, for we know that you have the power to do whatever you will. Use us, LORD, to be your witnesses and to accomplish great things for your glory.
We ask it in Christ’s name. AMEN.
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 33″ tag=h6]
Our God Speaks and Sees
Father in Heaven, you are the true and only living God. You speak to us so we can know who you are and how we are to live. We can read and study your Word. What a blessing that is. And you see us, LORD. You know what we do and what we think. You are ever present. You have designed and created all things, you sustain the universe with your hand and yet you know us each by name. This is too wonderful for us to contemplate. We come to you today with grateful hearts because you are also the God who listens to us and who has mercy on us. You have answered our prayers for healing for Cathy, you have brought rain to British Columbia to put out the forest fires, and John was able to go to an epilepsy clinic for tests that will help inform the doctors in the upcoming two-week clinic. You answer our prayers in so many ways. We praise you for your goodness and humbly thank you for all your mercies.
We worship you and honour you, for you are all powerful and you care for us and provide for us. You are not an abstract God, but a personal living God. We have joy and hope because of you, LORD. In contrast, those who put their hopes in the nations, put their faith in that which does not last. Kings and empires all fade away but divine mercy lasts forever. Thank you, Jesus, for instructing us and for laying your life down for us so that we might have a place with you in Heaven one day. Thank you for sending your Holy Spirit to be with us to comfort us and give us strength. Help us to live each day, knowing that you are with us, in a way that brings you glory. Forgive our sins, which are many, and draw us even closer to you.
Make us into worshippers who are full of joy, relying on the power of the Holy Spirit to accomplish your will for our lives. Prompt us not only to read and study your word, but to communicate with you more often in daily prayer, so that we can be truly blessed with your hope and your peace.
In Jesus’ name. AMEN
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 34″ tag=h6]
Father, we praise you and give you alone all the glory!
Father, we are so grateful that you listen to our cries and answer our prayers.
When David cried to you, you saved him from Saul and he delighted in your deliverance. You are our refuge too, LORD, and you deliver us from all our fears and trials. We know that those who fear you have everything they need. Father, we tend to come to you more faithfully and pray more fervently when we are in distress or afraid because it is then that we are keenly aware of how much we need you and that we cannot save ourselves.
Today we pray for people in our community and all over the world who are battling for their lives in hospitals, in prisons and in war-torn countries. We pray for Brazil, India, Malaysia and all the places where COVID is rampant. We pray for all those whose surgeries were cancelled over the past year and ask that they be treated as soon as possible. We remember those who have been unjustly imprisoned and persecuted for their faith and their beliefs. We grieve for all the First Nations children in Canada who were taken from their families and treated so callously, as if their lives had no meaning. So many of them died uncared for and unloved. LORD, treat the broken-hearted with your healing grace and bring those responsible to account with your holy justice. Lord, we ask for healing also in the Israeli – Palestinian conflct and pray for wisdom for the political leaders so that they might achieve long lasting peace.
Lord help us to come to you also when we are enjoying all the wonderful gifts you give us, from the sunshine and the rain, shade trees and beautiful flowers, good things to eat, family and friends to support us, even when we can’t visit them. Thank you for technology and health care and all the things that we have that we take for granted, like clean water and safe homes. Lord, when we are comfortable and blessed, we still need to look to you and to seek to help those who need us. Keep us from being self-absorbed and selfish and draw us to our family and neighbours here and abroad who can benefit from our support. Help us to be generous and to give our time and resources cheerfully. Help us to live life abundantly and joyfully and in a way that pleases you.
Thank you for the work being done to your glory by Ricardo, Lilia, Ravee, Selvy, Nancy, Helen, Cathy, Nel, Dave and Judy and many others in our church. Thank you for always providing what the church needs. Thank you for keeping us safe, and for the successful vaccination programme that is helping to reduce COVID cases in our province. Thank you for hearing and answering our prayers.
Father, we know you will bless us if we fear you, we watch our tongues, we resist evil and strive for peace. The bible tells us that God’s children will have many trials and hardships to endure in this life but that you will rescue us from them all. We are so sorry when we stray from the path. Forgive our sins and set us on the right path again, for we know it leads to blessings here and eternal life to come. We are so grateful for all your mercies and most especially for your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.
In his name we pray, AMEN.
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 35″ tag=h6]
Contend, O LORD, with those who contend with me;
fight against those who fight against me!
Take hold of shield and buckler and rise for my help!
Draw the spear and javelin against my pursuers!
Say to my soul, “I am your salvation!”
Let them be put to shame and dishonour who seek after my ife!
Let them be turned back and disappointed who devise evil against me!
Let them be like chaff before the wind, with the angel of the LORD driving them away!
Let their way be dark and slippery, with the angel of the LORD pursuing them!
For without cause they hid their net for me;
without cause they dug a pit for my life.
Let destruction come upon him when he does not know it!
And let the net that he hid ensnare him;
let him fall into it – to his destruction!
Then my soul will rejoice in the LORD, exulting in his salvation.
All my bones shall say,
“O LORD, who is like you, delivering the poor from him who is too strong for him,
the poor and needy from him who robs him?”
Malicious witnesses rise up; they ask me of things that I do not know.
They repay me evil for good; my soul is bereft.
But I, when they were sick – I wore sackcloth; I afflicted myself with fasting;
I prayed with head bowed on my chest.
I went about as though I grieved for my friend or my brother;
as one who laments his mother, I bowed down in mourning.
But at my stumbling they rejoiced and gathered;
they gathered together against me;
wretches whom I did not know tore at me without ceasing;
like profane mockers at a feast, they gnash at me with their teeth.
How long, O Lord, will you look on?
Rescue me from their destruction, my precious life from the lions!
I will thank you in the great congregation; in the mighty throng I will praise you.
Let not those rejoice over me who are wrongfully my foes,
and let not those wink the eye who hate me without cause.
For they do not speak peace, but against those who are quiet in the land
they devise words of deceit.
They open wide their mouths against me; they say,
“Aha, Aha! Our eyes have seen it!”
You have seen, O LORD; be not silent!
O Lord, be not far from me!
Awake and rouse yourself for my vindication, for my cause, my God and my Lord!
Vindicate me, O LORD, my God, according to your righteousness,
and let them not rejoice over me!
Let them not say in their hearts, “Aha, our heart’s desire!”
Let them not say, “We have swallowed him up.”
Let them be put to shame and disappointed altogether who rejoice at my calamity!
Let them be clothed with shame and dishonour who magnify themselves against me!
Let those who delight in my righteousness shout for joy and be glad and say
evermore, “Great is the LORD, who delights in the welfare of his servant!”
Then my tongue shall tell of your righteousness and of your praise all the day long.
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
We call on you for help when we are in trouble because you are our God and you intervene in our lives. May we ever come to you for relief from our burdens. Some of us are ill, others are falsely accused, relationships that were once loving have become toxic, lies are told in custody battles, and people are afflicted by those who do evil. Greed and corruption are easier to find than compassion and honesty. Anger has replaced civility. The world is ever more polarized and we are mocked and maligned for our faith. Let us speak the truth in love and not be tempted to reply in anger or unkindness, but in truth and humility, so that we do not dishonour your name.
There is so much in the world that needs to be fixed. You are a just judge, LORD. Administer your justice to all those who do harm to others for their own profit or pleasure. Father, you delivered David from his enemies, will you not also deliver your people from their persecutors and those who do them harm?
Give strength and protection and comfort to those who love you, LORD, we pray. You are our hope and our salvation. We praise you and give you all the glory when we see you working in the lives of your afflicted people. Let us never take your mercy for granted, or
only those who are covered in the blood of the Lamb will escape your righteous judgement.
They, like Jesus, will be vindicated, but those who reject the Son do so at their peril. Let this warning cause us to be better witnesses to your truth.
In Christ’s name. AMEN
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 36 – Prayer 1″ tag=h6]
Let’s pray:
I have a message in my heart concerning the sinfulness of the wicked; There is no fear of God before their eyes.
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
We live in a world where the wicked have no fear of you. They commit terrible sins and have no sense of shame or awareness of their iniquity and its eternal consequences. The wicked are consumed with themselves and they are proud of what they have done. They promote what is wrong and even think up more wicked things to do.
Father, they do not know or understand what the Lord Jesus has done for us to absolve us from our sin. They could not know how he loved us and endured suffering and separation from you to save us, or they would belong to you. Open their eyes, Lord, and cause them to repent. I pray that we also remember that we were sinners when you justified us and that we are on the journey to sanctification. Thank you for forgiving us, Lord, and keep us from the sin of pride, for we know our salvation is from you alone and not of our doing.
Your love, LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies.
O LORD, what a contrast there is between the depths of the wickedness of the ungodly and the heights of your love, faithfulness, righteousness and justice. Your love knows no bounds. You are constant and we can count on you to keep your promises. You are holy and just. There is none like you. You have loved us, saved us, sheltered us, and given us everything we need for an abundant life. Even in times of sickness and hardship and persecution, we have more joy than the wicked because you are with us. You sustain us. You are the living water that we need and the light of our lives. You have promised us an eternal home with you in heaven.
Continue your love to those who know you, your righteousness to the upright in heart.
Father, we are grateful for your love and saving grace and ask that you would always be with us who love you. Protect us from the actions and the influence of the wicked. We know they will be judged. Keep us on the narrow path, sustain us and guide us, for we love you and need you. In Jesus’ name we pray.
Amen.
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 36 – Prayer 2″ tag=h6]
Heavenly Father,
We come before you with heavy hearts today. In the past couple of weeks we have had the revelation of the depths of wickedness perpetrated against indigenous children in Canada’s residential schools and the terrible consequences that generations of First Nations people have endured ever since. Last week, we learned of the horrific murder of a Muslim family in London Ontario leaving a little boy without his parents, sister and grandmother. These acts of unspeakable evil have shaken us, Lord, and show us so clearly how pride and arrogance, anger and hatred can take us far away from you and lead to the most grievous of sins. We know that sometimes mental illness and a warped vision of reality can lead to evil as well. Father we condemn these ungodly acts and ask that your perfect justice might prevail.
Father, we pray today especially for the little boy, Fayez, who has lost his family. We pray that people in his community would be able to support and comfort him through his heartbreaking loss. Lord, we thank you that a large number of people came to the vigil and the funeral to show support to the Muslim community. People of different faiths and skin colours should not have to feel afraid here in Canada. Father I pray that people would be kinder to their neighbours and that there would be no escalation of violence, rather a coming together of communities and a spirit of goodwill.
Father, we remember 9/11 and we know that many atrocities have been committed by Muslim terrorists against Jews and against Christians in many places in Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia. We ask that you would carry out your judgement against all those who commit such evil acts. Father, many Muslims left their countries to have a safer and
better life here in Canada. Help us to see our Muslim neighbours as fellow Canadians, and not all as people to be feared and hated.
LORD, in Canada it is becoming harder to lift up the Christian faith and claim that not all religions are equally good. Claiming that Jesus and his teachings are the only truth is increasingly seen as hate speech. Father, we ask for your wisdom to be able to speak your truth to our neighbours in a way that honours you; to show them the love of Jesus in our actions and the way we interact with them. We cannot convert others to you by force and we must not hate them if they have different beliefs. Help us to love you with all our hearts and to love our neighbours as ourselves.
LORD, you are the fountain of life and the saviour of our souls. We praise you for your righteousness and your steadfast love and mercy. Shine your light on us so that we may shine our light on others and be a blessing to them.
These things we ask in Jesus’ name. AMEN.
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 37 – Prayer 1″ tag=h6]
Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers!
For they will soon fade like the grass and wither like the green herb.
Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.
Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act.
He will bring righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday.
Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him;
fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way,
over the man who carries out evil devices!
Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath!
Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil.
For the evildoers shall be cut off,
but those who wait for the LORD shall inherit the land.
In just a little while, the wicked will be no more;
though you look carefully at his place he will not be there.
But the meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace.
The wicked plots against the righteous and gnashes his teeth at him,
but the Lord laughs at the wicked, for he sees that his day is coming.
The wicked draw the sword and bend their bows to bring down the poor and needy,
to slay those whose way is upright; their sword shall enter their own heart, and their
bows shall be broken.
Better is the little that the righteous has than the abundance of many wicked.
For the arms of the wicked shall be broken, but the LORD upholds the righteous.
The LORD knows the days of the blameless, and their heritage will remain forever;
they are not put to shame in evil times; in the days of famine they have abundance.
But the wicked will perish; the enemies of the LORD are like the glory of the pastures;
they vanish– like smoke they vanish away.
The wicked borrows but does not pay back, but the righteous is generous and gives;
for those blessed by the LORD shall inherit the land, but those cursed by him shall be
cut off.
The steps of a man are established by the LORD, when he delights in his way;
though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the LORD upholds his hand.
I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his
children begging for bread.
He is ever lending generously, and his children become a blessing.
Turn away from evil and do good; so shall you dwell forever.
For the LORD loves justice; he will not forsake his saints.
They are preserved forever, but the children of the wicked shall be cut off.
The righteous shall inherit the land and dwell upon it forever.
The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks justice.
The law of his God is in his heart; his steps do not slip.
The wicked watches for the righteous and seeks to put him to death.
The LORD will not abandon him to his power or let him be condemned when he is
brought to trial.
Wait for the LORD and keep his way, and he will exalt you to inherit the land;
you will look on when the wicked are cut off.
I have seen a wicked, ruthless man, spreading himself like a green laurel tree.
But he passed away, and behold, he was no more; though I sought him, he could not
be found.
Mark the blameless and behold the upright, for there is a future for the man of peace.
But transgressors shall be altogether destroyed; the future of the wicked shall be cut
off.
The salvation of the righteous is from the LORD; he is their stronghold in the time of
trouble.
The LORD helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves
them, because they take refuge in him.
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
You exhort us not to be anxious because of evildoers; they have no lasting power. They will be cut down like grass. Instead we are to trust you and to do good. Walking in your way will bring us joy and blessings. We are to forego anger and be patient, not envying the prosperity of the wicked. They will be destroyed, while the meek will inherit the earth and know peace, security and an abundance of blessings. LORD, you laugh at the wicked, because unlike them, you know what is in store for them. They will perish but you will uphold the righteous. We do not expect an easy life, but you help us to persevere through all circumstances and to remain faithful to you. You help us to be merciful and generous rather than stingy and selfish and you keep us from stumbling. We look forward to our eternal inheritance, the land where we will dwell forever. We want to live in a way that is pleasing to you because you have written your law on our hearts and we are so grateful for what you have accomplished for us through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Father, help us always to trust you, to be patient, and not to be afraid, for you are our
strength in times of trouble and you will save us from the wicked. We are grounded in your truth and you have assured us a place in your kingdom, here on earth and ultimately in heaven.
May your name be forever praised! AMEN.
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 38″ tag=h6]
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
We are grateful that we can come to you with all our burdens. Some of us are weighed down with unconfessed sins, or with physical pain, or grief, while others are anxious about being infected with the COVID omicron variant and passing on the illness to vulnerable loved ones. Young people and children are tired of having to go back to remote learning yet again, and parents are dealing with the difficult task of working from home while supervising their children. Others still are ill at home or in hospital, with fewer health care workers to look after them, since they too are off sick. Hospital workers are facing increasingly heavy workloads after many months of overtime and are at the breaking point. Many young people are depressed and having difficulty coping and so turn to alcohol and drugs. The elderly, abandoned and unvisited in homes, are giving up. People who had regained employment are now laid off again and wondering how they can pay their rent and buy food. Many are without hope. Others are just looking forward to a time when they can visit friends and family without restrictions and return to the way life was.
Father, we are all in need of healing in one form or another. We acknowledge that we are deserving of your anger because we are sinners. We spend more time thinking about ourselves than about you. We don’t love you as we should and we fall short of the mark time and time again. But LORD, we know that you love us, and are patient and full of mercy towards those who repent and turn to you. The judgement we deserve has been placed on Jesus and we are no longer objects of wrath. We thank you for this amazing grace and boldly ask you now for your healing mercies.
Father, David knew that baring his soul to you in prayer was the means to help lift his burden of physical and emotional stress, and that you would turn his despair into hope. May we do the same. For we know that when we do what is right, when we remember to praise you and thank you every day for all our blessings, when we do not dwell on the bad and forget the good, when we read your word, pray to you daily and encourage each other, our burdens are lessened, because you are our salvation, and you have not forgotten us. You are a loving God who hears our prayers. Hear them now, dear Father, for we ask it in Jesus’ name.
AMEN
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 39″ tag=h6]
A Psalm of David
I said “I will guard my ways, that I may not sin with my tongue; I will guard my mouth with a muzzle so long as the wicked are in my presence.”
Dear Lord,
We are prone to sin and to doubt and are surrounded by wickedness in this world. Help us to not say hurtful or unkind words that cause pain or others to doubt. But if we keep our sin and our doubt to ourselves, it can consume us, so we must turn to you. Help us to recognize and confess our sin to you. We are weak and easily tempted. Send your spirit to strengthen us, to take away our fear, depression and discontent and instead make us a witness and a blessing to others. We can come to you with everything and we know that you work all things for the good of those who love you.
O LORD, make me know my end and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting I am.
Help us to recognize how short and precious our lives are. We worry and get things wrong and do things we shouldn’t and don’t do things we should and see so much evil and we sometimes wonder, what is the point? We are here for a few years on earth and then we’re gone. Help us to keep things in perspective. Although life on earth is fleeting, we know that each life has meaning and that our souls are eternal. We know you are sovereign over all things. Teach us to live every day with your end in sight. Then we will live each day to your glory and have meaning and purpose no matter how long we live.
And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in you.
Lord, you are the one true, unchanging reality in our lives. You are worthy of our love and praise. You alone can deliver us from our sins and lead us on the path to eternal life. You alone can tame our tongues. When you chastise us, it is for our good. We are passing pilgrims in this world and cry out for your mercy. Turn our mourning into joy. For we ask it in Jesus’ name.
Amen.
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 40″ tag=h6]
I waited patiently for the LORD; he inclined to me and heard my cry.
He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog,
and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure.
He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the LORD.
Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust,
who does not turn to the proud, to those who go astray after a lie!
You have multiplied, O LORD my God, your wondrous deeds
and your thoughts toward us; none can compare with you!
I will proclaim and tell of them, yet they are more than can be told.
In sacrifice and offering you have not delighted, but you have given me an open ear.
Burnt offering and sin offering you have not required.
Then I said, “Behold, I have come; in the scroll of the book it is written of me:
I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.”
I have told the glad news of deliverance in the great congregation;
behold, I have not restrained my lips, as you know, O LORD.
I have not hidden your deliverance within my heart;
I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation;
I have not concealed your steadfast love and your faithfulness from the great
congregation.
As for you, O LORD, you will not restrain your mercy from me;
your steadfast love and your faithfulness will ever preserve me!
For evils have encompassed me beyond number;
my iniquities have overtaken me, and I cannot see;
they are more than the hairs of my head; my heart fails me.
Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me! O LORD, make haste to help me!
Let those be put to shame and disappointed altogether
who seek to snatch away my life;
let those be turned back and brought to dishonour who delight in my hurt!
Let those be appalled because of their shame who say to me, “Aha, Aha!”
But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you;
may those who love your salvation say continually, “Great is the LORD!”
As for me, I am poor and needy, but the Lord takes thought for me.
You are my help and my deliverer; do not delay, O my God!
Gracious God and Heavenly Father, You redeem our life from the pit and you place our feet upon a rock. Not only do you deliver us from our troubles, but you give us refuge and security. O LORD, we just need to turn to you and to be patient, because you keep your promises to us and you look after us as the good shepherd looks after his sheep. Every time you come to our aid, we are able to start afresh and sing a new song.
Our worship should never be rote or mechanical. LORD, in Old Testament times you did not delight in the sacrifice of bulls or any other offering if it did not come from the heart and manifest a true desire in the believer to do your will. It is our saviour Jesus Christ alone who delighted to do his Father’s will and did it so perfectly that he was able to offer the one true and sufficient sacrifice that made the ongoing sacrifice of animals no longer necessary. Send your Spirit to help us worship you with sincere and humble hearts. The hope we have in your salvation ought to make us sing praises to you and tell of your greatness. The world and our neighbours and even our friends can be hostile to the gospel message and so we ask for you to strengthen us and embolden us when we have opportunities to share our faith.
O Lord, you heal us and restore us every time we come to you. Time and time again we need forgiveness and healing, comfort and hope. You never disappoint. May all your children turn from their sins and cry out to you. It is the only path to true life and peace.
AMEN.
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 41″ tag=h6]
Blessed is the one who considers the poor!
In the day of trouble the LORD delivers him;
the LORD protects him and keeps him alive;
he is called blessed in the land;
you do not give him up to the will of his enemies.
The LORD sustains him on his sickbed;
in his illness you restore him to full health.
As for me, I said, “O LORD, be gracious to me;
heal me, for I have sinned against you!”
My enemies say of me in malice, “When will he die, and his name perish?”
And when one comes to see me, he utters empty words,
while his heart gathers iniquity; when he goes out, he tells it abroad.
All who hate me whisper together about me; they imagine the worst for me.
They say, “A deadly thing is poured out on him;
he will not rise again from where he lies.”
Even my close friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread,
has lifted his heel against me.
But you, O LORD, be gracious to me, and raise me up, that I may repay them!
By this I know that you delight in me: my enemy will not shout in triumph over me.
But you have upheld me because of my integrity, and set me in your presence forever.
Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting!
Amen and Amen.
You are pleased with us when we look after the poor; when we seek to bless others and use our money wisely. We confess we too often seek to fulfil our own desires and do not put others first, because we are sinful by nature. Forgive us, LORD. Give us the will to do more for our people and the world through your Spirit.
Father, you strengthen us when we are troubled or sick. You do not promise to remove all pain in this life, but how often have you healed the afflicted! Come what may, you help us to endure what we must. We pray for our families and our church family and all our brothers and sisters in Christ who are suffering from illness and persecution. We pray for our society which is sick but is blind to its depravity. Open their eyes LORD.
Sometimes the hurt we experience is caused by those closest to us, who have said unkind things, or have betrayed or abandoned us. Just as you raised and vindicated Jesus after he had been cruelly betrayed by Judas and suffered death on a cross, we pray for healing from emotional pain and for spiritual renewal. We know that for all who love you all things work together for good. Have mercy on us, LORD, and we pray that we might always trust in you, growing stronger in our faith day by day, because you are the holy, eternal, all-powerful and ever-gracious God who is most worthy of praise. Amen and Amen!
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[expand title=”Book 2 – Psalms 42-72″ tag=h4]
[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 42″ tag=h6]
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
Like the deer in the desert who longs for flowing streams, your people long for the true God who provides the living waters of eternal life. You promise us that if we hunger and thirst for righteousness, we will be filled. Help us to remember this, LORD, when we are grieving or persecuted or in poor health or just worn down by the wickedness of the world.
Father, when your covenant people were exiled in Babylon and far away from the temple in Jerusalem, they felt the loss deeply, but when they remembered worshipping you there, they also began to feel their hope renewed. Father, we admit that there are times when we do not feel that you are near. It is like being kept down by powerful crashing waves. We are troubled and powerless to make ourselves right. But when we are depressed or are overwhelmed by circumstances, we need to remember all the times you have worked things for our good in our lives. You love us and sustain us. And just as we need to reflect on your kindness to us in the past, we need also to trust in you for our future. We need to meditate on your steadfast love for us and your faithful promise to deliver us. We need not be discouraged, because you are our hope. You are our God and you are able to heal our brokenness.
LORD, when we are surrounded by unbelievers who consider us fools for our faith in you, or worse, when we are persecuted, we must again acknowledge that you are our rock and place our hope and trust in you alone for our salvation.
There is nothing as satisfying as the knowledge that you are our loving Father, our Redeemer and our Helper and that we can come to you with our burdens, our fears and our guilt. We must worship you, and not seek the short-lived satisfaction derived from drugs or alcohol or fall into idolatry by placing family or work above you, as if they could substitute for the peace and well-being we feel in our souls when we are in communion with you. We need to be reliant on you and not on ourselves; we need to trust you as a little child trusts his parents. We are commanded to pray to you and to worship you, and when we do this, all is right with the world. You alone are able to satisfy our souls.
Draw us closer to you, LORD, we pray, and keep us on the path to life everlasting. We praise you and thank you that because of Jesus our sins are forgiven. Thank you for the way you bring hope and joy and meaning into our lives. In your precious son Jesus’ name we pray.
AMEN
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 43″ tag=h6]
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
Be with us and defend us when we are despised and oppressed by the ungodly and the wicked. Do not let grief and depression overwhelm us. You are our help and our salvation. Protect us from our enemies, we pray.
O LORD, send us your light and your truth to guide us. LORD, you became a pillar of fire by night to lead your people out of Egypt to the Promised Land. Your Son, Jesus is the way, the truth and the life and it is only through him that we can come to you. Help us to see and to know your light and your truth, to be healed, forgiven and brought out of the darkness, so that we can worship you and praise you with true joy and thanksgiving.
Father, we have no reason to be downcast, for you are our God. We cry out to you in times of trouble, we remember your past goodness to us, and you answer our prayer to be restored like the deer who finds fresh water in the desert.
For all this we are forever grateful. Thank you LORD! AMEN
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 44″ tag=h6]
O God, we have heard with our ears, our fathers have told us, what deeds you
performed in their days, in the days of old:
you with your own hand drove out the nations, but them you planted;
you afflicted the peoples, but them you set free;
for not by their own sword did they win the land,
nor did their own arm save them, but your right hand and your arm,
and the light of your face, for you delighted in them.
You are my King, O God; ordain salvation for Jacob!
Through you we push down our foes; through your name we tread down those who
rise up against us.
For not in my bow do I trust, nor can my sword save me.
But you have saved us from our foes and have put to shame those who hate us.
In God we have boasted continually, and we will give thanks to your name forever.
But you have rejected us and disgraced us and have not gone out with our armies.
You have made us turn back from the foe, and those who hate us have gotten spoil.
You have made us like sheep for slaughter and have scattered us among the nations.
You have sold your people for a trifle, demanding no high price for them.
You have made us the taunt of our neighbours, the derision and scorn of those
around us.
You have made us a byword among the nations, a laughingstock among the peoples.
All day long my disgrace is before me, and shame has covered my face at the sound
of the taunter and reviler at the sight of the enemy and the avenger.
All this has come upon us, though we have not forgotten you,
and we have not been false to your covenant.
Our heart has not turned back, nor have our steps departed from your way;
yet you have broken us in the place of jackals and covered us with the shadow of
death.
If we had forgotten the name of our God or spread out our hands to a foreign god,
would not God discover this?
For he knows the secrets of the heart.
Yet for your sake we are killed all the day long;
we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.
Awake! Why are you sleeping, O Lord?
Rouse yourself! Do not reject us forever!
Why do you hide your face?
Why do you forget our affliction and oppression?
For our soul is bowed down to the dust; our belly clings to the ground.
Rise up; come to our help!
Redeem us for the sake of your steadfast love!
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
Sometimes we wonder why we are not successful, even when we are faithful to you. We can easily understand the consequence of disobedience and faithlessness. Israel could not win its battles if your presence was not with them. Disobeying your commands led to the destruction of Eli’s family and priestly line and the capture of the Ark of the Covenant. On the other hand, David was able to do the seemingly impossible and conquer the giant Goliath because you were with him.
We do not always understand your plan, and we should know that we cannot measure success the way the world does. Even our Lord Jesus taught and performed his healing ministries with divine power and love and yet he was beaten and crucified. A bad ending by the world’s standards, but all believers know that he was raised to glory three days later.
Father, when we are brought low, help us to look to your character; your faithfulness, your holiness, your goodness, and to look to your mercy to us in the past and the hope you promise for the future. Help us to understand that our good works are not enough to make the church prosper; we must have your blessing or it will not succeed. Help us always to look to you, to wait for your timing, and to be true to your word. Though our motives may be good, take away our pride and make us truly humble and dependent on you. Make your will our will, LORD. You are the almighty King who does what is good and just. Hear our plea for deliverance and revival, and help us to know what will truly bring glory to your name and to wait for your blessing, for we ask it in Jesus’ name.
AMEN.
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 45″ tag=h6]
My heart overflows with a pleasing theme; I address my verses to the king; my tongue is like the pen of a ready scribe.
You are the most handsome of the sons of men; grace is poured upon your lips; therefore God has blessed you forever. Gird your sword on your thigh, O mighty one, in your splendour and majesty!
In your majesty ride out victoriously for the cause of truth and meekness and righteousness; let your right hand teach you awesome deeds! Your arrows are sharp in the heart of the king’s enemies; the peoples fall under you. Your throne, O God, is forever and ever. The sceptre of your kingdom is a sceptre of uprightness;
you have loved righteousness and hated wickedness. Therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions; your robes are all fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia. From ivory palaces stringed instruments make you glad; daughters of kings are among your ladies of honour; at your right hand stands the queen in gold of Ophir.
Hear, O daughter, and consider, and incline your ear: forget your people and your father’s house, and the king will desire your beauty. Since he is your lord, bow to him. The people of Tyre will seek your favour with gifts, the richest of the people.
All glorious is the princess in her chamber, with robes interwoven with gold. In many-coloured robes she is led to the king, with her virgin companions following behind her.
With joy and gladness they are led along as they enter the palace of the king.
In place of your fathers shall be your sons; you will make them princes in all the earth. I will cause your name to be remembered in all generations; therefore nations will praise you forever and ever.
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
You have given us your son Jesus to be our King and to rule over us. He is indeed crowned with splendor and majesty! He is all truth and humility and righteousness. His kingdom is forever. He abhors wickedness and delights in righteousness and will judge all accordingly. Like a foreign princess marrying the King of Israel, we too must renounce any idol we might have and look towards our Lord and King for our salvation. With his death and resurrection, Christ has conquered sin and the grave. He has substituted the filthy rags of his people with his own glorious robes of righteousness. He alone is our source of joy and hope. What a beautiful picture of Christ and his bride the Church we see in this psalm. Thank you, Father, for your word and your truth and the light and hope it brings to all whom you have chosen.
In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN.
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 46″ tag=h6]
Dear heavenly Father,
From you we derive our strength. You are our shelter and our refuge. When Israel was fleeing from Pharaoh in Egypt, you appeared in the form of a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. Your presence provided comfort and protection to your people. When we are fearful, you comfort us and defend us too. Jesus is our advocate who prays for us and keeps us safe. Your Spirit is a comfort and a blessing to us and He helps us to see your truth.
Father, You created this amazing earth, but it is always changing. We can’t look to it for stability. Coastlines are washed away, glaciers melt, species become extinct, even earthquakes and volcanic eruptions cause mountains to disappear. But you, o LORD, you are immutable. You never change. Father, you are our sovereign LORD. You cause wars to cease. You are the bringer of judgement and of peace. We worship you for you alone are worthy of our praise. Thank you LORD for our lives here on earth and the eternal glory to come.
Father, just like the river whose streams make glad the city of God, your mercy and your Spirit refresh us and make us glad. Our world is chaotic and fraught with danger, but in you we have our stability and our security. The LORD of hosts is indeed with us. You send your angels to help and protect us. Father you bring peace after war and you also bring peace to our hearts. You tell us, Be still and know that I am God. Thank you for the peace you bring to us when we are distressed or anxious or afraid. One day, you will be exalted, LORD, and everyone on earth will confess that Jesus is LORD. You are LORD over earthquakes, hurricanes, terrorist attacks, wars, disease, forest fires, famines, persecution, violence, ungodliness of every form and one day you will cause all of them to cease. We are safe in your heavenly arms.
Hallelujah. AMEN.
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 47″ tag=h6]
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
We praise you, for you are an awesome God who is the King over all the earth.
You are sovereign over all. You brought your people to the Promised Land and you have chosen us to receive the inheritance of Jacob. You sent your son to be with us and to bring us salvation. Jesus ascended to Heaven and he rules the nations with you from his seat at your right hand. Thank you, LORD! This brings us comfort to know that you are in control of this world, and that your will is being carried out for our ultimate good.
You are sovereign over all the kings and rulers of the earth. LORD, we thank you for our own queen, Elizabeth II, who has dedicated her life to the service of her people. We ask that you would continue to bless her. Father, the kings and queens and rulers of this earth may be revered and respected by many, but you are infinitely greater than all of them. Their power is limited and lasts only a few years, while you are eternal and are able to accomplish everything that you will. Let them not forget who is the real authority in this world.
LORD, the leaders of the G7 countries had a meeting this past week, and we ask that you would grant them, and all other world leaders, wisdom and a real desire to do what is right and just in your eyes. For though they may be the most important people in their countries, they are all ultimately accountable to you. Give them the grace to do their jobs well and to honour you. Let them look to you when they need guidance and turn their pride to humility. Open their hearts so that they may be a blessing to their people. Hear our prayer, LORD.
LORD, we praise you and we lift your name on high!
All glory, praise and honour be to you, our God and our King.
AMEN
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 48″ tag=h6]
Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised In the city of our God,
In his holy mountain.
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
You are great and you have accomplished great things. You are deserving of our praise and worship. Be with us now as we come before you, ever grateful for who you are and all you have done for us.
Beautiful in elevation,
The joy of the whole earth,
Is Mount Zion on the sides of the north, The city of the great King.
God is in her palaces;
He is known as her refuge.
Father,
This psalm celebrates the beauty of Jerusalem on Mount Zion, where your holy temple was, and where your presence could be found. It is a symbol of strength and worship. It was destroyed and rebuilt and destroyed again and now we find your presence and your strength not in an earthly city or a building, but in the Body of Christ, the church. The church is the joy of the whole earth, since it is made up of both Jew and gentile and is a blessing to all peoples. It is our source of strength and refuge for in it we find You.
For behold, the kings assembled,
They passed by together.
They saw it, and so they marveled;
They were troubled, they hastened away. Fear took hold of them there,
And pain, as of a woman in birth pangs, As when You break the ships of Tarshish With an east wind.
Father,
Your presence encourages and gives strength to your people but those who are unbelievers are afraid and troubled by you. They run away from you and seek to avoid the pain of confronting their own sin. Jesus drew ordinary people to him but the Pharisees were afraid of his power and of their own diminishing influence and went so far as to have him killed. At his coming, the demons recognized that Jesus was the Son of God and fled in terror from him. Father, please open the hearts of those who have rejected you and help them to see the light so that they can be saved and not be afraid.
As we have heard,
So have we seen
In the city of the LORD of hosts, In the city of our God:
God will establish it forever.
Father,
The Old Testament saints believed your covenant promises and were saved. Today we have seen the coming of your kingdom and have eyewitness accounts in the New Testament. How much more blessed are we to have the revelation of Jesus Christ at our fingertips! We thank you for this blessing and for the eternal kingdom that you promised that would be established through the line of David. We praise you King Jesus!
We have thought, O God, on Your lovingkindness, In the midst of Your temple.
According to Your name, O God,
So is Your praise to the ends of the earth;
Your right hand is full of righteousness. Let Mount Zion rejoice,
Let the daughter of Judah be glad, Because of Your Judgements.
Father,
We praise you for your lovingkindness, for saving us when we were sinners;
We praise your name; we praise you for who you are, your power and your holiness;
We praise you for your righteousness and your judgements which are always fair and just and we rejoice in them. We are so thankful that you provided a way for our sins to be forgiven through the loving sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ, or we would still be dead in our sins with no hope of reconciliation with you. Thank you, LORD!
Walk about Zion,
And go all around her.
Count her towers;
Mark well her bulwarks;
Consider her palaces;
That you may tell it to the generation following. For this is God,
Our God forever and ever;
He will be our guide
Even to death.
Father,
The Old Testament saints would have walked around the ramparts of Jerusalem and would have seen how strong and beautiful the city was. A source of strength and refuge because of the fortifications and because of your holy presence in the Temple. Their faith would have been strengthened at the sight of it. And they were called to pass on their faith to their children. Today the presence of the living God is found in the Church of true believers. We are called to love the Church, to teach the Word and disciple our children and to know that no evil can prevail against it for our God will guide and protect us, and though we die, yet shall we live. Father, be with those in the Church who are under attack, strengthen them and protect them. Father, forgive our sins and lead us in paths of righteousness. And Father, help us to share our faith with those around us and to be a blessing in our community. AMEN
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 49″ tag=h6]
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
This psalm has a message for all of us, for everyone on earth, about the certainty of death, the consequences of being proud and trusting in our wealth, and the wisdom of trusting in you, LORD, and your power to save us. Father, I pray that everyone, rich or poor, in every nation, would heed your word and take it into their hearts.
Father, we don’t like to think about it, but one day we are all going to die, and nothing, not our wealth, or position can help us prevent it. Those who are rich often live their lives without fear, because of their pride and their confidence that they can always buy their way out of any situation. Neither does acquiring vast amounts of land to be passed on to future generations guarantee immortality. This is foolishness since none of us can escape death, everyone and everything perishes, and only you, God, can redeem us from the Pit. We are incapable of buying our way back; the price is too high for our sin, and our power and wealth are of no value to you. Our only hope is in you, Father, and your plan of salvation for us through the righteousness of Jesus who alone is worthy to make the propitiation for our sins. We think especially of Jesus’ death on the cross as we approach Good Friday, and what he had to endure for our sakes, and it both breaks our hearts since we know we don’t deserve his sacrifice, and makes us so grateful for this amazing act of agape love.
LORD, we know that those of us who trust in you will have victory over death and the grave because of what Jesus has done for us. As Paul says in Ephesians 1:7, “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace”.
Father, may we not be like those who live only for themselves and this world and who don’t understand the consequences of their disbelief or that they are going to die. They do not understand that God alone can save their souls from death. Father, help us to be prepared for the life to come. Help us always to remember what is important in our lives, to worship you rightly, to serve you willingly, to love our neighbour, to confess our sins and to live in joy and gratitude for your forgiveness and loving salvation.
All glory be to God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Forever and ever. AMEN.
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 50″ tag=h6]
The Mighty One, God the Lord
Has spoken and called the earth
From the rising of the sun to its going down.
Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty,
God will shine forth.
Our God shall come, and shall not keep silent;
A fire shall devour before Him,
And it shall be very tempestuous all around Him.
He shall call to the heavens from above,
And to the earth, that He may judge His people:
“Gather My saints together to Me,
Those who have made a covenant with Me by sacrifice.” Let the heavens declare His righteousness,
For God Himself is Judge.
Father,
You are mighty and majestic. Zion is perfect only because you are there. You are all light and truth and beauty. Moses caught only a glimpse of your glory as you passed by and Peter, John and James witnessed the radiance of Jesus on the mount of transfiguration. You also are holy and abhor sin. You will come to judge your people. Father, you first called your people Israel to you and made a covenant with them. Today, we, the church, are your people with a new covenant, sealed not by the blood of animal sacrifice, but by the blood of the Lamb, our Lord Jesus Christ. And we know that you are faithful to your promises and are a good and righteous judge.
Hear, O My people, and I will speak,
O Israel, and I will testify against you;
I am God, your God!
I will not rebuke you for your sacrifices
Or your burnt offerings,
Which are continually before Me.
I will not take a bull from your house,
Nor goats out of your folds.
For every beast of the forest is Mine,
And the cattle on a thousand hills.
I know all the birds of the mountains,
And the wild beasts of the field are Mine, “If I were hungry, I would not tell you;
For the world is Mine, and all its fullness. Will I eat the flesh of bulls,
Or drink the blood of goats?
Offer to God thanksgiving,
And pay your vows to the Most High.
Call upon Me in the day of trouble;
I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.”
Father, what you desire from us is true worship; thanksgiving and obedience. You ordained the sacrifice of bulls and goats not because you were hungry, or needed us, which is a common idea in pagan belief systems. We know that you are not dependent on us in any way. You are the creator, the Almighty! Animal sacrifice in the Temple was a sign of the covenant, a reminder of the consequence of breaking it, and a reminder that the forgiveness of sins requires the shedding of blood. LORD, we are so grateful for the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, and for the new covenant in his blood, which is sufficient for the remission of sins for all who believe in Him. Help us to be obedient to you and to show true thankfulness for our deliverance and to praise you for your holiness, goodness, righteousness and grace.
But to the wicked God says:
“What right have you to declare My statutes, Or take My covenant in your mouth,
Seeing you hate instruction
And cast My words behind you?
When you saw a thief, you consented with him, And have been a partaker with adulterers.
You give your mouth to evil,
And your tongue frames deceit.
You sit and speak against your brother;
You slander your own mother’s son.
These things you have done, and I kept silent; You thought that I was altogether like you;
But I will rebuke you,
And set them in order before your eyes.
LORD, you will come to judge the wicked who claim to believe in you and yet who break your commandments by stealing, committing adultery and slandering. There have always been sinners and hypocrites in the church needing to repent and be forgiven. Father, we ask that your Holy Spirit would remain in us and guide us as we face temptations and that you would help us to turn from our sins and walk in obedience. You are a righteous Judge and though we deserve your condemnation, nevertheless we beg your forgiveness so that we may be counted among the righteous.
“Now consider this, you who forget God, Lest I tear you in pieces,
And there be none to deliver:
Whoever offers praise glorifies Me;
And to him who orders his conduct aright I will show the salvation of God.”
Father,
Help us to take your word seriously, to understand what is at stake and to act. There is no future for the wicked but violent condemnation. You desire your people to worship you, work for you, to be faithful and obedient. With proper worship, the rest will follow. Help us then to
worship you with true thankfulness for your amazing grace and to praise you with our whole hearts all the days of our lives. AMEN
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 51″ tag=h6]
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
We are so grateful for Cathy’s leadership and that we can come together like this to have prayer and fellowship. It is such a blessing.
Open our eyes to our own sin, Lord. Teach us to be humble and not prideful and self-satisfied like the Pharisees. Renew a right spirit within us for we are sinful creatures in need of your love and forgiveness. As we approach Christmas, we marvel at your plan for salvation and thank you for the birth of Jesus and for his atoning sacrifice on the cross to provide forgiveness of sins and life eternal for all who believe in him.
Soften our hearts towards others, we pray. Lord Jesus, you spent time with the lowly and the unlovely and transformed ugly lives into beautiful ones. Help us to do the same by sharing your gospel. Help us to be peacemakers, to break down barriers and not build up walls between us. Help us to share your gospel of peace.
We confess our sins to you, knowing that you forgive us. Keep us on the path to long and happy lives in your service.
Amen
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 52″ tag=h6]
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
Since the beginning, when Adam and Eve chose to believe the serpent’s lie that they could be like God, man has chosen to live for himself and not for you. People believe that they are in control of their lives and are happy to trust in their wealth and their own abilities. They do not hesitate to lie or to manipulate others to get what they want. It is easy to find examples of this in the news. People scam others out of their money, they murder, steal and kidnap. World leaders use propaganda to hide their true motives from their people in order to justify their threats of aggression and war. They imprison people who disagree with them or are a perceived threat. Or they lie to cover up their wrongdoing in the hopes that they can hold onto political power. It is so easy to point the finger, LORD, but who among us has never been selfish or spoken harshly or tried to conceal the truth so that we might appear better than we are? Help us, Father, to turn from sin and to do what is right.
Father, you warn us that you will destroy the powerful and mighty, who do not acknowledge you and whose only purpose is to serve themselves. And your vengeance will be swift and violent. The reaction of the righteous is fear and laughter. We are in awe of what you have done and are relieved that we have been spared. Father, we know that it is only because of your grace and mercy that we can be called righteous. Help us always to be thankful for what Jesus has done for us.
Father, when we trust in you for our salvation, our security and our blessings we are like a green olive tree in your house. What a beautiful image of something that bears fruit, lives for hundreds of years and is continually in your presence. What a contrast to the image of a suddenly uprooted plant that will wither and die. Father, you promise us eternal life and you are faithful to your promises. You loved us so much that you sent your Son, Jesus, to die in our place so that we might be forgiven. When we consider all that you are, and all that you have done for us, our response must be to worship you and to praise you forever. Help us to do so, we pray, with all our hearts.
AMEN
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 53″ tag=h6]
TO THE CHOIRMASTER: ACCORDING TO MAHALATH. A MASKIL OF DAVID.
The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.”
They are corrupt, doing abominable iniquity;
there is none who does good.
God looks down from heaven on the children of man
to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God.
They have all fallen away; together they have become corrupt;
there is none who does good, not even one.
Have those who work evil no knowledge,
who eat up my people as they eat bread,
and do not call upon God?
There they are, in great terror, where there is no terror!
For God scatters the bones of him who encamps against you;
you put them to shame, for God has rejected them.
Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion!
When God restores the fortunes of his
let Jacob rejoice, let Israel be glad.
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
The atheist and the idolater do not recognize the true God. They do not strive to worship you through offering their lives as a holy sacrifice to you. They believe the lies of Satan and attack God’s people. We too are sinners, LORD, and we confess our sins to you. But we are forgiven sinners, and we long to be like Jesus, who stood up bravely to his persecutors and fulfilled all righteousness by offering himself up to death on the cross so that we might live.
Those who create terror and attack God’s people will one day face terror and eternal judgement from a holy God. You will punish their wicked acts and condemn them to the second death.
Salvation for Israel, for the Church, indeed comes out of Zion. For that is where Jesus lived on earth and took our sins upon himself and rose again to conquer death and the grave. Let all of God’s people rejoice!
LORD, we ask that you would turn the hearts and minds of many more people to a true and saving faith. Faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.
In His name we pray. AMEN.
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 54″ tag=h6]
TO THE CHOIRMASTER: WITH STRINGED INSTRUMENTS. A MASKIL OF DAVID,
WHEN THE ZIPHITES WENT AND TOLD SAUL, “IS NOT DAVID HIDING AMONG US?”
O God, save me by your name, and vindicate me by your might.
O God, hear my prayer; give ear to the words of my mouth.
For strangers have risen against me; ruthless men seek my life;
they do not set God before themselves.
Behold, God is my helper; the Lord is the upholder of my life.
He will return the evil to my enemies; in your faithfulness put an end to them.
With a freewill offering I will sacrifice to you;
I will give thanks to your name, O LORD, for it is good.
For he has delivered me from every trouble,
and my eye has looked in triumph on my enemies.
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
We, in this prayer group, cannot identify with a warrior king who is in hiding for fear of being killed by his ruthless enemies, but many of our brothers and sisters in faraway lands are facing the same perils. Every week we pray for nations and individuals who are being persecuted for your sake and who are willing to die for their beliefs. Just as you preserved David from his enemies, we pray that you would strengthen and preserve your people who are in danger this day.
Our circumstances may be very different, but we still pray to the same God who is able to save all his children from the bonds of sin and death. We too need strength to stand up to the lies of the adversary who seeks always to bring us down and drive us farther away from you. Help us to resist the temptation to be selfish or lazy or to fall into patterns of sin. Send your Spirit to help us live righteous lives for your glory and to be a witness to your gracious gift of forgiveness, love and peace through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.
We humbly thank you and praise your holy name for the lovingkindness you have shown us.
In Christ’s name we pray. AMEN.
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 55″ tag=h6]
TO THE CHOIRMASTER WITH STRINGED INSTRUMENTS. A MASKIL OF DAVID.
Give ear to my prayer, O God, and hide not yourself from my plea for mercy.
Attend to me, and answer me; I am restless in my complaint and I moan,
because of the noise of the enemy, because of the oppression of the wicked.
For they drop trouble upon me, and in anger they bear a grudge against me.
My heart is in anguish within me; the terrors of death have fallen upon me.
Fear and trembling come upon me, and horror overwhelms me.
And I say, “Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest;
yes, I would wander far away; I would lodge in the wilderness; Selah
I would hurry to find a shelter from the raging wind and tempest.”
Destroy, O Lord, divide their tongues; for I see violence and strife in the city.
Day and night they go around it on its walls, and iniquity and trouble are within it;
ruin is in its midst; oppression and fraud do not depart from its marketplace.
For it is not an enemy who taunts me-– then I could bear it;
it is not an adversary who deals insolently with me— then I could hide from him.
But it is you, a man, my equal, my companion, my familiar friend.
We used to take sweet counsel together; within God’s house we walked in the throng.
Let death steal over them; let them go down to Sheol alive;
for evil is in their dwelling place and in their heart.
But I call to God, and the LORD will save me.
Evening and morning and at noon I utter my complaint and moan,
and he hears my voice.
He redeems my soul in safety from the battle that I wage,
for many are arrayed against me.
God will give ear and humble them, he who is enthroned from of old, Selah
because they do not change and do not fear God.
My companion stretched out his hand against his friends; he violated his covenant.
His speech was smooth as butter, yet war was in his heart;
his words were softer than oil, yet they were drawn swords.
Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you;
he will never permit the righteous to be moved.
But you, O God, will cast them down into the pit of destruction;
men of blood and treachery shall not live out half their days.
But I will trust in you.
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
We ask you to hear our prayers this morning. Hear the prayers of your people who are oppressed and fearful, surrounded by wickedness. We sometimes wish we could escape our problems and fly away but we need to face them, with your help. Pain is magnified when it comes from betrayal by a friend or a spouse or someone we trusted but who has turned against us. But you, O Lord, are always the same, faithful and true. We look to you for wisdom and comfort. You help us to bear our burdens and give us peace. You will judge those who lie, cheat and murder but you will uphold the righteous. Be with your people, Lord, sustain us in our times of trouble. We ask it in Christ’s name.
AMEN.
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 56″ tag=h6]
Most Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
The psalmist looks to You when his life is in danger. When he cannot help himself, he knows it is by your grace alone that he can be saved. You are merciful and mighty and worthy of all praise. And because of Jesus, we know we can come to you directly for help. Thank you LORD. Father, we heard a woman last week who was trapped at home in Afghanistan, just waiting for the enemy to kill her and her family. The fear in her voice was awful to hear. LORD, she was also an amazing witness. She expressed her belief in You and that though she and her family were in fear of their lives, they would not deny Jesus. LORD, this family and many other underground Christians in Afghanistan and around the world are facing the same life-threatening situations. We ask that You would put a hedge of protection around these faithful servants and keep them safe from their enemies.
Father, it is normal to fear in these circumstances but we know these Christians have hope in spite of what they are facing. They know that You are for them, and so who can be against them? LORD, the more we are able to trust You, the less fear can take a hold of us. Ultimately the Christians know that they will be saved in this life or they will be with You in the next, where there will be no more fear or death or sadness.
Father, we know the evildoers in Afghanistan and elsewhere will not get away with their murderous acts. They will have no peace on this earth and You will judge them with eternal death in the next.
LORD, you are a God who cares for his people like a loving Father. You know our wanderings and our griefs and you listen to our pleas for help. You command us to pray. Jesus intercedes on our behalf and You have intervened time and again to help those who call on You. We ask again that you would be with those in dire trouble, that they would feel your presence, that you would comfort them and strengthen them and deliver them from their enemies. Those who really know you and trust you will praise you and not be afraid. With You on their side, they are confident that their prayers will be answered.
Father, help us to live in your light and not to fall into the darkness of death. Help us to face our problems and trials, putting our trust completely in You, because You are there with us. Like these brave persecuted Christians, help us to know the cost of discipleship and to keep our vow to be faithful to You and thus know the peace and joy that only You can give.
For we ask it in Jesus’ name. AMEN
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 57″ tag=h6]
Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge;
in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by. I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me. He will send from heaven and save me; he will put to shame him who tramples on me.
God will send out his steadfast love and his faithfulness!
My soul is in the midst of lions; I lie down amid fiery beasts– the children of man, whose teeth are spears and arrows, whose tongues are sharp swords.
Be exalted, O God, above the heavens!
Let your glory be over all the earth!
They set a net for my steps; my soul was bowed down.
They dug a pit in my way, but they have fallen into it themselves.
My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast!
I will sing and make melody! Awake, my glory!
Awake, O harp and lyre! I will awake the dawn!
I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples;
I will sing praises to you among the nations.
For your steadfast love is great to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds.
Be exalted, O God, above the heavens!
Let your glory be over all the earth!
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
We put our faith in you, Father, because you are God Most High, sovereign over all things. You are loving and faithful and just. You are our refuge in the storms. When we are in Christ we are able to withstand anything because we know there are better things to come. You have promised us a heavenly home. In the meantime, you promise to give us everything we need. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for making a way for us to be reconciled to God and to live meaningful lives through the Spirit.
Forgive us our sins, Lord, and help us to trust you more and more. Help us to lean on you, and trust that you will take care of our enemies, for you are a God who acts. May we show the fruit of the Spirit more and more in our daily walk. Give us strength, courage and comfort, so that though we may be suffering or mourning we may be like Paul and Silas singing in prison, and so be a witness to others to your love and goodness.
You alone are sovereign, LORD, and worthy of our praise. We exalt you, we worship you, we love you and we trust in your grace to bring us home. In Christ’s name.
AMEN.
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 58″ tag=h6]
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
Thank you for listening to our prayers and answering them. We are so grateful that you are the Living God who reigns over heaven and earth and who is above all kings and rulers. We praise you for all the mighty deeds you have done in the past, for your faithfulness, for your righteousness and especially for your mercy which you have shown to us through your Son, Jesus Christ. Hear us now, we pray.
Father, Psalm 58 is a hard psalm asking for harsh judgement on the evil and unjust who do terrible violence against the innocent for selfish gain. Today we pray as David did, for justice against evil rulers in our world. Russia’s president continues to spread lies to justify his attack on the people of the Ukraine. His word is worthless. Ceasefires to allow innocent Ukraines to flee have been broken several times and these people have been forced to return to their homes either to be killed or to die from lack of food and water. We are shocked daily to see what has been happening and we are sickened by the sheer evil of attacks on schools and hospitals and maternity homes. The Russian leader is like a venomous snake who is deaf to charmers. There is nothing we can say or do to dissuade him. Father we need your supernatural intervention either to turn his heart or to render him powerless like a lion without fangs or claws.
We have seen the raw courage of Ukrainian president Zelenskyy. Surely he is like David when he confronted Goliath. LORD, you were with David and he was victorious over a seemingly unbeatable adversary. Father, we ask that the righteous will also prevail in this war. Protect President Zelenskyy, save his brave people, and help them to fight off the invaders. Help the people who can’t fight to make it safely across the borders. Restore peace, order and freedom to this country. Do not let this evil triumph. Be with the people of Ukraine.
Father, judge and destroy this enemy, to vindicate the righteous and to show the world that we are ruled by a glorious God and righteous judge, for we ask it in Jesus’ precious name.
AMEN
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 59″ tag=h6]
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
I bring to you another lament for the sin and wickedness we see in the world in our own lives and in far away places. David cried out to you when he was being pursued unjustly by Saul. Today I cry out to you because of the continuing war in Ukraine, for the unjust invasion, for the families torn apart, for the unconscionable attacks on civilians, for broken ceasefires, for the death by weapon or starvation, for all the horrors of war, and the deadly pride and unbridled cruelty of the aggressors. O LORD, deliver the Ukrainians from this senseless death and destruction. Have mercy, LORD.
Father, the Russian leadership is not abiding by universally accepted rules of engagement but is targeting the innocent. They manipulate the facts and create deep fake videos to deceive their people and cover up their unjust acts. They have no regard for the sanctity of life, not even of their own soldiers, thousands of whom have been killed. LORD, we ask for judgement on all those who plot evil and justify it as righteous behaviour.
Father, the enemy are like dogs who prowl around looking for victims and think they can do whatever they want and get away with it. They have no fear of you, LORD.
But you, LORD, have no respect for these tyrants and their wicked ways. Hold them and all the nations accountable and bring them down. Take away their power and restore good government. Let their lies be seen by everyone for what they are and may your truth come to light so that all the peoples may know that you are the true and just sovereign of this world. We thank you for the local churches and the aid organizations like Samaritan’s Purse and Come Over and Help who are working tirelessly to bring physical relief to the suffering people and to bring them the gospel to comfort their souls. Let the negotiations bear fruit and end this war. O LORD, you are our God and your steadfast love sustains us. We are so grateful for the victory we have over death and our enemies through the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The wicked are like dogs who return every night, looking for more ways to satisfy their lust for power and become more threatening when they don’t succeed.
But we will rejoice in your goodness and your strength and your steadfast love towards us. For you are our fortress, a safe haven where we find relief from our distress, and we sing grateful praises to your holy name. Have mercy on the people of Ukraine, Father, and have mercy on us too, we pray. For we ask it in Jesus’ name.
AMEN
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 60″ tag=h6]
TO THE CHOIRMASTER: ACCORDING TO SHUSHAN EDUTH. A MIKTAM OF DAVID; FOR INSTRUCTION; WHEN HE STROVE WITH ARAM-NAHARAIM AND WITH ARAM-ZOBAH, AND WHEN JOAB ON HIS RETURN STRUCK DOWN TWELVE THOUSAND OF EDOM IN THE VALLEY OF SALT.
O God, you have rejected us, broken our defences; you have been angry; oh, restore us. You have made the land to quake; you have torn it open; repair its breaches, for it totters.
You have made your people see hard things; you have given us wine to drink that made us stagger. You have set up a banner for those who fear you, that they may flee to it from the bow.
Selah
That your beloved ones may be delivered, give salvation by your right hand and answer us! God has spoken in his holiness: “With exultation I will divide up Shechem and portion out the Vale of Succoth.
Gilead is mine; Manasseh is mine; Ephraim is my helmet; Judah is my sceptre. Moab is my washbasin; upon Edom I cast my shoe; over Philistia I shout in triumph.” Who will bring me to the fortified city?
Who will lead me to Edom?
Have you not rejected us, O God?
You do not go forth, O God, with our armies.
Oh, grant us help against the foe, for vain is the salvation of man! With God we shall do valiantly; it is he who will tread down our foes.
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
Sometimes you make us see hard things. Disasters, wars, strife, hunger, disease, violence, death. Sometimes we witness hardships in faraway places and sometimes they are closer to home. We can see and feel the despair and sense your judgement as the natural consequence of acting with no regard for your holy laws. Even though we are children of the covenant, we still fall short of the mark, failing to do what we ought to do, and doing what we ought not to do, but your Spirit convicts us and brings us back to you. You love us unconditionally, LORD, and have infinite patience. We are so grateful for your grace and mercy!
Thank you for making us undergo hardships, for they inevitably teach us, make us wiser and bring us closer to you. Thank you for the hope we have in the Lord Jesus, our redeemer who gave up everything for us to defeat our final enemy, death. Because of you, Lord Jesus, we are able to withstand the pain of grief, because we know it will pass, and we have the hope of a glorious life in heaven, where there will be no more tears. When there is death without you, there is only despair; a grief without hope. LORD, help us to witness to those outside the faith while there is still time to share your wonderful words of life. We know we are capable of much when you are on our side. Help us to be a blessing and to bring you honour and glory, for we ask it in Jesus’ name.
AMEN.
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 61″ tag=h6]
Hear my cry, O God,
listen to my prayer;
from the end of the earth I call to you
when my heart is faint.
Lead me to the rock
that is higher than I,
for you have been my refuge,
a strong tower against the enemy.
Let me dwell in your tent forever!
Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings!
For you, O God, have heard my vows;
you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name.
Prolong the life of the king;
may his years endure to all generations!
May he be enthroned forever before God;
appoint steadfast love and faithfulness to watch over him!
So will I ever sing praises to your name,
as I perform my vows day after day.
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
We cry out to you when we are overwhelmed, and ask for your peace and comfort. You are so far above us, LORD, and it is in you that we can find relief and security, because you are unchanging and eternal. You are our rock. Solid, faithful, reliable, trustworthy, strong. You are everything we need. You are our refuge in times of trouble and persecution.
We long to be in your presence, now and forever! You keep us safe like a hen protects her chicks with her wings. Thank you for the faith you have given us, for all your promises and for our sense of purpose and joy as we seek to live the Christian life and follow your teachings.
Father, you have fulfilled your Messianic promises by exalting your son, Jesus, through his resurrection, to be with you in Heaven, where he lives and reigns with you. We thank you and praise you for showing your mercy to Jesus and so also to us, who by believing in him and obeying him, also receive the blessing of your truth and mercy. In response, we will glorify your name and delight in you forever.
AMEN
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 62″ tag=h6]
For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation.
He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken.
How long will all of you attack a man to batter him,
like a leaning wall, a tottering fence?
They only plan to thrust him down from his high position.
They take pleasure in falsehood.
They bless with their mouths, but inwardly they curse.
For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him;
God is a refuge for us.
Those of low estate are but a breath; those of high estate are a delusion;
in the balances they go up; they are together lighter than a breath.
Put no trust in extortion; set no vain hopes on robbery;
if riches increase, set not your heart on them.
Once God has spoken; twice have I heard this:
that power belongs to God, and that to you, O Lord, belongs steadfast love.
For you will render to a man according to his work.
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
You are our salvation and our security. You are always the same, today and forever, as sturdy as a rock and a safe haven for us. When we are in trouble, we remember who you are and your promises to us and we trust in you alone.
We can’t put our hope in riches, because they can’t give us eternal life. And we can’t put our hope in the people around us. Whether they are rich or poor, people in power or family and friends who love us, ultimately they will at some point let us down or pass away. Our hope must be in you alone, O God.
Lord, you know what is in our hearts. We can’t hide anything from you. You alone know who we truly are and the closer we are to you the more we can become who we were meant to be. When we love and obey you, and turn to you in prayer, you bless us with strength, peace and hope.
Thanks be to God. AMEN.
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 63″ tag=h6]
A PSALM OF DAVID, WHEN HE WAS IN THE WILDERNESS OF JUDAH.
O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you;
my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you,
as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.
So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary,
beholding your power and glory.
Because your steadfast love is better than life,
my lips will praise you.
So I will bless you as long as I live;
in your name I will lift up my hands.
My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food,
and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips,
when I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night;
for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy.
My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.
But those who seek to destroy my life shall go down into the depths of the earth;
they shall be given over to the power of the sword; they shall be a portion of jackals.
But the king shall rejoice in God; all who swear by him shall exult,
for the mouths of liars will be stopped.
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
We long to know you as a thirsty man in the desert longs for water. We confess that we do not always have this zeal for studying and learning your will, and that it most readily comes to us when we are in distress, when we are ill, or when we are confronted with our own mortality. Father, we ask that you would give us a hunger and thirst for righteousness that remains in us in good and bad times alike and that prayer and bible study would be the most important part of our day, every day, for we know that you are the source of meaning in our lives and it is you alone who can truly provide us with comfort, security and purpose.
We thank you for sending Jesus to show us who you are and to love us and guide us, for he is the living water that nourishes our souls. Oh what ineffable grace you have given us in the sacrifice of your Son and the gift of the Holy Spirit. And so we praise you and humble ourselves before you in thanksgiving for all that you have done for us. In you we are satisfied as one who has eaten his fill at a grand banquet. You have sustained us and blessed us and we worship you. By your Spirit, and the means of grace you supply, you equip us to withstand the attack of the enemy who would seek to destroy us and our faith.
We vow to remain loyal to you, LORD, and to stand firm in upholding your truth. Help us to do so. In Christ’s name.
AMEN.
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 64″ tag=h6]
Hear my voice, O God, in my complaint;
preserve my life from dread of the enemy.
Hide me from the secret plots of the wicked,
from the throng of evildoers.
Who whet their tongues like swords,
who aim bitter words like arrows,
shooting from ambush at the blameless,
shooting at him suddenly and without fear.
They hold fast to their evil purpose;
they talk of laying snares secretly,
thinking, “Who can see them?”
They search out injustice, saying,
”We have accomplished a diligent search.”
For the inward mind and heart of a man are deep.
But God shoots his arrow at them; they are wounded suddenly.
They are brought to ruin, with their own tongues turned against them;
all who see them will wag their heads.
Then all mankind fears; they tell what God has brought about
and wonder what he has done.
Let the righteous one rejoice in the LORD and take refuge in him!
Let all the upright in heart exult!
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
In our day, as in David’s time, the enemy is active and prowling like a hungry lion seeking whom he may devour. Satan is at work in the acts of terror perpetrated against Israel and Ukraine. He is at work in the minds of those who do not fear you, and his influence blinds them to the truth. There are many who are only too happy to persecute the Church and anyone else who does not conform to their ideology, and in their twisted minds they believe they are justified, but their idolatry leads to death.
Father, strengthen us in the faith. Help us always to be able to discern the truth and not fall prey to the lies of the world. Give us more zeal to be close to you through prayer and Bible study, to share the truth of the gospel and to love our neighbour. Help us not to fear the enemy or to give way to despair in dark times but to remember that you are the sovereign ruler of all nations and that you are our refuge and our strength.
Thanks be to God! In Christ’s name we pray. AMEN.
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 65″ tag=h6]
Father, we praise you and thank you for hearing and answering our prayers. You care for us so much that you provided your son to be the atonement for our sins. We know we do not deserve this and we humbly thank you. It is by your grace, your sovereign choice, that we belong to you. Because of this, we are blessed in all things. You alone are deserving of our worship and our praise.
Father, you are the creator and sustainer of all things. You are the Almighty sovereign who has the power to control all the forces of nature. You brought the mountains into being. You still the waves. You rule over all the nations. Your mighty deeds bring fear to your enemies and joy to your own people. Pharaoh was afraid of your signs and wonders but they made the Israelite captives rejoice because it led to their freedom. You take care of us and are faithful to your promises. Today we see your majesty when we stand near the Horseshoe Falls or look at the sunset or see your power in hurricanes and other destructive forces in nature. We know it is you who control these things, not “Mother Nature”. We know it is you who are present and active in this world and in history. You are the Living God, not an abstract idea. And your son, through whom all things were made, intervenes on our behalf. Thank you, Jesus.
Father, you bless us with everything we need. You bring the rain that causes the flowers and the crops to flourish. Father, I thank you for my time up north with my friend Jan. She lives in a beautiful part of Ontario on a lovely small lake. It was so refreshing to be able to swim in cool, calm waters. To see the waterlilies on the mirror-like surface, the hummingbirds and chipmunks and a mother heron with her chicks all bring a sense of peace and your goodness. Impossible to see all that and not to believe in a holy God who lovingly created the universe. I also saw the devastation of last year’s tornado which caused dozens of large trees to be uprooted on her property; a reminder of your power and sovereign control. Father, you are both righteous judge and gracious saviour and I pray that a greater number of your people would fear you and that they would praise you for your goodness, your abundance and the joy that we have in your son, Jesus.
AMEN
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 66″ tag=h6]
Almighty and most awesome God,
To your name be all glory and praise forever. You are sovereign over all the heavens and the earth. You are perfect in holiness, justice, love, mercy and faithfulness. You keep your promises to your people and you are our only hope in life and in death.
You brought the Israelites out of bondage in Egypt by parting the Red Sea and you have rescued us from the bondage of slavery to sin through the atoning sacrifice of our Lord Jesus on the cross. Because of this we need not fear death or hell and can look forward to perfect communion with you.
Father, you send us trials to overcome, and test our faith. We can easily become sad or discouraged or fearful when tragedy or illness or injustice comes our way, but we know that you are our God. You are not far off, but you are right here with us. When we turn to you in prayer, we feel strengthened and at peace. Thank you, Lord!
We no longer sacrifice bulls and rams on the altar, because the one true and perfect sacrifice of Jesus to atone for our sins has rendered that unnecessary. But Lord, we offer our lives to you. Help us to be generous in our givings to the church and to missions here and around the world. Help us to always be kind in our daily interactions with others. Help us to confess our sins often and to forgive others more quickly and willingly. Draw us closer to you by giving us the desire to pray and to read your word more faithfully. Help us to show love to others by our example and by sharing the faith.
We thank you that you hear and answer the prayers of your people. We know that when we continue in sin we distance ourselves from you and you will not hear us. Guide us, Lord, and help us to sin less and less, confessing to you when we do, and keep us on the path to righteousness.
Soli Deo gloria!!
Thank you for your unfailing love and mercy! Lord, hear our prayers this morning, we ask. Amen.
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 67″ tag=h6]
Father, we praise you for your justice and your mercy. We come to you today with many prayers and concerns. We are sorry for our sins and ask again for your forgiveness. There is so much sin in every nation and we all need your help and blessing. Father, David knew the blessings that come from believing and trusting in you, and you are what this world needs right now. Shine your light on us. Use us to show the world who you are, and help them know that salvation comes only from confessing our sins and believing in you, made possible through the atoning sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ on our behalf.
Father, we so want our neighbours to come to Christ and we look forward to the church being fully open so we can invite them to our services and events to hear your word and discover who you are. Father, we pray for revival in this country and around the world. We are surrounded by the ungodly and we are bombarded with messages and ideas that are contrary to your word. Help us to stand up for the truth while showing the love of Jesus.
LORD, we know that the church thrives in places of persecution despite the circumstances because you are with your people and you bless those who are faithful to you. We pray for strength and courage for our brothers and sisters who are undergoing terrible trials and that their witness would bear fruit. Soften the hearts of the persecutors, Lord, just as you did with Paul.
Father, bring all the nations to you, we ask, so that they too can be blessed. For we ask it in Jesus’ name.
AMEN.
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 68″ tag=h6]
God shall arise, his enemies shall be scattered;
and those who hate him shall flee before him!
As smoke is driven away, so you shall drive them away;
as wax melts before fire, so the wicked shall perish before God!
But the righteous shall be glad; they shall exult before God;
they shall be jubilant with joy!
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
You are indeed the true and living God who acts in history and conquers your enemies with ease. You are the all powerful and holy judge. Your enemies will perish but your own people whom you have called are saved by you and rejoice.
Sing to God, sing praises to his name;
lift up a song to him who rides through the deserts;
his name is the LORD; exult before him!
Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation.
God settles the solitary in a home; he leads out the prisoners to prosperity,
but the rebellious dwell in a parched land.
O God, when you went out before your people,
when you marched through the wilderness, the earth quaked,
the heavens poured down rain, before God, the One of Sinai, before God, the God of Israel.
Rain in abundance, O God, you shed abroad;
you restored your inheritance as it languished;
your flock found a dwelling in it;
in your goodness, O God, you provided for the needy.
Father, we praise you because you provide for us. You protect those who are weak or lonely or downtrodden. The poor in spirit receive your inheritance while the rebellious are left with nothing. You control all nature; you caused the rains to fall, and you preserved a people unto yourself. You rescued your people from Pharoah and you will save us also. You provided your Son, Jesus, to be the champion of the orphan, the widow and the oppressed, and who showed by calming the stormy sea that he is God.
The Lord gives the word; the women who announce the news are a great host:
“The kings of the armies–they flee, they flee!”
The women at home divide the spoil–though you men lie among the sheepfolds–
the wings of a dove covered with silver, its pinions with shimmering gold.
When the Almighty scatters kings there, let snow fall on Zalmon.
Gracious God,
Your prophecies come true. When you say you will be victorious over Israel’s enemies, you show that your power is over all the nations. We pray for Israel’s victory over its enemies today. We pray for her enemies as well, that they would turn from their hatred and violence and seek peace. We lament the loss of life in Israel and Gaza and pray for the restoration of order. While we see so much destruction in this world, and the stranglehold that Satan seems to have on so much of it, help us to remember that Jesus conquered sin and death for our sakes and that one day we will be in Heaven, where there will be no more sin, and no more suffering.
O mountain of God, mountain of Bashan; O many-peaked mountain, mountain of
Bashan!
Why do you look with hatred, O many-peaked mountain,
at the mount that God desired for his abode, yes, where the LORD will dwell forever?
The chariots of God are twice ten thousand, thousands upon thousands;
the Lord is among them; Sinai is now in the sanctuary.
You ascended on high, leading a host of captives in your train
and receiving gifts among men, even among the rebellious,
that the LORD God may dwell there.
Heavenly Father, you do not dwell on the many-peaked mountain of Bashan among the false gods that are mere invented idols, you dwell on mount Sinai where you rule in power with all your armies of angels. You are the one true and Almighty God who has ascended to his heavenly throne. We offer you all glory and honour.
Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears us up;
God is our salvation, and to GOD, the Lord, belong deliverances from death.
But God will strike the heads of his enemies,
the hairy crown of him who walks in his guilty ways.
The Lord said, “I will bring them back from Bashan,
I will bring them back from the depths of the sea,
that you may strike your feet in their blood,
that the tongues of your dogs may have their portion from the foe.”
Father, We thank you that you listen to our prayers and carry our burdens. We have no need to fear our enemies because you are with us.
Your procession is seen, O God, the procession of my God, my King,
into the sanctuary– the singers in front, the musicians last,
between them virgins playing tambourines:
Bless God in the great congregation, the LORD,
O you who are of Israel’s fountain!”
There is Benjamin, the least of them, in the lead,
the princes of Judah in their throng,
the princes of Zebulun, the princes of Naphtali.
Lord, you gave Israel earthly kings, Saul from the tribe of Benjamin and David from the tribe of Judah, and others, but you have established your eternal kingdom with Jesus as our true God and King. May we ever worship him in truth and love.
Summon your power, O God, the power, O God, by which you have worked for us.
Because of your temple at Jerusalem kings shall bear gifts to you.
Rebuke the beasts that dwell among the reeds,
the herd of bulls with the calves of the peoples.
Trample underfoot those who lust after tribute;
scatter the peoples who delight in war.
Nobles shall come from Egypt;
Cush shall hasten to stretch out her hands to God.
Almighty God, you have protected your people Israel in the past and we ask for strength through your Holy Spirit to carry out your will for us today. Protect us from those who do evil and delight in war. King Jesus, we ask you to bring your enemies to repentance and we look forward to the day when every knee will bow and every tongue confess that you are God and worship you.
O Kingdoms of the earth, sing to God;
sing praises to the Lord, to him who rides in the heavens, the ancient heavens;
behold, he sends out his voice, his mighty voice.
Ascribe power to God, whose majesty is over Israel, and whose power is in the skies.
Awesome is God from his sanctuary;
the God of Israel– he is the one who gives power and strength to his people.
Blessed be God!
Our Father in Heaven, you are the ruler of all the nations. You are three times holy,
awesome, majestic and mighty. You scatter your enemies and render them powerless. You provide for your people. From your strength, we derive our strength. You are the source of all our blessings and so we worship you with songs of praise. Your kingdom come on Earth as it is in Heaven.
In Christ’s name. AMEN
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 69″ tag=h6]
TO THE CHOIRMASTER: ACCORDING TO LILIES. OF DAVID.
Save me, O God!
For the waters have come up to my neck.
I sink in deep mire, where there is no foothold;
I have come into deep waters, and the flood sweeps over me.
I am weary with my crying out; my throat is parched.
My eyes grow dim with waiting for my God.
More in number than the hairs of my head are those who hate me without cause;
mighty are those who would destroy me, those who attack me with lies.
What I did not steal must I now restore?
O God, you know my folly; the wrongs I have done are not hidden from you.
Let not those who hope in you be put to shame through me, O Lord GOD of hosts;
let not those who seek you be brought to dishonour through me, O God of Israel.
For it is for your sake that I have borne reproach, that dishonour has covered my face.
I have become a stranger to my brothers, an alien to my mother’s sons.
For zeal for your house has consumed me,
and the reproaches of those who reproach you have fallen on me.
When I wept and humbled my soul with fasting, it became my reproach.
When I made sackcloth my clothing, I became a byword to them.
I am the talk of those who sit in the gate, and the drunkards make songs about me.
But as for me, my prayer is to you, O LORD.
At an acceptable time, O God, in the abundance of your steadfast love
answer me in your saving faithfulness.
Deliver me from sinking in the mire;
let me be delivered from my enemies and from the deep waters.
Let not the flood sweep over me, or the deep swallow me up,
or the pit close its mouth over me.
Answer me, O LORD, for your steadfast love is good;
according to your abundant mercy, turn to me.
Hide not your face from your servant; for I am in distress; make haste to answer me.
Draw near to my soul, redeem me; ransom me because of my enemies!
You know my reproach, and my shame and my dishonour;
my foes are all known to you.
Reproaches have broken my heart, so that I am in despair.
I looked for pity, but there was none, and for comforters, but I found none.
They gave me poison for food, and for my thirst they gave me sour wine to drink.
Let their own table before them become a snare;
and when they are at peace, let it become a trap.
Let their eyes be darkened, so that they cannot see,
and make their loins tremble continually.
Pour out your indignation upon them,
and let your burning anger overtake them.
May their camp be a desolation; let no one dwell in their tents.
For they persecute him whom you have struck down,
and they recount the pain of those you have wounded.
Add to them punishment upon punishment;
may they have no acquittal from you.
Let them be blotted out of the book of the living;
let them not be enrolled among the righteous.
But I am afflicted and in pain;
let your salvation, O God, set me on high!
I will praise the name of God with a song; I will magnify him with thanksgiving.
This will please the LORD more than an ox or a bull with horns and hoofs.
When the humble see it they will be glad; you who seek God, let your hearts revive.
For the LORD hears the needy and does not despise his own people who are
prisoners.
Let heaven and earth praise him,
the seas and everything that moves in them.
For God will save Zion and build up the cities of Judah,
and people shall dwell there and possess it;
the offspring of his servants shall inherit it,
and those who love his name shall dwell in it.
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
How Jesus must have identified with this psalm and found comfort from it. He was despised and rejected, hated and attacked, beaten, mocked, and crucified though he was innocent of all charges. But he endured all this, knowing it was all in your hands, Father, and you exalted him, and resurrected him, and set him at your right hand to rule the nations. The psalmist calls for judgement to fall on his enemies, but when he was hanging on the cross, Jesus did not curse you or his enemies, he called for you to forgive his oppressors because they did not know what they were doing. What a faithful and beautiful Redeemer we have.
This psalm is for the apostles and disciples and all those who have stood firm for the gospel and have been ridiculed and persecuted by the world because of it. LORD, this psalm must also comfort anyone going through a crisis, depression, betrayal and despair. This psalm is for the people in Israel today, mourning the loss of loved ones and praying for the release of the hostages taken by Hamas, for in it you promise to hear your people who are prisoners and that you will save Zion. We pray that they would turn their hearts to you; give them eyes to see that Jesus is their long-awaited Messiah.
Father, you have given us words that show us the heart of our suffering servant and how when we suffer we share in the grief of our Saviour. When we are considered fools for the sake of the gospel, and even our family turns from us, you are with us. Make us like Jesus, LORD, by coming to you in repentance and humility; deliver us from all our troubles. When we are brokenhearted and can find no one to comfort us, let us turn to you in prayer, for you are always faithful. Let us persevere and be patient, sure in the knowledge that you are sovereign and that all things work for the good of those who love you. Let us not falter in our devotion to you and may we always look to your promise of salvation, restoration and peace through our Lord Jesus Christ.
In his name we pray. AMEN.
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 70″ tag=h6]
TO THE CHOIRMASTER. OF DAVID, FOR THE MEMORIAL OFFERING.
Make haste, O God, to deliver me!
O LORD, make haste to help me!
Let them be put to shame and confusion who seek my life!
Let them be turned back and brought to dishonour who delight in my hurt!
Let them turn back because of their shame who say, “Aha, Aha!”
May all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you!
May those who love your salvation say evermore, “God is great!”
But I am poor and needy; hasten to me, O God!
You are my help and my deliverer; O LORD, do not delay!
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
When we are afflicted because of our sin, our circumstances or our enemies, have mercy on us. Dishonour those who wish us ill. Come to the aid of the persecuted. We pray that all who turn to you for help will be unburdened and will rejoice, for we know you sent your Son to heal the sick and save those who seek him and repent of their sins, You are indeed our help and our deliverer. We give you all the praise and glory for your abundant blessings and mercies. Thank you, LORD, for restoring us and healing our broken hearts.
AMEN
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 71″ tag=h6]
Dear Father in Heaven,
We are so grateful that you are our rock. We can always depend on you. You are as solid and unchanging as the strongest fortress. We can count on you to save us. You are our hope.
Deliver us from evil, LORD. We see so much of it in the world; the anger and hatred and selfishness that consume so many. We are so grateful you are our hope. People can let us down but you never will.
Help us to be a witness to the world. As we grow older we become weaker in body and mind but we can still praise you. We thank you that you still value us in our old age while the world does not. People often discount the elderly, ignore them, don’t value their wisdom and experience and consider them useless or unworthy of their time. In many long term care homes there are not enough staff to look after their patients properly and they were the most numerous victims of COVID-19 when the first wave struck Ontario. Some take advantage of the elderly through scams while others bully or abuse them. But the elderly are precious and deserving of love and respect and proper care. Protect them, LORD. And please help us to know our own true worth as Children of God, regardless of our age, and help us to be as productive as we can be for your kingdom.
Father, there is none like you. You alone are holy and faithful and have done amazing things. We have all experienced hardship and are in a time of trouble right now, but you ordain all things for our good. You comfort us and bring us peace and hope. We look forward to being in church all together again where we can properly sing your praises. We praise you and thank you for sending Jesus into the world to be our redeemer. He conquered death on the cross and we no longer need to fear it or anything else. Help us to show our gratitude by being loving and obedient to your word and praising you all day long. We ask it in Jesus’ name.
AMEN.
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 72″ tag=h6]
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
You anointed many kings of Israel, with David a great king and a man after your own heart, but it is your son, Jesus, who is the true and righteous King who reigns with perfect righteousness and justice. He is the righteous judge who brings justice to the poor and saves the children of the needy. He defeats their oppressors. His divine rule brings peace to the people. Jesus, you are the true King of the world who takes care of the poor like no one else can. You promise destruction to those who take advantage of them and mistreat them. You are indeed the long-awaited righteous King.
Lord Jesus, you alone are the King who deserves eternal praise and worship and reverence throughout the ages. Like grass that receives gentle rains we are nourished under your kingdom and have abundant and prosperous lives of fruitfulness. Thank you for the peace you give us, when we belong to you and obey your word.
Lord Jesus, you are King above all kings and ruler of all the earth. Your reign is universal and eternal and one day every knee will bow and every tongue confess that you are Lord of all.
King Jesus, when you lived among us on the earth, there was no one who had compassion on the poor like you did. You loved them, and healed them of their illnesses, saved them from the burden of legalistic oppression, and you preached the gospel and saved their souls at the cost of your own blood. You fulfilled all the prophecies concerning the Messiah. You are the anointed one. May we follow your example and minister to the poor and teach them about you. You are all grace and mercy and we owe you our prayers and praise every single day of our lives.
In your holy kingdom we are truly blessed. Your holy name will last forever. We are blessed by you and all nations will call you blessed. We are so grateful that we can call you by name and pray to you to praise you, to confess before you and to ask for help for ourselves and others. That we can have a relationship with our God is a unique and wonderful thing. Thank you for making us your covenant people and for your faithfulness to all your promises. You have done marvellous things and you alone are the King of Glory. May your glory fill the earth.
We await the day, Lord Jesus, when the earth will indeed be restored, sin will be no more, and the ideal reign of righteousness will be the reality forevermore.
AMEN and AMEN.
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[expand title=”Book 3 – Psalms 73-89″ tag=h4]
[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 73″ tag=h6]
A PSALM OF ASAPH.
Truly God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart.
But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled, my steps had nearly slipped.
For I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
For they have no pangs until death; their bodies are fat and sleek.
They are not in trouble as others are; they are not stricken like the rest of mankind.
Therefore pride is their necklace; violence covers them as a garment.
Their eyes swell out through fatness; their hearts overflow with follies.
They scoff and speak with malice; loftily they threaten oppression.
They set their mouths against the heavens, and their tongue struts through the earth.
Therefore his people turn back to them, and find no fault in them.
And they say, “How can God know? Is there knowledge in the Most High?”
Behold, these are the wicked; always at ease, they increase in riches.
All in vain have I kept my heart clean and washed my hands in innocence.
For all the day long I have been stricken and rebuked every morning.
If I had said, “I will speak thus,” I would have betrayed the generation of your
children.
But when I thought how to understand this, it seemed to me a wearisome task,
until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I discerned their end.
Truly you set them in slippery places; you make them fall to ruin.
How they are destroyed in a moment, swept away utterly by terrors!
Like a dream when one awakes, O Lord, when you rouse yourself,
you despise them as phantoms.
When my soul was embittered, when I was pricked in heart,
I was brutish and ignorant; I was like a beast toward you.
Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand.
You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory.
Whom have I in heaven but you?
And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my
portion forever.
For behold, those who are far from you shall perish;
you put an end to everyone who is unfaithful to you.
But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord GOD my refuge,
that I may tell of your works.
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
You truly are gracious and good to your people. We know that your promises are true and you have provided us with a great salvation by offering up your son for us. We know this but sometimes we despair when we see all around us the wicked prospering. Dictatorships abound, evil men devise plots to create chaos and instability in the world, causing countless deaths and needless suffering while making an obscene amount of profit for themselves. Christians are persecuted for the faith by paranoid totalitarian regimes in Asia and islamofascists in Africa. Our Christian heritage is under attack here at home by an increasingly dominant anti-western atheistic leftist ideology that negates reality and common sense. Anti-semitism is on the rise similar to pre World War II. The world is a frightening place.
But you, O Lord, you know the end of the story. The wicked may prosper for a little while, but they will know your divine judgement and will not escape punishment for their cruelty, for their lives are built on the sand and not the solid rock upon which the lives of the righteous are built. Their suffering will be eternal, while that of the persecuted and the faithful will turn to everlasting joy.
Whatever comes our way, we will be uplifted and secure if we turn to you, Lord, and put our trust in you. You are our strength, our shield, our loving father. Let us ever love you, obey you, worship you and tell others about what you have done for us.
In Christ’s name. AMEN.
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 74″ tag=h6]
A MASKIL OF ASAPH.
O God, why do you cast us off forever?
Why does your anger smoke against the sheep of your pasture?
Remember your congregation, which you have purchased of old,
which you have redeemed to be the tribe of your heritage!
Remember Mount Zion, where you have dwelt.
Direct your steps to the perpetual ruins;
the enemy has destroyed everything in the sanctuary!
Your foes have roared in the midst of your meeting place;
they set up their own signs for signs.
They were like those who swing axes in a forest of trees.
And all its carved wood they broke down with hatchets and hammers.
They set your sanctuary on fire;
they profaned the dwelling place of your name, bringing it down to the ground.
They said to themselves, “We will utterly subdue them”;
they burned all the meeting places of God in the land.
We do not see our signs; there is no longer any prophet,
and there is none among us who knows how long.
How long, O God, is the foe to scoff?
Is the enemy to revile your name forever?
Why do you hold back your hand, your right hand?
Take it from the fold of your garment and destroy them!
Yet God my King is from of old, working salvation in the midst of the earth.
You divided the sea by your might;
you broke the heads of the sea monsters on the waters.
You crushed the heads of Leviathan;
you gave him as food for the creatures of the wilderness.
You split open springs and brooks; you dried up ever-flowing streams.
Yours is the day, yours also the night;
you have established the heavenly lights and the sun.
You have fixed all the boundaries of the earth;
you have made summer and winter.
Remember this, O LORD, how the enemy scoffs,
and a foolish people reviles your name.
Do not deliver the soul of your dove to the wild beasts;
do not forget the life of your poor forever.
Have regard for the covenant, for the dark places of the land
are full of the habitations of violence.
Let not the downtrodden turn back in shame;
let the poor and needy praise your name.
Arise, O God, defend your cause;
remember how the foolish scoff at you all the day!
Do not forget the clamor of your foes,
the uproar of those who rise against you, which goes up continually!
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
As when Asaph first wrote this psalm, lamenting the destruction of the temple, your persecuted peoples also lament the burning of their churches, which is a frequent occurrence in Africa and has happened even in our own northern towns. We lament with them, and pray for your mercy and comfort. When our world is turned upside down, you are our only hope, whatever our circumstances may be, and our response must be to pray to you.
Sometimes the enemy comes from within, like a wolf in sheep’s clothing, misinterpreting your truth and twisting it to suit the times. Lord Jesus, we need your word to be proclaimed as it was taught by the apostles and as we see it so clearly in the bible. Raise up a new generation of pastors who are faithful to you and who believe in the authority of scripture so that they might preach the word and reach many souls for your kingdom. Renew our own church, LORD. Let us be a people of prayer, for we know you hear us and are able to give us all things when we pray in conformity with your will.
Bring us more people and a pastor who is faithful in his preaching and effective in leadership and pastoral care. Help us to honour you in all we do and repent when we fail. Bring us closer to you and make us bolder in sharing our faith.
Father, you are able to do anything. You are all powerful and you are the living God who is active in our world. You rule over all nature, night and day, winter and summer and the chaos of the sea, over the Devil himself; you are able to restore order in your creation merely by speaking. We pray for justice in our own country, that the laws may be upheld.
We pray for democracies to survive and to fight against the numerous totalitarian regimes in our world. We ask for your help. Hear our prayers, LORD. You are holy, righteous, faithful, loving and true. You will not let us stay in the darkness. You will judge the unrighteous and lift up your believing children. You have redeemed us through your Son and you have kept your covenant with us to be our God and so we praise you with our whole hearts.
Thanks be to God. AMEN.
[/expandsub1]
[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 75″ tag=h6]
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
We bring you a hymn of praise this morning because we have so much to be thankful for. We have just celebrated Easter and we thank you so much for forgiving our sins and for giving us faith to believe in our Lord Jesus Christ. Father, you are the true and eternal God, almighty and merciful. You have performed miracles to show us your true nature and your power to save your people from slavery, sickness, sin and death. We confess that we can become discouraged by difficult things in our lives and by the tragic unbelief and wickedness that we see in the world. We sometimes forget that you are sovereign and that you will judge those who use their power for their own gains and who have pride only in themselves. We are taught in 1 Corinthians that if we must boast, we should boast only about the Lord. He is the one who deserves all honour and glory and praise.
Father, as we reach out to the new community around the church, we pray that you will bring more people to the church. We pray that the Holy Spirit will touch them and give them a thirst to know you and to follow you. LORD, we ask that many in our neighbourhood would repent and believe. Help us to be faithful and loving witnesses in our midst and use us to bring more people to you. Bring revival to our church and our country. We pray for Jim as he leads the services and for all the elders and deacons and ministry leaders who strive to do your work for your glory. Be with all our members and adherents and especially those who are no longer able to attend church.
Forgive us our sins and help us to be truly obedient to you, and courageous to proclaim your truth in a fallen world. Father, we are so thankful for your astounding mercy to us. Your Son, Jesus, took on human flesh to live among us and lead a perfect life so that he could be the perfect sacrifice to atone for our sins. He knew he had to suffer humiliation and a horrible death on the cross, and even worse, that he would have to bear all the sins of all of his people, and yet he drank the cup of your wrath out of his obedience to you and his love for us. Father, we are so grateful for this amazing act of love. Thank you for raising him up, for vindicating him and exalting him to reign with you. We thank you for giving us a purpose today and hope in the life to come. We are grateful that because he lives we can face tomorrow, and all that comes with it, with joy and without fear. Help us to honour Jesus by strengthening us to follow his example of obedience and loving service to your glory. We ask it in our precious saviour Jesus’ name.
AMEN.
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 77″ tag=h6]
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
We bring this lament to you in the hopes that it will lead us to higher praise. When we are in pain or suffer loss, we are drawn closer to you and after a while we are able to better appreciate all the blessings we do have and how good you are to us. Father, this psalmist, Asaph, is in deep distress. Troubled to the point of sleeplessness and despair, he cries out to you. LORD, you want us to confess our brokenness and our dependence on you. You are not offended by our cries for help or even our attempt to lay the blame on you because you love us and want to restore us. Even in dark times, we know in our hearts that you are sovereign and that you still remain faithful to us. You are holy and faithful and loving and good by nature and you cannot be changed. You could not break your covenant with us or you would cease to be God. Help us to be comforted by this through your Holy Spirit when we are undergoing trials. Jesus never promised us that our lives would be carefree; indeed he said there would be tribulation and that we would have to take up our cross and follow him. But LORD, you have promised to be with us always, no matter what. We praise you and thank you!
Father, we need only to look to your mighty deeds in the past and all the miracles you have wrought to bring salvation and healing to your people. Nature is powerful and frightening but you rule over nature and it trembles at your sight. You parted the Red Sea to let the Israelites escape from Egypt. Who is like you, LORD? Your power is made perfect in our weakness and your grace is sufficient for each day.
Father, we feel so desperately sad for the people of Ukraine who are enduring the horrors of an unprovoked war. Protect them, LORD, and give them hope as they continue to stand up to the enemy and fight for their freedom. Heal their pain, Father, and strengthen them. Be with those who pass through the shadow of the valley of death. Father, you led your people through the Red Sea and yet your footprints were unseen. You are intervening on our behalf even when we cannot see you or any immediate answers to our prayers; we know you are there, working out your plan which will be to the benefit of your people. Father, please give the Western leaders the wisdom they need to help the Ukrainians and bring this conflict to an end. Have mercy, Father.
Heavenly Father, the psalm teaches us to acknowledge our pain and to come to you with it, for who better to deal with sin and evil and pain than you? Jesus suffered so much for our sakes so that we could be saved. When we lament before you, you give us grace and your Holy Spirit who helps us to be more obedient and thankful to you. You alone bring real hope and peace to our hearts. For this we give you thanks and praise and all the glory.
AMEN
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 79″ tag=h6]
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
As we read the psalms, we can see how things never change. People continue to go their own way and sully your name, bringing destruction on themselves and others. In Asaph’s time, in the 6th century B.C., the temple in Jerusalem had been desecrated and destroyed by the Babylonians, your servants killed and left to rot, while those who survived were mocked and scorned by the conquerors. Your people had fallen into idolatry and no longer worshipped you as they ought to have. Like Israel, LORD, we can expect your wrath and judgement when we turn away from you and do as we think fit instead of what your Word instructs us to do. When some would claim there is no God, we know the opposite is true. You are there, and you judge the peoples when they turn from you. In our own time, LORD, our society has denied the truth, even that any truth exists or can be known. But we know that Jesus is the Truth. It has recently been proposed that our armed forces should no longer have chaplains or other religious leaders ministering to our soldiers unless they belong to a group that espouses moral relativism and secular values. Freedom of religion is no longer something we can take for granted in Canada. As our country drifts farther and farther away from you, we should expect your judgement on our land. Be with us, LORD, and give us the strength to stand up for Jesus in these anti-Christian times. Help us to lift your name high and boldly proclaim to all who would hear that you are Lord of all and the gracious saviour of all who believe so that they too might be saved. Father, today there are wars in Ukraine and elsewhere with terrible and needless suffering endured by innocent and guilty alike. Father, we also pray that you might preserve your people in Ukraine and all who are persecuted for believing in you. Give them peace and the strength to face each new day, come what may.
Father, you are both perfectly just and perfectly loving. But the price for sin must be paid. You hold accountable and condemn the guilty who do not repent. You do, however, forgive those who confess their sins, are heartily sorry for them, repent and believe. We know that we do not deserve your mercy; It is all grace. Nevertheless, we confess that we continually fall short and ask for your forgiveness. You are a holy God, and yet you love us even though we are sinners. Thank you for providing the way back to you, LORD. Help us to live for you, in gratitude for the atoning sacrifice of your Son, Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. We praise your holy name. Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
AMEN.
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 80″ tag=h6]
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
You are both holy LORD and loving Shepherd. You are the Creator, the Most High, the Almighty, the one eternal living God who is worthy of our worship and praise. Forgive our trespasses and keep us from temptation, we pray. What is impossible for us on our own is possible when we belong to you. You are able to protect us from the power of sin through the victory of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, on the cross. We praise you for Jesus, the Good Shepherd of the sheep, who lovingly leads us to green pastures and protects us from harm. We praise you for the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, who is with us even now to cheer and to guide. Convict us of our sin. Help us to do what is pleasing in your sight. Hear us now, we pray, for we long for your presence and comfort and the strength to do your will.
Father, our world is in a downward spiral of sin. There is increasing violence, homelessness, a breakdown in mental health, increased poverty and a rejection of your truth in favour of ideologies that cause harm and confusion. And it is not just in the world but in the church. Churches that once upheld your word faithfully and consistently are now weak and divided. They have rejected the authority of the bible for the “wisdom” of the world and have become apostate. LORD, help and guide your people who have left their church homes for safer, greener pastures, where your word is treasured and believed. We know that we need to increase our devotion to you and to pray more earnestly because it is only through prayer that revival will come. Empower your leaders with the Holy Spirit to preach your word with power and in truth. Empower your people to show the love of Jesus in their actions and interactions with others so that you may use us as your instruments to bring them to you.
LORD, you installed Israel in the holy land as a vine is planted in rich soil. There it flourished for a time, but like us, they were prone to disobedience and idolatry and you had to restore them and bring them to repentance over and over again. Then when the time was right you sent your Son, Jesus, to earth to be the true vine. Father, we ask that we might always be grafted to the true vine and bear fruit for the glory of your kingdom. Father, restore us. Shine the light of your grace on us and help us to be a beacon of truth. Help us to accomplish great things in your name. Bring the nations to repentance and save them. We ask it in Jesus’ name.
AMEN
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 81″ tag=h6]
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
We praise you and we have peace and joy because you are our God. You loved us so much that you sent your only Son to die on the cross for our sakes and to take away our sins. How can we thank you for your forgiveness and the gift of eternal life? We are so undeserving. We humbly come before you today. Thank you Father. Thank you, Lord Jesus. We thank you for sending us the Holy Spirit to be with us and be our comforter. Thank you, LORD.
Just as you preserved Joseph so that he could save his people from a great famine, you also deliver us from our distress. We are getting closer to being able to resume our normal way of life. We thank you for your mercy. You feed us with your word and your promises. And you are a faithful God that we know is the only true living God. We have hope because of you and you alone.
I pray today for those who have turned away from you and will not listen to your words of life. So many think they know better than you, or have been brought up to believe in worthless idols. Open their eyes, LORD, to the life-giving truth of your Word. Help us to be good witnesses and use us as your instruments to bring the message of life to those we know are not putting their trust in you. Open our eyes to opportunities to serve you and bring others to you.
We pray these things in Jesus’ name. AMEN.
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 82″ tag=h6]
A PSALM OF ASAPH.
God has taken his place in the divine council;
in the midst of the gods he holds judgement:
“How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked?
Give justice to the weak and fatherless;
maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute.
Rescue the weak and the needy;
deliver them from the hand of the wicked.”
They have neither knowledge nor understanding,
they walk about in darkness;
all the foundations of the earth are shaken.
I said, “You are gods, sons of the Most High, all of you;
nevertheless, like men you shall die, and fall like any prince.”
Arise, O God, judge the earth; for you shall inherit all the nations.
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
You are the judge of all judges. You judge in righteousness, and you will hold earthly judges to account. Woe to those who are bribed by the wicked to escape justice.
Instead, our judges are to look after the weak and the fatherless and not let them be taken advantage of by the rich and powerful. May your laws be upheld and justice done in our land.
How blessed we would all be if everyone knew and understood your holy law and lived their lives in accordance with it. Those who know the bible and to whom they belong cannot be shaken. Societies that reject your law, father, produce unjust leaders and dictatorships where the people cannot thrive and are hopeless. The arrogant judges and rulers who wield their power with no thought for their people will perish in their sin and be lost forever.
Lord Jesus, when you return, you will judge the nations and restore order to our chaotic world. One day you will judge us as well. We pray that we might believe and apply your word faithfully so that we can stand before you at the last day and enter your heavenly kingdom.
In Christ’s name we pray. AMEN.
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 83″ tag=h6]
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
This month we remember and honour the Canadians who fought in the great wars who took up the call to protect our nation and our values and who gave their lives or came back forever changed. We are grateful for their sacrifice and pray that we don’t have to go to war again. Israel has always been surrounded by enemies from ancient times to present day and David and all the righteous leaders looked to you for protection and deliverance in times of conflict. Today your church is under attack from the evil one to varying degrees all over the world.
Just as David pleads for your action against invading armies that seek the destruction of Israel, we plead with you for victory against our own enemies who seek to destroy Christians and our faith because of their hatred for you. We are surrounded by people hostile to the faith. Even in our own relatively safe country, people do not seek the truth, but elevate culture and individual preferences and seek to silence those who do not promote their immoral worldview. There are increasing divisions in the church and a falling away from biblical truth. Satan is sowing seeds of confusion through social media. There is a growing lack of discernment and ignorance regarding our faith. LORD, we pray that you will be honoured and your truth affirmed at the upcoming Classis meeting.
David knows you are the God who intervenes in history and he asks for the destruction of his enemies just as you helped Gideon to defeat the Midianites, Deborah to defeat the Canaanites and many others you delivered in the past. Then he asks for you to use forces of nature to cause their destruction and feel your wrath. LORD, we can’t help but think of your judgement these days when we see the raging fires and volcanic eruptions and devastating floods. Today we ask that you destroy those who are wholly set on evil. Those in drug and sex trafficking, those who persecute Christians, those who take pleasure in killing and terrorizing. We also ask that you turn hearts of stone to hearts of flesh and bring many more souls to yourself. You are a sovereign, righteous judge and also a merciful father. We trust you to bring to repentance those whom you will. And we know, LORD, that despite the evil we see and confront, the victory has already been won through our Lord, Jesus Christ. We thank you for sending your son, who was willing to lay down his life for us to deliver us from our sins. And we are grateful for all the faithful who strive every day to spread your word, who pray for others, who lead selfless lives, who show kindness and bring hope to the suffering and the lost. We thank you for our pastor and Lilia, for Ravee and Selvy and all those in our own church who seek to serve you. Help all your people to persevere and to serve you faithfully and cheerfully. For we ask it in Jesus’ name.
AMEN.
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 84″ tag=h6]
TO THE CHOIRMASTER: ACCORDING TO THE GITTITH.
A PSALM OF THE SONS OF KORAH.
How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD of hosts!
My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the LORD;
my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God.
Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest for herself,
where she may lay her young, at your altars, O LORD of hosts, my King and my God. Blessed are those who dwell in your house, ever singing your praise! Selah
Blessed are those whose strength is in you, in whose heart are the highways to Zion. As they go through the Valley of Baca they make it a place of springs;
the early rain also covers it with pools.
They go from strength to strength; each one appears before God in Zion.
O LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer; give ear, O God of Jacob! Selah.
Behold our shield, O God; look on the face of your anointed!
For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere.
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
than dwell in the tents of wickedness.
For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favour and honour.
No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly.
O LORD of hosts, blessed is the one who trusts in you!
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
We long to worship you in the sanctuary where we can sing praises to you with our whole heart. It is not the building itself we long for; we long to be in your presence, and where your people are gathered to worship, there you are. We feel blessed when we come before you with fellow believers to honour you and glorify you. May our praise never be lukewarm but fervent and from our whole being. Church is where we are fed spiritually and strengthened for the coming week. You quench our thirst for righteousness when we hear your word and have loving fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Father God, you provided your Son to be our shield. Our Lord Jesus has covered our sins with his righteousness and protected us from your wrath, for when you look upon us, it is the face of your beloved Son that you see. Thank you for this magnificent saving grace! Thank you that we can approach you boldly with our prayers because of what Jesus has done for us.
LORD, how wonderful it is to know that you are present with us. You are our sun and shield. You provide us with light and life and protect us from harm. You promise us a permanent dwelling with you in heaven, where we will see you face to face. Knowing this wonderful promise, we must seek to live a holy life, and to trust you more fully for everything that we need. In this way we will be truly blessed. May it be so.
In Christ’s name. AMEN.
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 85″ tag=h6]
TO THE CHOIRMASTER. A PSALM OF THE SONGS OF KORAH.
LORD, you were favourable to your land;
you restored the fortunes of Jacob.
You forgave the iniquity of your people;
you covered all their sin. Selah
You withdrew all your wrath;
you turned from your hot anger.
Restore us again, O God of our salvation,
and put away your indignation toward us!
Will you be angry with us forever?
Will you prolong your anger to all generations?
Will you not revive us again,
that your people may rejoice in you?
Show us your steadfast love, O LORD,
and grant us your salvation.
Let me hear what God the LORD will speak,
for he will speak peace to his people, to his saints;
but let them not turn back to folly.
Surely his salvation is near to those who fear him,
that glory may dwell in our land.
Steadfast love and faithfulness meet;
righteousness and peace kiss each other.
Faithfulness springs up from the ground,
and righteousness looks down from the sky.
Yes, the LORD will give what is good,
and our land will yield its increase.
Righteousness will go before him
and make his footsteps a way.
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
You have been faithful to save your people in the past, forgiving their sins and giving them your peace. We always need to remember your lovingkindness and mercy and be grateful for this undeserved grace that you extend to all believers through the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Father, we ask that you would hear our confessions and revive us again, for we continue to fall short of the mark. Send your spirit to strengthen us and guide us for there are so many things that afflict us. Poor health, grief for loss of a loved one, broken relationships, and feelings of anxiety at the rising levels of hatred in our society.
Sometimes we are overwhelmed and unable to see our way through. You tell us to think about whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy. And what better source of all that is good and beautiful than in the person of Jesus himself. When we listen to him and pray to him and trust him and obey him we are assured of our salvation and we can better face whatever comes our way.
LORD God, you are holy and righteous and judge of all but you are also a God of love and mercy, providing your own Son to be the sacrificial Lamb to appease your wrath and take away the sin of the world. Truly righteousness and peace meet on the cross of Jesus and we who believe have a glorious hope for the future and we will be restored and whole once again.
Thanks be to God. AMEN.
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 86″ tag=h6]
Father in Heaven,
We are so thankful that we can come directly to you in prayer because of what your Son has done for us and that He intercedes on our behalf. Thank you, LORD.
We ask for your mercy and your grace because although we are saved, we are by nature sinners, and we need your forgiveness every day. We are sorry for our sins and humbly ask to be restored.
We ask for your mercy in our time of trouble, because you answer us.
We ask for your blessing on all our brothers and sisters who most especially need you now. I particularly ask that you would strengthen and encourage my friend Janet, who has Parkinsons and whose health is deteriorating. She has to walk with a walker and she will soon need a psw to help her in the shower. Her back is sore after a fall. She is thankful for the medical and family support she receives and for everyday mercies. I thank you for her strong faith, and that she is not bitter or angry, but accepts this terrible affliction. She sometimes feels she is worthless because she is able to do so little, but in her heart she knows who you are and that she is your child. Help her in her lowest moments and give her the peace and strength she needs day by day.
So many others have physical or mental afflictions or are sad because of being separated from loved ones. We pray today especially for Claudia and Bud. We thank you that Cathy’s physiotherapy has been very successful and pray for continued healing. I pray that John would soon be admitted to the epilepsy clinic and that they would be able to improve his quality of life. Father, I pray that our young people will continue to learn about you and put their trust in you and not the wickedness that surrounds them in the world. I pray for our families, that they would stay strong and faithful and that we would all be good witnesses to the truth of the gospel.
Lord, we know that you are the only true and living God, the only god deserving of glory and praise, but Father, in our world there is little acceptance of the notion of absolute truth and your followers are suffering in so many ways all over the world. Please alleviate their pain and suffering. Help them to be strong in the face of all kinds of hardship and to know that those who are persecuted for Jesus’ sake will ultimately be blessed. Lord, you have redeemed us and we are your people. Help us to walk in your ways, be ever thankful to you, and to serve you, showing our love through obedience to you.
In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN.
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[expand title=”Book 4 – Psalms 90-106″ tag=h4]
[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 93″ tag=h6]
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
You are the king of the universe. You rule everything with power and righteousness.
You delivered Moses and the Israelites from Pharaoh by parting the Red Sea with your mighty hand. Then You sent your son, Jesus Christ, to deliver us from our sins through the shedding of his precious blood. You accomplish your purposes for us and through us and you intervene in the lives of your people and in creation. You are the one true living and eternal God. We praise you for the stability we have in you when all around us there is uncertainty and despair.
Father, the floods come and waves threaten to crush us. We have seen this literally this past week in British Columbia where floods have destroyed houses and fields, killed livestock, caused deadly landslides, and wiped out bridges and roads and cut off communities from travel and necessary supplies. We pray for these people who are facing more rain this week and ask for your mercy on them. Father, water is necessary to all and can be so refreshing and so beautiful, but we are reminded of its incredible destructive power. Father we know that you are mightier than any storm and that Jesus calmed the Sea of Galilee with a single verbal command to be still.
The world may crumble around us, but your promises are sure and certain. Holiness adorns Your house. Where you are, we find holiness, righteousness, purity, mercy and love. We praise you and thank you for the risen Christ, who reigns with you and who gives us all we need to withstand the storm. His name be praised.
AMEN
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 99″ tag=h6]
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
You are sovereign over all peoples and the universe you created. You are three times holy and there is no one like you. We all ought to tremble before you in reverence and fear. You are the righteous king, perfect in goodness and righteousness and purity. You rule with fairness and are always true to your character and your covenant with us. Help us to see the seriousness of our sin and how it grieves you. Help us to know the debt we owe you which cannot be repaid except through the blood of our Saviour, Jesus. You lead us in paths of righteousness and restore our broken lives. We lift you up, we praise you, and we come before you humbly to worship you, God most holy, God most high.
Holy Father, you used priests and prophets and kings to do your will and be examples for us. They called on you and you answered them. They obeyed your commandments and led your people. You expect the same obedience from us today. We are called to be holy in everything we do because you are holy and we are made in your image. We are blessed when we are obedient, and judged when we disobey. We struggle and fall short and confess our sins to you, knowing that by repenting we are forgiven. LORD, we exalt you, because you are the God who reigns, who judges, who answers and who forgives. Blessed be your holy name. Forever and ever, AMEN.
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 100″ tag=h6]
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
We are to worship you with joyful hearts, now and always. You are the God of all the earth. Let all peoples worship you! We praise you for all you are and thank you for all you have done for us. Let us give ourselves to you and serve you, not grudgingly, but willingly and cheerfully out of the deepest love and gratitude. Help us to sing and praise and worship and serve with our whole hearts!
Father, you alone are God. There is none other. You are our creator and we need you. We depend on you for everything, for our very lives. You are our redeemer, and you look after us lovingly as a shepherd tends his sheep, even to the point of laying down your life for us. We thank you, Lord Jesus, that we belong to you! Holy Spirit, you convict us of our sin and you guide us in the right way. Thank you for melting our stony hearts and bringing us healing, hope and peace.
Father, we enter your sanctuary with an attitude of thankfulness and bless your name, for you are good and kind and faithful to your covenant to be our God and to be with us always. You are holy and true and we can count on your love all the days of our lives and beyond. We come to worship you and bless you and when we do, we in turn are truly blessed!
Thanks be to God. AMEN.
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 103″ tag=h6]
Bless the LORD, O my soul;
And all that is within me, bless his holy name!
Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases,
Who redeems your life from the pit,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfies your mouth with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
Dear LORD, this is a special time of Thanksgiving for the church, but we ought to thank you and praise you every day for your goodness and tender loving care of us and we should worship you with everything we have. We thank you for your forgiveness which leads to our salvation and impacts our health as well. You heal us, body and soul. You preserve us and keep us off the path to destruction and lead us on the path to eternal life. We enjoy so many good things from your hands. Wonderful friends and family, fellowship with believers, clean water to drink, and abundant food to enjoy and keep us healthy. You surround us with the beauty of nature, the colourful leaves, roses and green grass, sparkling water and sunsets. So many tender mercies that we appreciate and that make our lives richer here on earth as well.
The LORD executes righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed. He made known his ways to Moses, his acts to the children of Israel.
The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in mercy. He will not always strive with us, nor will he keep his anger forever.
He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor punished us according to our iniquities.
Father, we praise you and thank you that you are a God of both words and action. You tell us how to live and you act in history to show your faithfulness, righteousness, justice and mercy towards your people. We are sinners and undeserving of your mercy. You saved your people from Egypt and showed your patience with an ungrateful and grumbling people. You caused the angel of death to pass over the houses marked by the blood of a lamb to save the believing Israelites. Likewise, we who believe in Jesus today are saved from our sins by the blood of the holy Lamb of God. How can we thank you enough for the sacrifice of your Son whom you sent to die for us sinners? Our sins are great, but your mercy is more! Help us to show our devotion to you by being a living sacrifice.
For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward those who fear him;
As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. As a father pities his children, so the LORD pities those who fear him.
For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust.
O LORD, you are so high above us, we are in awe of you and what you have done for us. That you would remove our sins from us so that they are as far from us as east is to west. And you have taken pity on us, as a father who loves his children, and who does everything to help them succeed. For you are a living and personal God, not some imagined, uncaring entity. You sent Jesus to be with us, to live like us and sympathize with us, and yet be without sin so that he could be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. What an amazing and merciful God, you are, LORD.
As for man, his days are like grass; as a flower of the field, so he flourishes.
For the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more.
But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, And his righteousness to children’s children, to such as keep his covenant,
And to those who remember his commandments to do them.
Father, we are like the flowers and the grass that live a short while. In a few generations no one on earth will remember we lived, but you, LORD, you will remember us forever. We will strive to keep your commandments and be faithful to your covenant, but we know that when we fail, you are quick to forgive. Help us more and more to love you and obey you. We thank you that though our life on earth is short, it has meaning, because we are assured of an eternal home to come.
The LORD has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all. Bless the LORD, you his angels, who excel in strength, who do his word, Heeding the voice of his word.
Bless the LORD, all you his hosts, you ministers of his, who do his pleasure. Bless the LORD, all his works, in all places of his dominion.
Bless the LORD, O my soul!
Father, let all the angels, the heavenly armies and all creation praise you! For you are sovereign over all! You rule over everything and are worthy to be praised. We thank you for showing us mercy when we deserved punishment, for your kindness when we deserved your wrath, for sending Jesus when we deserved the devil. You are truly the God of grace. We praise you and we thank you with all our hearts.
AMEN
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[expand title=”Book 5 – Psalms 107-150″ tag=h4]
[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 107″ tag=h6]
Riotous Renewal
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
The church is in decline in our part of the world and we desperately need renewal and revival. Even after many periods in history of disobedience, sin and waywardness, You have always remained faithful to your covenant promise to restore and bless your people. We need you today Lord, even more.
1-3 Call to Worship
Lord, we are called to worship you and to give you thanks for your continuing mercy. Your salvation is greater than our sin and you are able to do all things. Help us always to trust you, worship you and witness to you. You are faithful and true, and you bless those whom you have redeemed, your people who have come from all parts of the world. Through Jesus, You have redeemed us from the power of evil and drawn us to yourself. May we ever be thankful for your amazing grace.
4-9 Deliverance
Father, we have all wandered far away from you and need your deliverance. The Israelites were captives in Egypt and then exiles in Babylon, and you heard their cries for help and delivered them. We know that in times of deepest distress we are closer to you because we know we can’t save ourselves and must rely on you. I pray that the world which is in so much turmoil and suffering from wars and natural disasters and other forms of darkness might come to you now, seeking your mercy and your salvation. Your goodness and mercy is the antidote to a dark and fallen world. Send your Holy Spirit to convict people of their sins and repent and so be blessed.
10-16 Salvation
Father, those who rebel against you will be judged. We all need to believe you and live. The new generation is growing up with no knowledge of you. It is an ignorance that leads to death. Following other gods and philosophies that are false will help no one. Only true faith in the living God can fight against the powers and principalities of this world. Thank you, LORD, for saving those who come to you and showing mercy to the wretched.
17-22 Healing
Father, sin can cause illness. When we sin we can become wracked with guilt and physically or mentally ill. Grief can lead to discontentment and depression. We know that you can heal us from physical and spiritual sickness and our response must be to acknowledge you and praise you. Help us to live with joyful, thankful hearts.
23-32 Calm
Father God, you are sovereign over all things. You cause great waves to swell, storms, tsunamis and hurricanes and you also calm the seas. Jesus saved the disciples from a stormy gale on the sea of Galilee. You brought Paul safely to the shores of Malta so that he could continue his journey to Rome. John Wesley and John Newton were both brought to their knees and converted when in danger on the sea. Lord, you use nature to show your power to judge and to save. You bring calm after the storm. Those who are spared need to show their reverence, thanksgiving, worship and witness in private and also in church and the world in response to these almighty acts of mercy.
33-42 Renewal
Father, today the earth is becoming warmer, thousands of acres are being destroyed by fire, other places suffer floods, earthquakes and mudslides and it looks like the end times. In the past, you have judged the wicked by bringing floods or droughts and famine until they repented. Your mighty flood wiped out all people on Earth but Noah and his family. In Joseph and Elijah’s times it was drought and famine that brought the people to their knees in desperation. The world today is wicked and deserving of any judgement it receives. And yet we know that those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be blessed. Followers of Jesus will have abundant life even though there will be persecution and trials. But those who oppress God’s people will be judged and the lowly believer will be exalted and will rejoice.
43 Reflection
Dear LORD, help us to heed and to witness to the wisdom of the Bible. Like the Israelites, we understand that you are faithful to the covenant, judging sin and redeeming the sinner. We know that when there seems to be no hope, you alone bring us hope and you revive us and bring us back into your family. You are sovereign, almighty and merciful and we ask you to revive the church in our land through your Holy Spirit.
In your precious son Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 111″ tag=h6]
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
We long to praise you with our whole hearts. We are so grateful for all your works; everything you have done for your people in the past, and all the wonderful things you have done and provided for us today. We thank you and praise you here in our prayer meeting, every week in the sanctuary and every day of our lives. We see the beauty of your creation all around us which is a testament to your goodness and grace. (I am so grateful for my time spent up north in Muskoka this past week, where I was able to kayak and swim in calm, pristine waters and soak in the exceptional beauty of this area.) You designed everything to be good and to work in harmony. We see the incredible design and variety of your creation which displays the awesome nature of your unique and eternal character.
You meet all our physical needs. We have shelter, water and food in abundance. You also feed us spiritually with the Word, your son Jesus Christ, the bread of life, who came to Earth to show us more clearly who you are and to sacrifice himself for our eternal benefit. Through him who died for our sins we have communion with you and with our fellow believers. Forgive us our sins, LORD, and continue to show us your grace and mercy we pray.
Father, you want us to remember your deeds and miracles wrought in the past because they prove that you are an almighty God who carries out justice for his people and who is trustworthy and able to fulfil his covenant promises. Just as you rescued the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, you will rescue all who turn to you in repentance and faith from the slavery of sin. You are not just a distant God of an ancient historical people, you are our God as well, and we see your blessings in our lives. And so we must respond by being wise and fearing you, LORD, for you are the holy, separate, unique, eternal and living God who reigns over all things, who is the same yesterday, today and forever. You love us, you have redeemed us and you work through your word in our lives. Help us to ever praise you with all that we are and to become the people you would have us to be.
In Jesus’ name we ask this. AMEN.
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 113″ tag=h6]
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
You are to be praised every day from dawn till dusk, now and forever. We are your humble servants and you are our loving God who has redeemed us from the slavery of sin and the perils of this world. We owe you a great debt of thanks and service and we lovingly offer You our sacrifice of praise. Thank you, LORD! We bless your name and praise you! Father, we don’t praise you as often as we should, and we ask your forgiveness. We can become complacent or busy or distracted. So many reasons. We are sorry for our lack of zeal. Father, we know how blessed we are when we come to you and give our cares over to you. Thank you for the covenant you made with your people to be our God, a God who will never forsake us. Thank you for your grace. For carrying our burdens and giving us the strength and encouragement we need to face whatever comes. You have the power to heal us and give us hope for the future. We praise you, LORD!
Father, You are so high above us, we can’t even imagine it. You designed the whole universe and spoke it into being. No one is like you. You are unique, eternal, all powerful, all gracious and sovereign over all things. There are people who have great power and wealth and position, but they are nothing compared to you. You scoff at world leaders and dictators who think they are in control. You alone have the authority and the power to achieve your purposes.
LORD, you are like nothing we could have invented, because which one of us would conceive of a God who is all powerful and who is also humble enough to care for us and want us to be saved? LORD, you sent your own son to live on Earth with us and to die for us so that we could be your children. You lift up the poor and needy and humble the rich.
You make the barren woman as happy and fulfilled as any mother of children. In Jesus we can see who you are. If we know Jesus, we know you, Father. Jesus was anointed to preach the gospel to the poor. He associated with all those society despised. He brought down the proud and lifted up the humble. LORD, you alone are wholly worthy to be praised. Thank you for your mercy and goodness towards us. You are holy, pure and loving. Help us to worship you as we ought to, with all our hearts, all the time.
In your precious Son Jesus’ name we pray this. AMEN
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 114″ tag=h6]
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
You redeemed your people Israel in order to dwell with them and to keep them separate from all the people on the earth. Today we are truly your people if you dwell with us and we submit to your kingdom rule. What marks us as Christians is not our church building or our style of worship, but your presence in and authority over our lives. Help us to be good and faithful citizens of your kingdom, Lord, and loving witnesses to our neighbours.
You showed your awesome power when you parted the Red Sea to save your people from Pharaoh’s armies and when you made it possible for your people to claim the Promised Land. Even the sea and the mountains fear you, Lord, and do your bidding.
Father, we revere you and worship you because you are the almighty God, ruler of all the heavens and the earth, the one true, living God. Nothing is impossible for you. You are able to save poor sinners like us and turn them towards yourself. Thank you for loving us and providing a way of salvation through the atoning sacrifice of your son, Jesus. You provided water in the desert for your people Israel, and Jesus offers us living water to restore our souls.
All praise and thanks be to God to whom alone is the glory. AMEN.
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 115″ tag=h6]
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
We confess that when we are enduring hardships and are overwhelmed by all the negative things we see increasing in the world, the poverty, famines and wars, it can seem that you are not here with us. But we know that this is only temporary despair, causing us to forget all that you are and all that you have promised. You do not promise that we will live a life without trials and tribulations, but that you will bless all those who believe in you and enable us to persevere.
Since the beginning, people have chosen to worship false gods; idols made by their own hands or their own imaginations. Gods that allow them to do whatever they want to do. These gods are powerless and empty, as are all who believe in them. Our God is the holy and loving creator of the universe and everything in it, and to him alone is due all the glory and praise. We are to trust in him alone for our protection in the spiritual warfare we face in today’s world. Trusting in God alone, by faith alone, through Christ alone is our only hope. We so often fall short, and we confess our sins. LORD, please help us to become more faithful to you, as we increase our time spent in prayer and reading your holy word and focus more on serving you and our neighbour.
Father, we know you love us, because you sent your only son, Jesus, to be our guide and to give his life for us. And we look forward to his return, when all things will be made new again. In the meantime, we have the blessed assurance of our salvation, of your truth and love and mercy and your presence in our lives as you answer our prayers and sustain us. You bless us in so many ways. For this we give you all the thanks and praise due your name.
AMEN.
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 116″ tag=h6]
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
We call to you and you hear us. How many times have you helped your people through illness and despair, healed miraculously and given us hope? Your healing renews our faith and increases our sense of assurance in our salvation. We are healed, body and soul. We are sinners who are forgiven. Through the death of Jesus on the cross, our sin is placed on him and his righteousness is imputed to us. What a gracious gift of forgiveness, love and peace we have received by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.
We all face crises from time to time. And face them we must. When we cannot find solutions ourselves we must turn to you, and trust in your grace and mercy. This week we faced the loss of Rick Watson, Dave Hutton, and Queen Elizabeth II, all godly people who we now trust are in your glorious presence. We thank you for their lives and their service to you. Please be with their families and all who mourn them. Precious indeed is the death of your saints in your sight. We thank you for your promise that one day you will wipe every tear from our eyes and death shall be no more.
And what can we render to you for this great salvation? Father, we promise to offer you our continual thanksgiving, to worship you, to serve you obediently and cheerfully, and to witness to your great mercy and love. Help us to do so, LORD, with all our hearts.
In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN.
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 117″ tag=h6]
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
We praise you and thank you this morning for your love and mercy. You revealed yourself first to the Jews, but your mercy extends also to us Gentiles in all nations. Thank you, LORD! We praise you for your lovingkindness and your enduring faithfulness. We can count on your promises because we know your word is true. We see your character in your Son, Jesus, who is the way, the truth and the life, and who is the reason for our hope in this life and the life to come. Help us to reach out to others, to obey the Great Commission to bring the gospel to all nations, so that they too may know your love and your great promise of salvation.
In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN.
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 118″ tag=h6]
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
You are indeed gracious and merciful. You chose us to be your people and made a covenant with us. You are slow to anger when we sin and abounding in love and mercy towards us. We confess we do not deserve this. As the Jews were and continue to be surrounded by enemies, we too are surrounded by spiritual evil and we depend on you to protect us. But we know that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. This is our hope and stay.
Father, you are our God whose mercy endures forever, whose word is ever true and whose character remains the same now and forever. We can trust you always.
When we are in distress and we come to you in prayer, our burdens are lifted off our shoulders. We feel your mercy and the relief from our distress. We know that whatever may happen to us or our loved ones, you are right there with us, guiding us and comforting us. We have no need to fear, because you are our sovereign LORD who is reigning over all things. People let us down, but you are always true.
Father, when we face attacks, trials and temptations, you are there. If only we would always turn to you for help! You are strong to save. When we are hurt or depressed or stuck in addiction or persist in sinning, we must turn to you, pray to you, immerse ourselves in your
Word, seek the counsel of godly Christians and most of all, trust in your saving grace. We praise you and thank you for your mercy and lovingkindness. You never turn your back on us when we earnestly seek forgiveness and strive to please you. Thank you, LORD!
You give us victory over sin and death. You make the weak strong, the foolish wise; the rejected stone becomes the cornerstone. Deliverance comes from you, LORD, through Jesus Christ our saviour. This is the day that the LORD has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.
AMEN
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 119″ tag=h6]
[expandsub2 title=”Psalm 119:1-8 א Aleph” tag=h6]
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
We seek your help and blessing. We are blessed by you when we read your word and strive to do as it says. Your precepts are designed to bless us when we follow them. We do not want to offer you joyless, legalistic obedience, but to seek to know you through the scriptures and to be able to love you with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to worship you in joyful obedience out of gratitude for your love and mercy towards us.
You command us to keep your laws diligently. Lord Jesus, you who alone were able to keep the law perfectly, you nevertheless command us to keep your commandments if we love you. We pray that you would give us more zeal to serve you and not ourselves. Impress on us the divine authority of the scriptures and fill us with the Spirit so that we might keep them constantly, willingly and cheerfully for your glory and our blessing.
Father, your law points out our sin, not to drive us to despair, but to make us repent and seek Christ. Your Holy Spirit is able to work in us the miracle of repentance, salvation and sanctification through belief in our Lord, Jesus Christ. And when we are able to keep your commandments, by your grace, the burden of our sin and shame is gone.
Father, we need your help to achieve our desire to please you with our obedience. Help us to praise you and worship you and love you and serve you with a right heart, for we cannot do it if you are not with us. And we know that you are with those who earnestly seek to do your will.
In Christ’s name we ask this. AMEN
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[expandsub2 title=”Psalm 119:9-16 ב Beth” tag=h6]
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
We come before you this Thanksgiving Monday grateful for your abundant gifts to us. We especially thank you for your written word, which contains the wisdom we need to lead a righteous life, for the Spirit who helps us to understand it, and for Jesus, the Living Word, whose death on the cross has freed us from the bondage of sin and provided the way for us to be reconciled to you, gracious Father.
Father, not only young men, but all of us need to know that we cannot succeed in our pursuit of holiness by relying on our own wisdom. We need to seek our answers in the bible and trust that you will help us to carry out your will for us. We need to know your teachings inside and out to be able to discern what is right and what is wrong. Help us to be disciplined in our desire to please you. For our desire is not just to be obedient, but to commune with you. We pray today for your guidance and that you would keep us from straying. We need you, LORD.
Father, help us to believe what you teach in the bible and not twist its meaning to suit ourselves, for it is your very own word to us. We should memorize your word, but also take it in and live by it, for by doing so we will be blessed. Power and wealth are nothing compared to the riches of knowing your word. Help us to share this blessing with others and not keep it to ourselves.
Father, we need to spend time meditating on your ways and strive to follow them. Help us to know what you would have us do to be faithful servants, full of gratitude and love for all you have done for us. May we delight more and more in your word, and by your grace become more effective servants in your kingdom.
In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN.
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[expandsub2 title=”Psalm 119:17-24 ג Gimel” tag=h6]
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
You are indeed gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. We strive to be your servants, but we can never measure up, and so we ask for your mercy not because we deserve it, but because we know your generous and loving nature. Forgive us our sins, and help us to turn from them so that we may become more like your son, Jesus. We ask for your grace and favour to help us.
The closer we become to you, the more we feel like strangers in our own world. Help us to persevere in the faith and to be witnesses of your truth and love to a broken world. We are unable to do this in and of ourselves. Guide and protect us, we pray.
LORD, help us to perceive the beauty of the Scriptures, just as we see and appreciate the beauty of brilliant gold and red and orange leaves on the trees in the fall. Open our eyes so that we may discern the truth of your Word and also recognize false teachings. The Scriptures are a comfort in times of trouble and bring us assurance and hope. Let them be a blessing particularly to the faithful who are being persecuted for Jesus’ sake. Let them comfort us as we are surrounded by people who have no desire to know you or what your holy book teaches. Let us be so consumed with your word that we long to conform ourselves to your will. Let no powers or principalities prevent us from worshipping you and giving you the glory.
Spare us and strengthen us when we are wrongly accused and help us to pray to you when others seek to hurt our reputation. For you uphold the righteous and you know what is in our hearts. Your Word brings us comfort when we are sad, wisdom when we need guidance, and teaches us to be joyful in all circumstances. Let us seek the counsel of the LORD in our pursuit of holiness so that we might both be blessed and be a blessing.
In Christ’s name, AMEN.
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[expandsub2 title=”Psalm 119:25-32 ד Daleth” tag=h6]
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
When we are weak, depressed, discouraged or at the point of death, it is you alone who promise us life! When we are the most in need, you are there and you revive us. Your word brings us your truth and your promises of restoration and life. When we cry out to you, you answer us. Teach us from your word and we will ponder all your marvellous deeds. Lead us away from false teaching and do not let us fall prey to the lies of the world. May we be convicted of our sin and correct our ways and strive to follow your precepts ever more closely. For not to do so is the way to shame and death. Open our eyes and our hearts so that we may know and keep your word, that it may be the foundation of our lives and the way to know and love you more each day. Surely revival in the church will come when the faithful cling to the truth of your word and carry it out with loving hearts.
We pray that it may be so. AMEN.
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[expandsub2 title=”Psalm 119:33-40 ה He” tag=h6]
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
Open our eyes to the truth of your word. Give us understanding as we read so
that we may love and appreciate its beauty and be obedient to it all the days of
our lives. By your grace, enlighten us so that we are equipped to holy service in
your name. Let our obedience not be out of a sense of begrudging duty but
because we are truly happiest when we seek to do good. Let our inclination be
towards love and service and not selfish desires. We know what we want to do,
but it is hard not to be distracted and we often fail to do what we ought to do and
do what we know we shouldn’t. We need the strength to resist things that tempt
us and focus on what is pleasing to you. Renew us each day for our walk with
you. For we are your servants and you are our King. Protect us from the enemy
and revive us through your righteousness. Knowing, understanding and living
your truth is the way to eternal life. You convict us of our sin, call us to
repentance and restore our relationship with you. We praise you and thank you
for this precious gift of grace through the death and resurrection of our Lord
Jesus Christ who is the way, the truth and the life.
In his name we pray. AMEN.
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[expandsub2 title=”Psalm 119:41-48 ו Waw” tag=h6]
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
You are abounding in love and mercy to all who come to you. You have promised to be with us and be our God. You have given us your word to convict us of our sins and turn us back to you. You have sent your Son Jesus to die for our sins and impart his righteousness to us. What a great salvation this is!
Your word is true, and we must hold fast to it. The world mocks and derides us because we love the Bible and its teachings. Even friends and family may reject us for our beliefs. Let us be brave and not hide our convictions, but proclaim your truth, for it is the only hope for us and for this broken world.
We love to read your word, LORD, and long to hear it preached so we may worship you in spirit and in truth. We are convicted, changed, encouraged, and emboldened by your word. It does not bind us, but it makes us free to live obedient lives, free of guilt and full of assurance of our place in your heavenly kingdom. We will speak your truth even to the highest authorities and not be not ashamed of the gospel, because we find our joy and our security in your word.
The more we love your word, the more we will be moved to share it with others. Let our response to the gift of our salvation be to delight in meditating on your word, and to let it rule our hearts and our actions for our blessing and your glory.
In Christ’s name we pray. AMEN.
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[expandsub2 title=”Psalm 119:49-56 ז Zayin” tag=h6]
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
Your word to us is your promise and our hope. You have promised to be true to your people, and you comfort us when we are afflicted. The world finds its comfort in riches or alcohol and drugs, but we are comforted and happiest when we are able to keep your word. We are grateful for your forgiveness when we do not succeed, grateful that you love us and draw us to yourself again. We are surrounded by those who despise you or are indifferent to you, but we will not be tempted to fall away; our faith will be strengthened in greater gratitude for our salvation. Thank you for opening our eyes to your truth, LORD. To see how faithful you are to us, LORD, we have just to read about your amazing deeds in the past; how many times you have intervened to save your people. There are so many wonderful stories in the Old and New Testaments and we have our own stories to tell as well. Thank you, Father, for sending your son, Jesus, who has saved us by his sacrifice and who continues to intercede for us. Father, send your Spirit to help us in our desire to be obedient to you, for we know that with increasing sanctification comes greater courage to face whatever comes our way with hope and good cheer.
In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN.
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[expandsub2 title=”Psalm 119:57-64 ח Heth” tag=h6]
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
Unlike the other tribes of Israel, the Levites did not receive a portion of the Promised Land, because as priests, they received you, O LORD, as their portion. Some prefer earthly treasures, but we have you as our God and you have promised us an everlasting inheritance as your children. And if we truly love you, we will keep your words.
We come before you asking for your forgiveness. When we consider ourselves, we are not always pleased with what we see. Help us to be faithful in prayer and bible reading, and set our feet on the path of holy living so that we may be more obedient and loving servants.
We need to be slow to sin and quick to obey. Teach us not to procrastinate in doing your will. Help us, we pray, to be true to you even when we are persecuted or mistreated. We will not be persuaded or coaxed to sin, but we will rely on your promise to protect us and deliver us from temptation.
We praise you Father, for your righteous judgements. You always do what is right and judge the peoples with fairness. The wicked fear your judgement but we are not afraid because we are covered with the righteousness of Jesus.
It is so easy and comfortable, LORD, being with others who fear you and strive to live holy lives. We feel a connection to those who love you and have fellowship with your Holy Spirit, no matter who they are or where they come from. Thank you for this precious gift of communion with the saints.
We see your mercy and covenant love towards your people everywhere we look. You are so faithful to us, LORD; teach us through your word how to be faithful to you. For we ask it in Jesus’ name.
AMEN.
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[expandsub2 title=”Psalm 119:65-72 ט Teth” tag=h6]
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
You bring us blessing after blessing and are faithful to your promises. We ask for a deeper knowledge and understanding of your ways so that we might live wisely and to your glory. We believe in your word. You are always true and just and good. Teach us your truth. Before we believed, we were full of pride and thought we were fine without you. Now we know our sinful nature and how we cannot thrive or have hope without you. We thank you for opening our eyes to the truth that Christ loved us so much that he died for our sins and justified us so that we might no longer be condemned. We delight more and more in your word and the hope and joy it brings, for through it we discover who you are, how infinite, sovereign, gracious and loving you are, and what a debt we owe to you. We thank you for the afflictions you send our way, for though they bring pain, they also draw us nearer to you and are for our ultimate good. Your truth is more wonderful than all the riches we can imagine. Today and always, we will praise you, the triune God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
AMEN.
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[expandsub2 title=”Psalm 119:73-80 י Yodh” tag=h6]
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
You have created us to know you and enjoy you forever. Please increase our understanding so that we might discern your will for our lives.
We pray that fellow believers will see the hope we have in you and that our witness may be an encouragement to them. When we see mature Christians who remain hopeful in difficult times, it is a powerful testimony to their faith. We have been so inspired by the grace and peace demonstrated by Brenda Korten in her struggles with family illness and bereavement and her own battle with cancer. What a blessing to know someone so full of the spirit. We thank you for Brenda’s example and for answering our prayers for her healing!
LORD, you are holy and righteous, and when we suffer, or face hard times, we must accept that it is part of your purpose for us, to bring us to repentance or to bring us closer to you. You are our rock whose steadfast love and mercy comfort us when we most need it. You lift us up when others would bring us down. We will continue to read and study your word, because your truth, whether harsh or tender, brings us what we need to live.
When people accuse us falsely or seek to harm us, let us not retaliate, but meditate on your word instead. Let us be a blessing to others by passing on what we know to those who seek you.
Create in us a pure heart free from hypocrisy. We can hide our sins from others, but we cannot hide from you. You know our hearts. But we have hope because you are faithful to answer our prayers for forgiveness. You alone are able to grant our request through Christ who died for the sins of all who believe and imputed his righteousness to them. Help us to be ever grateful for the truth of the gospel and to live out our gratitude in faithful service to you, for we ask it in Jesus’ precious name.
AMEN.
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[expandsub2 title=”Psalm 119:81-88 כ Kaph” tag=h6]
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
We pray today for the persecuted church around the world. While we in Canada live and worship in freedom, we know of countless brothers and sisters who are struggling to survive and yet they remain faithful to you. Please strengthen the faith of Christians in totalitarian regimes like China and North Korea, where Christianity is not tolerated and where practising the faith openly can lead to wrongful imprisonment, torture or death. We lift up Christians who live in predominantly Muslim countries in Africa and the Middle East and particularly those who are not even permitted to work or receive aid because of their faith, who also are subject to violence, kidnappings, torture and death. We pray for Christians in India, where the right to freedom of religion has eroded in recent years.
Hear the cries of your persecuted church, O LORD, and deliver them from their enemies. Give hope to those who are in prison or starving or facing death.
Father, it seems that those who are being persecuted often have the strongest faith and know that their only hope is to seek comfort from you. They know that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life and they seek to follow him and to stay true to their saviour no matter the consequences. They know that you love them and that this way leads to life.
Father, give us a heart to pray for our brothers and sisters who are suffering and to help them in any way we can. Help us to learn from their willingness to live and die for Christ that we might become more faithful, believing servants, ready to do your will come what may.
In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN
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[expandsub2 title=”Psalm 119:89-96 ל Lamedh” tag=h6]
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
Your word is eternal. It does not change with the times. Like you, LORD, it is faithful and trustworthy. In our ever changing and chaotic world which has exchanged the truth of God for a lie, it is such a comfort to know that we can have confidence in the truth of your eternal word.
You are faithful to us just as you have been faithful to all of your covenant people in the past. There is constancy in the laws of nature which you created. We can trust that the sun will rise and set every day, that the moon will wax and wane, and that the seasons will come every year. There is order in your universe. It is only sin that has polluted and corrupted our beautiful world.
We see your faithfulness even more clearly in your word. The more we trust it, the more we have hope and are able to withstand the pain and suffering that comes our way. Your word teaches us the depth of our sin and that you sent Jesus to bring healing and salvation to those who confess, repent and trust in him.
We long to be refreshed and strengthened in our faith every day by reading your word. We want to know you more and more and we never tire of reading about your promises to us. When Satan tempts or enemies threaten, we will not be deterred, but we will continue striving to understand and live out your truth.
All the beautiful things we enjoy in this world will come to an end, but our God and his holy word are everlasting. Let us therefore commit ourselves to reading and trusting the bible, which is God’s very own word to us, and which remains the same for every generation.
In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN.
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[expandsub2 title=”Psalm 119:97-104 מ Mem” tag=h6]
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
We love your word, because it is where we go to know the truth and gain wisdom. In it, we can learn more about our Lord Jesus, the Word made flesh, the only one who was able to fulfil the law perfectly, and who is the perfect example of how we should live. It is our guide for life and infinitely more valuable than any higher education we might acquire. If we meditate on the scriptures and obey its teachings, we have the wisdom and discernment necessary to prevent us from being seduced by the worldly lies of the enemy. When we keep your precepts, we can have peace of mind and a clear conscience. We would like to be good examples and not dishonour the name of Christian. Send us your Spirit, LORD, to help us stay on the right path and strengthen us against the temptation to sin. Keep us on the path to greater holiness, and therefore greater joy, as we seek to please you with our faithfulness to you and our service to others. In this new year, let us dedicate ourselves to meditating on your word and living every day to your glory.
In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN.
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[expandsub2 title=”Psalm 119:105-112 נ Nun” tag=h6]
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
As surely as a light in the darkness illumines our path and prevents us from stumbling, your Word reveals the truth to us and shows us how we should live.
We strive to keep your laws and follow the way of Jesus but we cannot attain your perfect standard of righteousness in and of ourselves. We must rely on the atoning sacrifice of your Son to relieve us of this burden of sin and guilt.
Accept our gratitude and praise, Father, for the richness of your grace and quickness to forgive your repentant people.
When we stray from your truth we are tempted to succumb to the way of the enemy. Keep us on the right path, LORD.a
We thank you, Jesus, for interceding for us, for if you are for us, who can be against us? Your gospel, seen throughout the pages of the bible, brings us a joy and peace that surpass all understanding. May we be ever grateful for this blessing and always inclined to do your will all the days of our lives.
AMEN.
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[expandsub2 title=”Psalm 119:113-120 ס Samekh” tag=h6]
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
You keep us safe and protected. Our hope is in the promises of your word. Those who want to be popular swing back and forth in what they say and do in order to please whoever they are talking to, but they do not have the security of those who stand firm in the teachings and truth of the bible.
We are to live in the world but not be influenced by it. Help us to love and serve our neighbours but also to be discerning enough not to fall into error because of false teachers. Increase our appetite for reading and understanding your word and send your Spirit to help guide us on the path to obedience.
Father, we know that you are three times holy and cannot abide sin. You will judge the wicked and all those who reject you. We have a godly fear of you and worship you in awe and reverence. We know that we would be condemned ourselves if not for your grace and we do not take our salvation lightly or for granted. We thank you for the perfect righteousness of Jesus that covers our sins and for the gift of the Holy Spirit who brings us your love, assurance and peace.
AMEN.
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[expandsub2 title=”Psalm 119:121-128 ע Ayin” tag=h6]
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
We strive to obey your word and ask for your blessing. We live in an increasingly secular world where people believe they do not need you. They are proud and self-satisfied and they dismiss your word as irrelevant or rebel outright against its teachings. The result is a society that is more selfish and prone to evil. But we are your children, and we look to your covenant promise to be our God and to deliver us. You preserve those who remain faithful to you. You are the living God who is not aloof but who acts in history, in our very lives. Teach us, LORD, the meaning of your holy word so that we may follow you more closely and avoid falling into the trap of any false doctrine. Your commandments are more precious to us than gold for they reveal our need for you and the way to peace and blessings in abundance. We praise you and thank you for the amazing love you have shown us in sacrificing your only begotten Son for our sakes and for sending your Spirit to strengthen and preserve us on our path of sanctification. Father, we pray that you would be with our church as we strive to remain faithful to you by proclaiming your holy gospel and living lives that are pleasing to you. We ask these things in Jesus’ name.
AMEN.
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[expandsub2 title=”Psalm 119:129-136 פ Pe” tag=h6]
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
Your word is wonderful; it is full of grace and power. Give us your divine insight and enlighten us to the truth; transform our hearts and minds so that we may live with greater purpose to your glory. Although your word satisfies us, at the same time we can never have enough, and we thirst for more. You are righteous and merciful and we ask that you would be gracious to us, as you are with all your children. We long to follow your ways but we fall short. Keep us from harmful addictions and habitual sin, LORD. Preserve us from oppression and temptation and keep us on the path to holiness. Oppressors bring pain and darkness to our lives, but you, Father, are all light and goodness. You love us and open the scriptures to us. Thank you, LORD! We are distressed when those we know and love disregard your law and have no love for you. Have mercy on them, LORD, and open their eyes and hearts. We ask all these things in Jesus’ name.
AMEN.
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[expandsub2 title=”Psalm 119:137-144 צ Tsadhe” tag=h6]
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
You are holy, righteous and faithful and we hang on every word that comes from your mouth. Just as you are faithful and just, so also is your word, and we must trust in its truth and reliability because it comes from you. Your holy and gracious character is revealed on every page of scripture and most clearly through the life and work of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the way, the truth and the life. We need not fear our adversaries, because we have you on our side, and they do not know you. You have kept your covenant promises to us over and over again. Father, you show us mercy and forgiveness every time we sincerely confess our sins. When powers and principalities conspire against us, we find comfort in your word. You are the living and eternal God who is also our loving father. We can turn to you when we are in trouble and you comfort us and bring us peace. Help us to follow your teachings more closely and to deepen our relationship with you, father, because we know it is the way to life everlasting.
AMEN.
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[expandsub2 title=”Psalm 119:145-152 ק Qoph” tag=h6]
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
The psalmist cries out to you with his whole heart and vows to keep your commandments. Father, may we follow this example when we pray, to pray fervently and often, so that you will hear us and help us. And let us strive to obey you with all our hearts also. We need to be saved from our sins and you are our only hope. We have hope in you because you are our sure anchor. You have always kept and will always keep your promises and so we can trust in your deliverance. You save those who call on you; you save them from their enemies and give them life and freedom from the burden of sin. Whether we meditate quietly or pray aloud, you show mercy on us with your lovingkindness so that we are strengthened and refreshed and ready to live for you. Those who persecute your people do not follow your law and the lies they believe lead to death. We pray that their eyes would be opened by your Holy Spirit and that they would repent and believe. Your commands are the truth and we are blessed when we live by them. Your word remains true today and forever and we are comforted in the knowledge that our faith is built on the solid foundation of our Lord Jesus Christ. His name be praised. AMEN.
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[expandsub2 title=”Psalm 119:153-160 ר Resh” tag=h6]
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
When we are hurting or in trouble we turn to you because we know you are faithful to save. You redeem our life from the pit. Your promise of blessing for those who are obedient and everlasting life to all who believe sustains us in our times of hardship. Revive us, LORD, and strengthen us in our daily walk. Renew us and bring revival to our church and to our country. You bring about amazing revival in dark times and times of persecution. We are in such a time now, where the truth is ignored and our culture has chosen its own path that leads to destruction. Churches are being divided because many no longer hold to the truth of your word and have denied the authority of the scriptures. We need renewal and revival in the church today, Father. Send your Holy Spirit into the hearts of many as they hear the word preached in our church and renew us as we worship you, as we study every word of your mouth, as we pray earnestly for others, and as we minister to our congregation and our community. Make us a church that is full of people who believe in the whole revelation of God and increase our devotion to your service, for we ask it in Jesus’ name.
AMEN.
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[expandsub2 title=”Psalm 119:161-168 ש Sin and Shin” tag=h6]
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
The rulers of this world may persecute us, but they have no real or lasting power over us. On the other hand, we are in awe of you, LORD, for you are mighty and all powerful and we know that one day you will judge us. We also know that by putting our faith in you, and living according to your law, we can live in freedom from the oppression of our enemies. And your word to us in Romans tells us that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
When we read your word it is like finding a priceless treasure. It exposes the lies of men and the consequence of sin. It opens up the truth and shows us what to believe and how we should live in order to be blessed and to give you the glory. Loving the truth of your word brings us peace and allows us to keep sin at bay. Father, we can hide nothing from you, and so we strive to obey you and we long to be faithful to you who have been so faithful to us. Let us ever praise you for your glorious word and your amazing gift of salvation to us. Help us always to hope in you and to do what is right, for we ask it in Jesus’ name.
AMEN.
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[expandsub2 title=”Psalm 119:169-176 ת Taw” tag=h6]
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
You are indeed gracious and abounding in steadfast love and mercy. Hear our prayers as we come humbly before you, asking for your help to understand your word. We long for the deep spiritual understanding that we can only achieve by your grace, and which produces obedience in us. Teach us to truly know and obey your righteous laws and lead us on the path of righteousness and blessing. If we truly love and obey you, we will then praise you and be a faithful witness in word and deed to our neighbours and the world. Guide us, LORD, as we face the difficulties and hardships of this life. We are too often like lost sheep who have gone astray. But we know that we belong to you, and that you seek to save your own. Forgive us when we stray, LORD, and bring us back to the road that leads to life. Thank you for loving us so much that you sacrificed your only son, Jesus, to take our place on the cross and pay for our sins. You have revealed yourself through your word so that we might know you and love you and worship you. Your word is eternal, unchanging and true. It reveals your divine character and allows us to know you and to be in relationship with you. Your word shows us the way to live and promises life everlasting to all who believe. Let us always hear, understand, obey and spread your life-giving word!
AMEN
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 123″ tag=h6]
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
It is you we come to when we are in distress because you are the ruler of everything. You are above us and we look to you. You are all powerful and sovereign. But you also love us as a father loves his children; indeed you are our heavenly father, and so we are able to come to you with our petitions and to ask for your mercy. We know you love us because you sacrificed your own beloved Son to save us when we were yet sinners.
And so we come before you today asking for your mercy. First we ask for the forgiveness of our sins, which are many, and for the will and ability to sin less and less as each day passes. We ask for mercy and healing for our friends and family and neighbours who are in pain, or in hospital, or facing difficult decisions about where they must live in their final days. We pray for the grieving. We pray for the persecuted church around the world who face more hardships than we can imagine. We pray for the people of Ukraine, whose country is being destroyed and whose people have had to flee or fight and die. We pray for the people of Russia who are living in a cruel dictatorship where the truth is suppressed. We pray that the light of your gospel would reach the hearts of many in these countries and wherever there is darkness. We pray for our own country, which has been blessed in so many ways, but where the culture has turned away from your truth and your love and where there seems to be increasing anger and incivility. We pray for those who work in our health care system, who are beyond the breaking point, and we pray that steps might be taken to improve working conditions for the benefit of staff and patients alike. We pray that there would be a revival in our country and that more and more people would turn to you.
Father, we have all had many wonderful blessings in our lives and we continue to be grateful for everything you have done for us. We praise you and we thank you. We also know that you use adversity in our lives to humble us, to make us deepen our prayer life, and to make us more dependent on you. Make humble the proud. Turn those who mock back to you. LORD, you are a God of mercy and a God who acts. Hear us now, we pray. Thy kingdom come. AMEN.
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 125″ tag=h6]
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
We come before you, grateful that you are our rock; solid and faithful. You are unchanging in a world that is the exact opposite. It provides no stability or security and it rejects your truth and your morality. Instead, the world sees truth as relative, where each person can decide what is best in his own mind. Absolute truth based on your word is rejected or not even recognized; many are no longer able to distinguish between right and wrong.
Father, help us always to trust in you, for those who trust in you have a firm foundation and will not be swayed by the moral confusion and compromise of the present age. You promise to be with us always and to give us everything we need to withstand trials and temptations. The more we pray and read your word, the closer we become to you, the more we are able to discern the truth, and the greater is our sense of peace and security.
Father, since we belong to you and are ruled by you, we will live in the light and will not be ruled by the powers of darkness. Cleanse us of our sins and guide us in the way of sanctification. Help us to be your representatives in the world, to love you and to love our neighbour.
Father, we ask for your blessing. We are not good in ourselves, but we derive our goodness from our relationship with you, who are all goodness and light. Keep us on the right path. Those who stray from your truth you will judge. When we trust you, we are centred on the truth and we are blessed by your peace.
Thanks be to God. AMEN.
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 126″ tag=h6]
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
Your people Israel, both the Northern and Southern kingdoms, were exiled in Babylon for almost two hundred years. Many longed to see Jerusalem, and when you brought about their release from captivity, they could hardly believe it. We may not have experienced this extreme joy ourselves, but we have seen newsreels of the Dutch when they were liberated from the Nazi regime by the Canadians and we can imagine the emotions of the prisoners of war when they regained their freedom. On the news we have seen refugees who have made it to Canada and the relief they feel once they know they are safe.
It is you, LORD, who are sovereign over all things. You caused the exile of the Jews and you brought them back home. You have done great things for your people in the past and you do great things for us today. We have countless blessings in our lives. We are so grateful especially for the gift of faith you have given us and the hope and assurance of better things to come that it brings.
We pray today for all the exiles in the world who have had to flee their homes. Wars and famine, fire and floods have caused millions of people worldwide to flee their homelands in search of security and a better life. And in the figurative sense, we are all captives to sin and death, unless we belong to your son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Just like a seed needs first to be buried before it can bear fruit, our saviour Jesus needed to bear our sin on the cross and go down to the grave to be able to accomplish your purpose for him. We too need to die to self and be born again, covered in the righteous robes of our Lord, so that we can bear good fruit too. This is the marvellous promise of God. Joy will come in the morning. Our new lives in the resurrected Christ through the Holy Spirit will see us through all circumstances, and one day we will experience perfect joy and endless delight in your presence for eternity.
Thanks be to God. AMEN.
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 128″ tag=h6]
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
We are truly blessed when we fear you. You are holy and worthy of praise. You hold our lives in your hands. You have the power to save and the power to condemn and we must never take you lightly. You established your covenant with your people and showed us what brings blessing and what brings a curse. Help us always to acknowledge you and come before you in a way that is reverential and pleasing to you. May our actions mirror our words and our belief in you. Thank you for the gift of your son, our saviour who forgives us when we fall short. Help us to be ever closer to you by becoming more obedient and loving. You have promised the faithful good, meaningful lives with family, and peace, and all good things in abundance. Help us to raise up our children in the faith, to proclaim the gospel to our neighbours and to live according to your word so that we may be a faithful witness to the truth of the gospel.
In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 131″ tag=h6]
Father in Heaven,
It is Advent and we look forward to Christmas and the celebration of the coming of Jesus to Earth. The Jews looked forward to the arrival of the Messiah. We are blessed to know that Jesus is the Messiah and we remember his birth and also look forward to his second coming. I pray that we may praise you and worship you in the coming month in the right spirit and that we will not be distracted by all the busyness of the season. Help us to go beyond the superficial celebrations to a deeper, more profound connection with you.
Father, like David, we know we cannot be close to you if we are arrogant and haughty, but we need to humble ourselves before you. We need to know our mortality and our utter dependence on you. Father, there is no greater example of humility than the life of our Lord Jesus Christ himself, who came down from glory to be born in a stable and then to be subjected to scorn and death on a cross for our sakes. LORD, teach us to be humble like Jesus, for we long to know you and your will for us.
Father, we live in a world where so many demand their rights and feel they are entitled to do whatever they want. It is a selfish place full of rebellion. Teach our hearts to submit to your will, because we know it is for our own good and for your glory. Help us to be beacons of your light in our families, among our friends and in our neighbourhoods.
Father, David knew that to be close to you, he needed to slow down, and to be quiet and calm, so that he could pray and listen to you. David says his soul is like a weaned child for his mother. He is not constantly crying for milk, rather he is satisfied and content. Father, one thing I thank you for in this pandemic is that some things have slowed down, and we are not rushing off to as many places or activities. This gives us the perfect opportunity to sit and be still and allow you to speak to us.
Father, I pray that all God’s people will take time to be alone to pray to you and to really listen for your voice. For you alone provide the lasting hope that we all need so badly, the hope of the awaited Messiah, in whose name we pray.
AMEN
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 140″ tag=h6]
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
We are so grateful that you are our God and that you love us and hear our prayers. You are worthy of all praise and honour and glory. King David had to fight many pernicious enemies and Israel was often at war; little has changed since then. He looked to you for strength and comfort and deliverance and so must we. In recent times there have been many conflicts and wars in various countries, but today, with the Russian invasion of Ukraine, we are seeing the potential of war on a much greater scale, like the world wars of the last century, and even the possibility of nuclear war, and so we come before you with heavy hearts.
Father, we fear the evil, murderous actions of Vladimir Putin as he seeks to take over Ukraine and claim it for Russia. We fear for the people of Ukraine, who are fighting for their country, or are refugees in neighbouring European countries. Have mercy on them, LORD. We fear for the lives of any Russian citizen who may oppose Putin and face imprisonment. We fear the loss of many civilian and soldiers’ lives, and mourn the loss of freedom, peace and stability. We fear the misery and hardships to come. Please be with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and ordinary Ukrainians who have shown great fortitude and resolve in the face of a powerful enemy. Protect them and help them to continue to fight off the enemy. Father, we pray that we and our allies would be able to support Ukraine by standing up to this unconscionable evil and prevent it from spreading across Europe. Give our leaders the wisdom they need to act swiftly, with integrity and with courage. Deliver Ukraine from this enemy, LORD, we pray. Strike him down and judge him.
Father, we ask that you sustain all those affected by this war. Strengthen their faith and draw more people to yourself. Though these are dark times, we know in our hearts that you are sovereign over all things and that the battle against the devil has already been won by your Son, Jesus, through his sinless life, death on the cross, and resurrection. You have redeemed your people with his blood and we belong to you. We are already conquerors through him who loved us and nothing can separate us from your love in Jesus Christ our Lord. Father, calm our hearts and help us to truly know this and to trust in you in the coming days, and always, for we ask it in Jesus’ name.
AMEN
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 144″ tag=h6]
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
You are our refuge and our help. You teach us how to fight the good fight and win the battle against evil. Father, our neighbours in Ukraine are fighting for their lives against a godless enemy in a physical battlefield. Show mercy on them, LORD, and be with them, we pray, just as you strengthened and protected your servant David.
Father, David wondered why you would bother to save him and be so faithful and loving to him, a mere mortal. The answer is your amazing grace. LORD, we are so grateful for all the mercies you show us every day. You loved us so much that you sent your Son to die in our place and take all our sins on himself. How can we possibly thank you for such sacrificial love? Help us to not take this for granted and to live in a way that honours this sacrifice.
Father, just as David implored you to intervene and use lightning to strike down his enemies, we pray today for an end to this unholy war in Ukraine. The Russian government has no regard for truth or justice or humanity and is a threat to the world. Strike them down with your holy justice. Give Russians who dissent the ability to stand up to Putin. Help them to fight against the suppression of the truth and the dissemination of misinformation and lies. Please protect your people in Ukraine and all those trying to help them. We pray for organisations like Samaritan’s Purse and the Red Cross and for ordinary people willing to open their doors and their hearts to the refugees seeking aid and shelter.
Although we ask for your help in this worldly battle, and look forward to the destruction of this particular enemy, what is ultimately important is that Jesus intervened to save us from the devil himself and because of him we have victory over sin and death. For this we will praise you every day of our lives.
Father, we pray for your deliverance, for a time when there will be no more conflicts, when young men can grow old and not be cut down, when families and communities can thrive and prosper in peace. LORD, you lead your people into battle and give the victory to those who belong to you. We ask for this in this world, but whatever the outcome here, we look forward to your kingdom in heaven where there will be perfect peace and justice and we will be able to truly worship you and enjoy countless blessings.
To God alone be the glory. AMEN
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 146″ tag=h6]
Most Holy and Heavenly Father,
We come today to praise you. May we always praise you with our whole heart. We need to be saturated with your word and to come to you throughout the day. Help us to become more fervent in our prayers and more committed to worshiping you.
LORD, you are the one who made us and the world and everything in it. You are righteous and beautiful and gracious. You are so high above us we can’t really understand all that you are. Thank you for the gift of your Word in the scriptures and for sending your son, Jesus, who is the Living Word. The way and the truth. In him we can see you. Increase our desire to be ever closer to you by praying often and diligently studying your word.
Lord, how often do we put our trust in people we know, in rulers and doctors and advisors and broadcasters and leaders of all kinds, and forget that you are sovereign and eternal and infinitely more trustworthy than any of these. We ask for wisdom, godly wisdom, for all those in positions of leadership and we ask for wisdom for ourselves. The wisdom to recognize
that your word, your Son Jesus, and our relationship with you is of infinite value compared to the influence of men.
Father, we are blessed when we put our hope in you, for you are our Saviour. You give justice to the oppressed, you feed the hungry, you set the prisoners free, you watch over Jew and Gentile alike, you care for the poor and you defeat the wicked who will have no place in your eternal kingdom. Your persecuted children can have peace despite their affliction, people who are sick or mourning are comforted, you make sinners aware of their sin and their need for you, and you turn them to you. Bring those who have turned away from you back into the fold. Open their eyes, LORD.
Father, You make known to us your plans for our lives. We have hope because of you and we can honour you by serving others as Jesus did, by praying for them, feeding, comforting and encouraging them and bringing them the gospel.
May we ever praise you and faithfully carry out the ministries you have set before us. In Jesus’ name we pray.
AMEN
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 147″ tag=h6]
Heavenly Father,
We praise you today and hope you find it acceptable. We love to praise you and we are thankful that we can sing with all our hearts in our place of worship. We remember those who worship you in underground places where it is dangerous for them to sing aloud and be discovered. Thank you for our freedom to worship you in peace and safety. We thank you for the gift of music which makes it easy for us to contemplate your beauty and express our joy and gratitude to you for your mercy.
We worship you, LORD, because you care for us. You brought back those exiled in Babylon to Jerusalem and built up the city once again. Today you are building up your church all over the world, and it thrives especially and remarkably in places where there is the most persecution. Father, you also heal the brokenhearted. You are loving and merciful. Father, You are infinite in power and understanding and all things are under your sovereign control. You know all of the stars by name and you know all of us by name. We are in awe of you, LORD, especially since you sent your son to be born into a poor and humble family. But in your infinite wisdom, which we cannot fathom, you knew that your son, Jesus, the suffering servant, would change the world forever and bring meaning and hope and joy and love to all his followers. We give you thanks for this ultimate blessing and pray that those who reject Jesus today would have their eyes opened to believe and not perish.
Father, you want us to sing our thanks and praises to you. You sustain us and all creatures on earth. You are not impressed by what people can do, how swift or strong or smart they are; you delight in those who do not rely on their own power, but those who fear you and trust you to be faithful to your covenant promises.
Father, we praise you because you make our lives secure, just like you secured the gates of Jerusalem. Those who love you can count on many blessings. Father you are the lord of creation and the seasons, and you give abundantly to us. Most of all, You have given us the spiritual blessing of salvation and you help us to lead our lives in joy and hope. You chose Israel to be your special people, and now through spiritual adoption through faith in your Son, Jesus, we are your children as well. Thank you, Father! Let everyone praise the LORD!
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[expandsub1 title=”Psalm 149″ tag=h6]
Isaiah 7:14
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Emmanuel.
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
We praise you! At this time of year, we especially love to sing hymns and Christmas carols that tell of the birth of Jesus, our King and our beloved saviour. You call us to sing a new song. New songs are written to mark important occasions such as coronations. But what could be more important or remarkable than the birth of Jesus, our Emmanuel, God with us? An event unique in human history?
Father, on Sunday we will be celebrating communion, the children and congregation will be participating in the Sunday School Christmas celebration, and soon after we will be gathering with family and friends for meals and exchanging gifts. Help us all to ponder the incredible reality of the nativity and what it means for us and the world.
LORD, only the Creator of all things could cause Mary to become pregnant through the Holy Spirit, and only a loving God would humble himself to be born as one of us, to be able to truly empathize with us, and to communicate the gospel to his people. The good news that Jesus came to save.
Help us to see, LORD, that we have no power in ourselves to save. It is you who came to us, King Jesus, as a new creation. The promised one who came to die for us to save us from our sins. This is the best reason for our joyful songs. Father, you take pleasure in seeing your people sing praises to you and we are blessed by it too. Father, we sing out of love and gratitude to you and also when we do this, we are blessed because we are filled with your Spirit. We are full of hope and joy and peace and love, and the devil has no stronghold. We become prepared to do battle in the world full of evil forces and principalities and we are victorious, come what may, because we have Jesus, and through him the battle is already won. Praise the LORD!
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[expand title=”David’s Song of Thanks” tag=h5]
[expandsub1 title=”1 Chronicles” tag=h6]
David’s Song of Thanks October 9, 2023.
1 Chronicles 16:4-36 (based on Psalms 96, 105, 106).
Oh give thanks to the LORD; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples!
Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works!
Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice!
Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually!
Remember the wondrous works that he has done, his miracles and the judgments he uttered, O offspring of Israel his servant, children of Jacob, his chosen ones!
He is the LORD our God; his judgments are in all the earth.
Remember his covenant forever, the word that he commanded, for a thousand
generations, the covenant that he made with Abraham, his sworn promise to Isaac, which he confirmed to Jacob as a statute, to Israel as an everlasting covenant, saying, “To you I will give the land of Canaan, as your portion for an inheritance.”
When you were few in number, of little account, and sojourners in it, wandering from nation to nation, from one kingdom to another people, he allowed no one to oppress them; he rebuked kings on their account, saying, “Touch not my anointed ones, do my prophets no harm!”
Sing to the LORD, all the earth!
Tell of his salvation from day to day.
Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!
For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised, and his is to be feared above all gods.
For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols, but the LORD made the heavens.
Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and joy are in his place.
Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the peoples, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength!
Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; bring an offering and come before him!
Worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness, tremble before him, all the earth; yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved.
Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice, and let them say among the nations,
“The LORD reigns!”
Let the sea roar, and all that fills it; let the field exult, and everything in it!
Then shall the trees of the forest sing for joy before the LORD, for he comes to judge the earth.
Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!
Say also:
“Save us, O God of our salvation, and gather and deliver us from among the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy name and glory in your praise.
Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting!”
Then all the people said, “Amen!” and praised the LORD.
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
We come before you this Thanksgiving Day grateful for all the blessings you have given us. You have designed and created a beautiful world full of amazing things for us to enjoy. You have made yourself known to us and chosen us to be your covenant people. You have guided your people through the ages and performed mighty deeds and miracles. You have sent prophets to urge people to repentance and you have always preserved a remnant of faithful believers. You have shown us who you are through your holy word and more perfectly through your Son, Jesus. You have shown us patience and mercy when we sin by providing a Saviour who loved us so much that he was willing to die in our place. You are present in our lives and your grace is greater than all our sin.
We respond today by offering our love and gratitude for this amazing grace. Be with us as we share the gospel with others and endeavour to live out the truth in the fruit of the Spirit. Embolden us to speak openly about our faith and bring glory to you. Let our praise and our offerings be pleasing in your sight. Let us show our love for you by being obedient to your word and by loving our neighbour. LORD, you are the only true and living God, sovereign over all things, abounding in steadfast love. Thank you, Father. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Holy Spirit. To you alone be the glory.
AMEN
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