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Category Archives: Psalms

Psalm 46

11 Jun

Psalm 46
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Come and see what the Lord has done, the desolations he has brought on the earth. He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire. He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Dear God, the actual “Verse of the Day” for Bible Gateway was verse 10 (He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”). The first thing I did after I read it was to read the whole psalm to see what the context of this oft-quoted verse is, and then I read to see who wrote it. The NLT says, “For the Director of Music. Of the sons of Korah. According to alamoth. A song.” After reading that I had a thought I’d never had before—this song was written by brothers.

I saw in Wikipedia some theories about why this psalm was written, but I don’t necessarily trust that and I don’t need to go there with it. I just like the idea of some brothers coming together to write you a song. Maybe it was after a military victory. Maybe they led singing in the temple regularly. Maybe it was something else. Whatever the case may be, the men had enough worship in their hearts for you to work together to write it down and share with others.

So, what did they have to say?

  • You are our refuge and help.
  • We won’t be afraid even though everything around us looks impossible to survive.
  • God lives in our city, and it will not fall.
  • There is a lot going on with other nations, but God is in control.
  • He is so much bigger than anything men do.
  • God is powerful. He is our fortress. Just look at what he’s done.
  • God stops war through bringing victory to his people.
  • God says to be still and know who he is. (Isn’t it interesting that they integrate being “still” as part of this?).
  • God says he is in charge of all of the nations whether they know it or not.
  • This same God is with us.

Father, help me to sing with these brothers today and every day. Help me to remember exactly who you are, exactly who I am, and exactly who others are around me. Bring you will and your kingdom into earth, and do it through me and anyone else you need to use.

In Jesus’s name I pray,

Amen

 
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Posted by on June 11, 2019 in Psalms

 

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Psalm 8

01 Jun

Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory in the heavens. Through the praise of children and infants you have established a stronghold against your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger. When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them? You have made them a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honor. You made them rulers over the works of your hands; you put everything under their feet: all flocks and herds, and the animals of the wild, the birds in the sky, and the fish in the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas. Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!
Psalm 8

Dear God, one of the nice things about this passage is that David recognizes the extent of your majesty through your love for humans. It’s one thing for you to be great and powerful. It’s another thing to take time from that and truly love us. You are interested in us. You are interested not only in us as humanity, but you are interested in us as individuals! That’s amazing!

So what do I do with that love? How do I respond to that kind of majesty? Well, sometimes I get it right and sometimes I get it wrong. Sometimes I stop, deny myself, take up my cross, and follow you. I stop to worship. I stop to reach out and love my neighbor. But other times I find you too inconvenient. I lethargically watch TV (and not necessarily good TV) when I could be reading or writing. I spend my money on something self-indulgent instead of giving it to someone in need. I sleep a little later or scroll through Facebook instead of spending my daily time in prayer. I’m sorry for all of that.

Father, help me to embrace this idea of your love for me. Help me to not foolishly see it as something to take advantage of (assuming I can get what I want from you because you love me), but as opportunity for relationship and growth. You have done all of these wondrous things, and yet you love me. Thank you.

In Jesus’s name I pray,

Amen

 
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Posted by on June 1, 2019 in Psalms

 

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Psalm 103:17-18

29 May

But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children — with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts.
Psalm 103:17-18

Dear God, I have to confess that the first thought that crossed my mind when I read this passage this morning was, this is w weird relationship. Your love is with me? Your love? Not your kindness. Not your generosity. Those are too simple compared to what this is saying—your LOVE is with me. That’s almost impossible to comprehend.

So if you love me, what are the implications of that? One thing or does NOT mean is that you will spoil me. You won’t just be there as my great genie waiting to just lavish me with comfort. It means you want the best for me and want me to be my best. That will mean guiding me through struggles. For me, it also seems to mean learning to be more sensitive to others’ needs and how to reach out to them. It means teaching me to find ultimate peace by dying to myself and my own wants or comfort. It means reaching that level of faith where I can truly consider my life worth nothing to me, but my purpose is to finish the race and complete the task you have given me—the task of testifying to your grace (Acts 20:24).

Father, I’m not there. Help me to get there. Love through me and bring your will and kingdom to earth through my life.

In Jesus’s name I pray,

Amen

 
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Posted by on May 29, 2019 in Psalms

 

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Psalm 139:13-14

14 May

Psalm 139:13-14

You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.

Dear God, I recently asked people on Facebook what things they do to pursue relationship with you. As I consider my own list of activities, I think the one that is the most deficient is worship. I don’t spent enough time in worship of you. I don’t adore you enough. I don’t really stop to try and wrap my head around what and who you are. This passage reminds me of that. David is just spending some time acknowledging who you are, and who he is by comparison.

Father, you are the source of all of my joy. You bring me peace. You exude from everything around me, and yet I often walk right by you and don’t notice. You see the entire board while I only know how to move my pawn. You have entire world to love while I can’t even love my neighbor. You are everything. I am but a small, minuscule piece of the puzzle. I am foolish and cannot are. You are all-knowing and omnipotent. Please forgive me for my doubt. For the things I do and the things I leave undone. Thank you for caring about me. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for guiding my heart on a path that draws closer to you little by little.

In Jesus’s name I pray,

Amen

 
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Posted by on May 14, 2019 in Psalms

 

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Psalm 14

01 Apr

Psalm 14 [NLT]
Only fools say in their hearts, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, and their actions are evil; not one of them does good!

The Lord looks down from heaven on the entire human race; he looks to see if anyone is truly wise, if anyone seeks God.

But no, all have turned away; all have become corrupt. No one does good, not a single one!

Will those who do evil never learn? They eat up my people like bread and wouldn’t think of praying to the Lord.

Terror will grip them, for God is with those who obey him.

The wicked frustrate the plans of the oppressed, but the Lord will protect his people.

Who will come from Mount Zion to rescue Israel? When the Lord restores his people, Jacob will shout with joy, and Israel will rejoice.

Dear God, I wish there was a little key that would tell us what was going on in David’s life when he wrote this Psalm. Where was he in his ascendency to the throne? Was he being chased by Saul? Was he living in exile? Was he King, but it’s pre-Bathseba so things are good? Was it post-Bathsheba when things were bad?

Good poetry, I think, bring me into the author’s thoughts and emotions and connects to something similar that is within me. In this instance, I do get very frustrated with the evil I see around me. I get frustrated by the domestic violence, emotional abuse, drug use, sex trafficking, etc. How long, oh, Lord?

The end of this Psalm gives me a link to the hope that David felt. It is the same hope that I feel. You will restore your people. One day, your justice is coming. The question is, what will I be doing on that day? Will I be found faithful, working in your field, taking the talents you gave me and trying to return them to you with interest? Or will I be feeling sorry for myself, complaining about the evil, but doing nothing about it? Will I be about building my own cocoon that will protect me through my own efforts, or will I be out there, vulnerable, leaning on you?

Father, help me today. There are times when I pray great things in the morning, but then go right out and fail you. Help me to not fail you, but to be so in tune with you that I will see every moment through your eyes. Thank you for what you are doing. Thank you for what you have done. And that you for what you will do.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen

 
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Posted by on April 1, 2019 in Psalms

 

Psalm 32

25 Mar

Psalm 32 [NIV]
[1] Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. [2] Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit. [3] When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. [4] For day and night your hand was heavy on me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. [5] Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin. [6] Therefore let all the faithful pray to you while you may be found; surely the rising of the mighty waters will not reach them. [7] You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. [8] I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. [9] Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you. [10] Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in him. [11] Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!

Dear God, I double checked to see who wrote this. It is one of David’s. I love that David knew the value of repentance. I love that he told others through things like these psalms that he is blessed because of his repentance, and his bones waste away when he remains silent (verse 3).

One of the great things that I love about the 12 Steps in AA is that you start off with acknowledging something that has either been a secret addiction or that you have been holding on to for a while. Then as you work through the steps you take a personal inventory and make amends when appropriate. That is great stuff.

I have a friend who went off the rails about 10 years ago, and I am convinced that something happened that either he did, was done to him, or both. I am of the firm belief that he won’t be free until he confesses it to you, and perhaps to someone else. Satan’s power is in the secret. He blackmails us. Shames us. Lies to us. And all it takes to break the power is your blood and repenting to you.

Father, help me to be fully repentant to you and to share my repentance with others when I need to. Help me to not hold onto my own idols and sin, but to let go and embrace the love you have for me. Do it all or your glory, Father.

I pray all of this by the power of Jesus’ blood and in His name,

Amen

 
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Posted by on March 25, 2019 in Psalms

 

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Romans 8:28

13 Mar

Romans 8:28
28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

 

Dear God, this verse actually works today. I’ve got something difficult happening today. It’s not as much about me as it is a friend of mine. She is very discouraged and tired. A lot of bad has happened for everyone involved. My simple prayer is that you will be in this entire situation today and make this count. Make the pain everyone is experiencing count. The fear, the hurt, the anger–everything. Make it all count for your glory and for your plan in all of our lives.

Help me to be an instrument of your peace. May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing to you, oh Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen

 
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Posted by on March 13, 2019 in Psalms, Romans

 

“Thy Word” (Psalm 119:105) by Amy Grant

07 Mar

“Thy Word” by Amy Grant

Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.
Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.

When I feel afraid,
Think I’ve lost my way,
Still you’re there right beside me.
And nothing will I fear
As long as you are near.
Please be near me to the end.

Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.
Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.

I will not forget
Your love for me and yet
My heart forever is wandering.
Jesus be my guide,
And hold me to your side,
I will love you to the end.
Nothing will I fear as long as you are near.
Please be near me to the end.

Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.
Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path,
And a light unto my path.
You’re the light unto my path.

Songwriters: Amy Grant / Amy Grant Gill / Michael W. Smith / Michael Whitaker Smith

 

Dear God, I opened up YouTube this morning and ran across some concert footage of Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith performing this song. I think this was originally released on the Straight Ahead album around 35 years ago. Of course, it is based on Psalm 119:105. It’s interesting to note how much the two artists got from that one verse. I guess that’s kind of what I do with these prayer journals. I read your scripture and then see where your Spirit takes me from there.

Baylor University has four statements written on the top of its administration building, Pat Neff Hall, and this verse is one of the statements. “Thy Word is a Lamp Unto My Feet.”  I need to live that out today and every day.

Then there are the verses of the song that encapsulate what making that verse of scripture a part of our lives look like

  • When I feel afraid…
  • Nothing will I fear…
  • I will not forget…
  • Jesus be my guide…
  •  Nothing will I fear… (I never noticed this is in there twice.)

Father, I have a lot happening around me at work, and I’ll confess that there are times when I am afraid, but I try to remember to cling to my faith and believe that I have nothing to fear as long as you are near. I’ll confess that I do sometimes forget and that my heart wanders, but you teach me continuously how to be held to your side. Please be near me till the end.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen

 
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Posted by on March 7, 2019 in Hymns and Songs, Psalms

 

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Psalm 119:130

10 Oct

The teaching of your word gives light, so even the simple can understand.

Psalm 119:130

Dear God, there are so many lessons for ya to learn from reading scripture. And the nice thing about the Bible is that the writers told us the ugly parts too. We like to think of David as this perfect king, but staying with2 Samuel 11, his mistakes, weaknesses and sin are there for all of us to see.

I met a young woman last week. She is at a real crossroads in her life as she tries to start her career. As I spoke with her, I tried to encourage her with a Bible story. I knew she grew up with Christian parents so I asked her if she knew who David was. She said, “Goliath?” I said, “Yes, but do you know anything more about him.” She didn’t. I encouraged her to take some time to just read 1 & 2 Samuel, and then I told her something about David’s life that might help her.

With my own children, I don’t know where each of them are in their hearts when it comes to their level of their desire to love and submit to you, but part of my prayer for them is that the seeds that we, family members, church friends, and Sunday school teachers planted in them as they grew will find good soil, establish roots, and bear great fruit in their lives.

Father, my heart still has a lot to learn. Help me to take your scripture and learn from it. That’s one of the things I’m trying to do with these prayer journals—learn from your word. Make it one of the things you use to sharpen and guide me.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen

 
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Posted by on October 10, 2018 in Psalms

 

Psalm 131

20 Sep

Lord, my heart is not proud; my eyes are not haughty. I don’t concern myself with matters too great or too awesome for me to grasp. Instead, I have calmed and quieted myself, like a weaned child who no longer cries for its mother’s milk. Yes, like a weaned child is my soul within me. O Israel, put your hope in the Lord — now and always.

Psalm 131:1-3

Dear God, I woke up at 2:30 this morning worried about a friend who might have a serious health condition. My mind was really racing so I had the thought that I just need to be still before you. But even with that thought I was not able to still myself. Then I decided to listen to a sermon podcast from a church I have visited before. The pastor referenced this psalm. And while the sermon wasn’t about a topic that spoke to me, this passage did. It seemed to echo what I think you had spoken to me. Maybe it’s for me. Maybe it’s also for my friend.

In times like great illness, it is tempting to ask why me? Why does a loving God allow this to happen? Where is God in this tragedy? I’ve never thought of answering those questions with the first verse of this psalm: “Lord, my heart is not proud; my eyes are not haughty. I don’t concern myself with matters too great or too awesome for me to grasp.” The truth is, it is hubris to think I can understand your ways. It is my pride that drives me to think I can grasp the complexities of this world. Chaos Theory is not chaotic to you at all.

“Instead, I have calmed and quieted myself, like a weaned child who no longer cries for its mother’s milk. Yes, like a weaned child is my soul within me.”

A child demands answers from her or his parent. Even the teenaged child expects justice and fairness. They expect the parent to provide and equitable structure. But that’s not how it works, and eventually that child should stop feeling sorry for themselves and make their way through life. They calm down and, if they are well-adjusted, they press on. Tragedy might possibly be falling upon my friend. I don’t know how she will respond, but maybe I can guide her into stillness before you.

“O Israel, put your hope in the Lord — now and always.”

Father, my hope is only in you. It is in you and your provision while I’m here on earth and it is in you in death. Not only for my life and death, but for the lives and deaths of everyone I know. Help me to live in that truth and to spread that truth. I am your child, but I should be weaned by now. I’ve been a discipline Christian for 31 years. Please help me to live in that maturity and to be able to share it with the world around me.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen

 
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Posted by on September 20, 2018 in Psalms

 
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