Category Archives: Psalms

Dear God, I heard some news this morning that distressed me. Are you calling me to some sort of action? Have you put me in a unique position to act? Oh, please guide me.

And I had an odd interaction yesterday that almost felt demonic. It left me frazzled, anxious, and frantic. Maybe it was your Holy Spirit whispering to me to reveal it to me, but I finally wondered if it wasn’t a demonic spirit who was messing with me after the person and I parted ways. Oh, Father, protect me from the powers and principalities of the enemy–Satan. Please protect me. Holy Spirit, flow through me. Please, Jesus, bring me your healing.

Here are todays passages from Sacred Invitation: Lenten Devotions Inspired by the Book of Common Prayer.

• AM Psalms: 137, 144
• PM Psalms: 42, 43
• Jeremiah 31:27-37
• John 11:28-44
• Romans 11:25-36

Psalms 137, 144 – I almost want to stop here and spend all of my time in Psalm 137. It is so powerful. I’m going to assume this was written during the exile prophesied in Jeremiah. And I don’t know how trained the psalmist is in the prophesies of Jeremiah. I don’t know if he is specifically familiar with the instructions of yesterday’s passage from Jeremiah 29 (the one we take out of context and foolishly proclaim over our lives) about you knowing the plans you have for the Israelites during and after their exile/captivity. Did he know of the instructions to building houses and have children? There is so much lament here. And it’s deep. And it’s appropriate. I get it. I’m not saying that every one of them shouldn’t feel lament. Perhaps this was written after he had seen Jewish children dashed against the rocks. But there is also living to do. You are to be worshipped by your creation. Generations are to be continued. Life is to be lived regardless of the awful circumstances. I’ve never thought about combining this psalm with Jeremiah 29 before, but it’s actually quite beautiful to think about. And then we go to Psalm 144, which David wrote. praising you and submitting himself to a life lived for you. Beautiful.

Psalms 42, 43 – I like how these two psalms are both worshipful and despondent at the same time. I like the question, “Why are you downcast, O my soul?” that is within each one. I feel that sometimes. I am with you. I am worshipping you. I love you. Why is my soul sometimes downcast. Then I remember my sorrows and I remember that it is okay to mourn. I would be a heartless beast to not mourn over some of the circumstances in my life. And I bring that mourning to you and you comfort me. And I live a pretty joyful life in the midst of it. But I confess there is always a constant sorrow. But that sorrow keeps me strongly tethered to you. If for no other reason, I am grateful for that. I am grateful to be humbled before others because of this sorrow. I am grateful that I can be a source of comfort to others because of my sorrow. And I am grateful for all of the joy in my life in the midst of my sorrow.

Jeremiah 31:27-37 – This is a great set up for the new covenant. It literally says in verse 31, “The time is coming when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah.” Thank you, Jesus! Oh, thank you!

John 11:28-44 – “Jesus wept.” Why did he weep? I don’t think it was over Lazarus (personal opinion). I think it was over the pain he saw everyone in. About 10 days ago, I was in a hospital room with a family shortly after they wife/mother had passed. While I knew the woman and was sad at her loss, my tears were fueled by the pain of her family and compassion for them. It’s amazing to think, God, that you, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit truly love us as much as you do. Amazing.

Romans 11:25-36 – I just feel compelled to retype Paul’s doxology from verses 33-36: “Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! Who has know the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor? Who as ever given to God, that God should repay him? For from him and through him and to him area ll things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.” (Paul referencing Isaiah 40:13 and Job 41:11).

Father, I offer all of my heart to you this morning. My prayers. For my wife. For my children. For my community. For my friends. For my extended family. For my country and for the world. Oh, Lord, God Almighty!

I pray all of this in Jesus, your son, and with your Holy Spirit,

Amen

Dear God, I am ready to be here with you this morning. I asked my wife last night how Lent was going for her and she said that it had hit a bit of a dry spot. I replied that I kind of felt like I was in the dog days of it as well, but maybe that’s also part of the point. This was a haul for Jesus. The first 30 years, the final three years, and then the final couple of weeks leading up to it. It was hard, but it was also just a day after day kind of slog. Well, my life and this slog isn’t nearly what Jesus’s was, and I don’t have crucifixion waiting for me eight days from now, but this is a reminder that Jesus really gave himself to this whole experience so that I could learn from him and be redeemed into relationship with you.

So here are today’s passages from Sacred Invitation: Lenten Devotions Inspired by the Book of Common Prayer.

• AM Psalms: 131, 132, 133
• PM Psalms: 140, 142
• Jeremiah 26:1-16
• John 10:19-42
• Romans 11:1-12

Psalms 131, 132, 133 – I think I want to focus on 131 and 133, and not just because they are the shortest two of the three. Psalm 131 is probably one I should read every day (Gasp! Maybe even memorize?): My heart is not proud, O LORD, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me. But I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me. O Israel, put your hope in the LORD both now and forevermore. Yes, I should probably read that every day. And then Psalm 133 makes me think of the ministerial association meeting I am attending later today: How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down upon the collar of his robes. It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the LORD bestows his blessing, even life forevermore. That is my prayer for our local ministerial association.

Psalms 140, 142 – While I don’t like all of the sentiments of Psalm 140, I do use this to pray for a friend I visited with yesterday. This friend has some people out there who are conspiring against them, speaking against them, and, just all in all, judging them for something they don’t really understand. So “rescue [them], O LORD, from evil men; protect [them] from men of violence, who devise evil plans in their hearts and stir up war every day.” But I also pray for those who are judging. Raise up people who will speak your truth to them. Give them love. Give them peace. I know they think they are doing to right thing. And maybe there is some rightness in what they believe, and maybe there is some wrongness in what I believe and my friend is doing, but I know that the current path is not of you.

Jeremiah 29:1-16 – This is quite a story as part of Jeremiah’s journey. What I really like about it was the part where Jeremiah just surrendered to the situation you put him in and said, basically, “Yeah, do what you will to me, but it won’t make me wrong and it will only make you more guilty than you already are.” Father, help me to surrender my life to you today. Give me the right ideas and words. Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, but if there is something you need me to do please give me the courage to do it.

John 10:19-42 – As Jesus was walking this difficult path, he was having to confront those he knew he would not change. He knew going in that they didn’t believe in him. He knew they would try to kill him. And yet he went to tell them the truth. He might have also been setting up the anger towards him that ultimately led to his crucifixion, but he also just spoke the truth to him. And I don’t know where Nicodemus was during this interaction, but I know that he was at least one who believed. Maybe all of it was partly for him too.

Romans 11:1-12 – I think one thread through all of these stories from Jeremiah and John and what Paul is saying here is that there are so many of us who think we are so right, and yet we are so wrong. Please give me eyes to see where I am wrong. Give me a willingness to see where I am wrong. Help me, Father, to see your truth and see the world with your eyes, regardless of what it costs me.

I pray all of this in Jesus, your son, and with your Holy Spirit,

Amen

Dear God, the funeral yesterday was lovely. My wife commented it was the best funeral sermon she’s ever heard. The main thrust of the comforting part of the message was that a few days before she died the pastor, who was the woman’s brother-in-law, asked her if there was anything she had to say. She had to go to a lot of effort to say the words, “It’s not fair.” Then the pastor related that emotion even to Jesus on the cross and his feeling of abandonment. This is a weird existence we have. And yeah, sometimes it doesn’t seem fair. But as we were told over and over again as children, even though none of us want to believe it, life isn’t fair.

Speaking of Jesus on the cross, let’s see what the passages are today from Sacred Invitation: Lenten Devotions Inspired by the Book of Common Prayer.

• AM Psalm: 119:145-176
• PM Psalms: 128, 129, 130
• Jeremiah 25:30-38
• John 10:1-18
• Romans 10:14-21

Psalm 119:145-176 – This psalm reminds me of the error I sometimes make that I can bargain with you. “God, if I do this will you do that?” That is a pretty Pagan, idolatrous way of looking at you. Like I can own you and bargain with you. Like you are somehow subject to my demands. Can I pray to you for outcomes? Of course. But the idea that, well, going back to the funeral yesterday, life should be fair at all–that I deserve whatever I deem fairness to be–is simply making you in a small god, and the God.

Psalms 128, 128, 130 – Of these three, 130 is my favorite. It’s not expecting or asking anything of you but mercy and forgiveness. I think the psalms of lament full of repentance and then the ones that are just pure worship are my favorite. Most of the others bother me a little theologically.

Jeremiah 25:30-38 – This is pretty grim prophecy. It’s no wonder the people of the time embraced the false prophets instead. In the end, I suppose, the run of the mill Jewish person didn’t need to know this prophecy except to ultimately learn that you were using this pain to call people back to you. At this point, there was nothing they could do to stop it. They just had to live their lives each day. Make a decision to worship you regardless of their circumstances. Father, help me to always worship you, regardless of my circumstances.

John 10:1-18 – Jesus, thank you. I still don’t totally understand the lines between praying to the Father, you, or the Holy Spirit, but I know that I am grateful you are my shepherd. I am grateful you love me with the Father’s love because you and the Father are one. I am grateful you teach me through what is recorded of your words and actions. I am grateful for your reconciliation between the Father and me. Between you and me. Between the Holy Spirit and me. Thank you for being my good shepherd.

Romans 10:14-21 – Verse 21 from Paul to the Romans is powerful: “But concerning Israel he says, ‘All day long I have held out my hands to a disobedient people.'” Thank you for continuing to hold out your hands to me.

I offer all of these thoughts and prayers to you in Jesus Christ, and with your Holy Spirit,

Amen

Dear God, I have a funeral to attend today. It’s one of those where I know the husband pretty well, and while it will be hard and sad to say goodbye to his dear wife, it will be a privilege to be there for him and his children. Please live through me today, Father. Live through me today with my wife, with my work, with my children, and with my friends. “Break me, melt me, mold me, fill me. Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me.”

Here are today’s passages from Sacred Invitation: Lenten Devotions Inspired by the Book of Common Prayer.

• AM Psalms: 121, 122, 123
• PM Psalms: 124, 125, 126
• Jeremiah 25:8-17
• John 9:18-41
• Romans 10:1-13

Psalms 121, 122, 123 – I had two thoughts while I read these psalms this morning. The first was about a workshop I went to yesterday about mental health needs and resources in our community. Our children are struggling. Our children need help. Those who care for them need help. Their parents. Their teachers. Their church youth workers and Sunday school teachers. There is a lot of pain, and the church actually has the answer, but I fear that they American Evangelical church is offering the wrong answer right now. It is offering more rules. It’s not offering what Jesus taught us to offer. Oh, Father, help us offer you to them. Reconciliation to you. Freedom in you. And when I say them, I mean not only the children, but their parents, teachers, youth leaders, and Sunday school teachers.

My other through was from what David said in 122: “I rejoiced with those who said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the LORD.'” I just picture the scene of one of David’s friends, advisors, confidants, or whatever talking with him and saying, “Let’s go to the house of the LORD,” and David lighting up with that idea. It paints a great scene.

Psalms 124, 125, 126 – From this group, I am reminded of how you provide for me personally and the nonprofit where I work. One of our current campaigns is not going well, and there is a tendency in my heart to panic. But I have to ask myself the questions: Am I trusting in you in this moment? Have I taken too much credit for what has come before? Oh, Father, if I have taken any credit for the good you have done to our clinic, please let me know. If I am not trusting you enough, I am sorry. I do trust you, oh God. I repent of attaching my ego to our fundraising success. I am sorry.

Jeremiah 25:8-17 – As I was flipping through Jeremiah today and remembering how long the book is, it just made me think about this poor prophet’s life. There was no “best life now” for him except that he got to live in your presence and hear directly from you. But I would imagine that his daily check-in with friends on his emotional health would not have been filled with much good news. I am unbelievably fortunate to live the life I live.

John 9:18-41 – Reading the story of the blind man healed and the Pharisees being so upset about it makes me think about how all of us in the church can get focused on the wrong priorities–including me. Holy Spirit, please speak to me. Teach me. Give me ears to hear and eyes to see.

Romans 10:1-13 – I just have to reprint verses 1-4 here: Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved. For I can testify about them that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge. Since they did not know the righteousness that comes from God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness. Christ is the end of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes. I seem to be coming back to this theme this morning. Perhaps it is my own biases that are bringing me here, but I am simply concerned about some in your church who are acting like Pharisees but can’t see it. Holy Spirit, help me to hear you clearly, repent where I need to repent and then act when I need to act. And let anything I do be done in your love.

I offer all of this to you in Jesus and with your Holy Spirit,

Amen

Dear God, one thing I have NOT liked about going through this devotional book for the last 34 days is that it has taken away some of the flexibility in the approaches I sometimes take with these times with you. Like yesterday, we sang this lovely song in church. I took a picture of the page in the hymnal so I could remember it for later and look at it later. It’s the kind of thing I might have focused on this morning to help keep these times with you fresh. Now, as I’ve done this 34 days in a row and I have 13 days left I am finding myself not as enthusiastic as I was at the beginning of this seasonal commitment. But then again, maybe that’s also part of this journey. Getting beyond the emotion of it and pushing through. Finding you when my enthusiasm isn’t there. Disciplining myself to submit to you and hear from you.

Speaking of hearing from you, I think I heard from you this morning. I have a complicated thing to deal with from my work, and I felt like you gave me a word about that this morning. Thanks for that too.

With all of that said, here are the passages from Sacred Invitation: Lenten Devotions Inspired by the Book of Common Prayer. Please speak to me as I read them this morning:

• AM Psalm: 31
• PM Psalm: 35
• Jeremiah 24:1-10
• John 9:1-17
• Romans 9:19-33

Psalm 31 – What strikes me here is how down David could feel. I’ve said this before, but I’ve had people read my prayer journals and ask if I’m doing okay. What I tell them is I’m normally doing just fine, but some of this pain is inside me and it comes out through these prayers to you. It’s nice to be reminded that David himself, the most revered king in Israel’s history, felt this way often. I’m so impressed that he was vulnerable enough to share it in this way.

Psalm 35 – When I see these psalms of David where he is wishing ill on his enemies and claiming himself to be innocent, I am now experiencing them in a different way since I first discovered this concept a month ago. The concept is to think about David writing these words on behalf of Uriah, Bathsheba’s husband whom he murdered. David was not alone in his life as a victim. And his abusers were not alone in their lives as abusers. We are all in both camps: abusers and victims. And when I say abuser, I’m not talking about child abuse, sexual abuse or things that are that heinous. I just mean people who sometimes either accidentally or intentionally cause harm to others. We all do that.

Jeremiah 24:1-10 – I would imagine the people being exiled were desperate in that moment. Downtrodden. Forlorn. But you were working it for their good. You were using it to refine them.

John 9:1-17 – It seems like Jesus did these things on the Sabbath intentionally. And maybe not. Maybe he healed so many people on the other six days it didn’t get mentioned, but the Sabbath healings always caused a stir. Either way, the Pharisees were split on who Jesus was. I would imagine Nicodemus was in the “Jesus is Messiah” camp. Your current church is split on so many issues. Oh, Holy Spirit, make us one. As Jesus and you and the Father are one.

Romans 9:19-33 – Paul’s words at the beginning of this passage, right after talking about you choosing to show your mercy to this one or that one, remind me of the lesson Job learned by the end of his story. Who am I to question you. You are God and I am not. They will be done.

I offer all of these prayers to you in Jesus and with your Holy Spirit,

Amen