Read Psalm 90 today.
Who was present before the earth was formed and will be present throughout all time? How is the psalmist expressing his feelings in the psalm? After the psalmist expresses his feelings, what does he then ask from the Lord? God is sovereign over all life, and we are at his mercy. As you reflect on this, pray in these ways and any other way the Holy Spirit leads. Teach us Lord: to number our days—for us to make the most of each day, showing God's love to others Satisfy us Lord: for those who are lost from God and his love, that their souls might be filled by God’s eternal love and not temporary satisfaction of the earth. Show us Lord: reveal to us, daily, the deeds you have for us and strengthen us to perform them as humble servants. Pray for those who are grieving, who have experienced death firsthand. Give them peace and make their heart glad knowing you are the eternal dwelling place for those who believe. God, the Eternal A prayer of Moses, God’s prophet 1 Lord, you have always been our eternal home, our hiding place from generation to generation. 2 Long before you gave birth to the earth and before the mountains were born, you have been from everlasting to everlasting, the one and only true God. 3 When you speak the words “Life, return to me!” man turns back to dust. 4 One thousand years pass before your eyes like yesterday that quickly faded away, like a night’s sleep soon forgotten. 5-6One day we will each be swept away into the sleep of death. We glide along through the tides of time-- so quickly gone, like a dream that fades at dawn, like glistening grass that springs up one day and is dry and withered the next, ready to be cut down! 7 Terrified by your anger, confined beneath the curse, we live our lives knowing your wrath. 8 For all of our faults and flaws are in full view to you. Everything we want to hide, you search out and expose by the radiance of your face. 9 We are banished to live in the shadow of your anger. Our days soon become years until our lifetime comes to an end, finished with nothing but a sigh. 10You’ve limited our life span to a mere seventy years, yet some you give grace to live still longer. But even the best of years are marred by tears and toils and in the end are nothing more than a gravestone in a graveyard! We’re gone so quickly, so swiftly; we pass away and simply disappear. 11Lord, who fully knows the power of your passion and the intensity of your emotions? 12Help us to remember that our days are numbered, and help us to interpret our lives correctly. Set your wisdom deeply in our hearts so that we may accept your correction. 13Return to us again, O God! How much longer will it take until you show us your abundant compassion? 14Let the sunrise of your love end our dark night. Break through our clouded dawn again! Only you can satisfy our hearts, filling us with songs of joy to the end of our days. 15We’ve been overwhelmed with grief; come now and overwhelm us with gladness. Replace our years of trouble with decades of delight. 16Let us see your miracles again, and let the rising generation see the glorious wonders you’re famous for. 17O Lord our God, let your sweet beauty rest upon us. Come work with us, and then our works will endure; you will give us success in all we do. #NS90DOP
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Read Psalm 87 today.
What city did the Lord found? How does the psalmist describe the city? What does the Lord record? The city of God is a place God establishes and dwells in with his people. As you reflect on this, pray in these ways and any other way the Holy Spirit leads. For the flourishing of the gospel, that all people might come to know God, and dwell with him now and forever. That we would confess any prejudices against those we believe cannot enter into relationship with God. For our lives to reflect, here on earth, the wholeness, peace, and equality that will be in that city. Fountains of Delight A prophetic song composed by the prophetic singers of Korah’s clan 1High upon his hills of holiness stands God’s city. 2How God loves the gates of Zion, his favorite place on earth. 3So many glorious things have been proclaimed over Zion, God’s holy city! Pause in his presence 4For the Lord says, “Here are the nations who will acknowledge me as God: Egypt, Iraq, and the Mediterranean people, even distant Ethiopia. They will all boast, ‘I was born in Zion!’ ” 5But over Zion it will be said, “The mighty Man was born there, and he will establish it.” For the God Most High will truly bless Jerusalem. 6And when he counts her citizens, recording them in his registry, he will write by their names: “This one was born again here!” Pause in his presence 7And the princes of God’s feasts will sing and dance, singing, “Every fountain of delight springs up from your life within me!” #NS90DOP Read Psalm 86 today.
What does the psalmist recall of God’s character and actions? What are the psalmist’s requests? How does the psalmist describe God’s steadfast love? God’s consistent love never runs out. As you reflect on this, pray in these ways and any other way the Holy Spirit leads. That God’s people would believe God’s love never runs out, and we would be generous with our love toward others. That we would look for ways to share God’s generous love with those who are not in our usual circles. That we would be generous with forgiveness, recognizing that God first forgave us. That God would expand how we love, offering forgiveness, grace, kindness, and goodness in new ways. A Prayer of Faith King David’s prayer 1 Lord, bend down to listen to my prayer. I am in deep trouble. I’m broken and humbled, and I desperately need your help. 2 Guard my life, for I’m your faithful friend, your loyal servant for life. I turn to you in faith, my God, my hero; come and rescue me! 3 Lord God, hear my constant cry for help; show me your favor and bring me to your fountain of grace! 4 Restore joy to your loving servant once again, for all I am is yours, O God. 5 Lord, you are so good to me, so kind in every way and ready to forgive, for your grace-fountain keeps overflowing, drenching all your devoted lovers who pray to you. 6 God, won’t you pay attention to this urgent cry? Lord, bend down to listen to my prayer. 7 Whenever trouble strikes, I will keep crying out to you, for I know your help is on the way. 8 God, there’s no one like you; there’s no other god as famous as you. You outshine all others, and your miracles make it easy to know you. 9 Lord Almighty, you are the one who created all the nations. Look at them—they’re all on their way! Yes, the day will come when they all will worship you and put your glory on display. 10You are the one and only God. What miracles! What wonders! What greatness belongs to you! 11Teach me more about you, how you work and how you move, so that I can walk onward in your truth until everything within me brings honor to your name. 12With all my heart and passion I will thank you, my God! I will give glory to your name, always and forever! 13You love me so much, and you have placed your greatness upon me. You rescued me from the deepest place of darkness, and you have delivered me from a certain death. 14God, look at how these arrogant ones have defied me. Like a vicious band of violent men, they have tried to kill me. They wouldn’t worry for a moment that they were sinning against you! 15But Lord, your nurturing love is tender and gentle. You are slow to get angry yet so swift to show your faithful love. You are full of abounding grace and truth. 16Bring me to your grace-fountain so that your strength becomes mine. Be my hero and come rescue your servant once again! 17Send me a miraculous sign to show me how much you love me, so that those who hate me will see it and be ashamed. Don’t they know that you, Lord, are my comforter, the one who comes to help me? #NS90DOP Read Psalm 85 today.
What did God do? What is the psalmist asking God to do? What does the psalmist want to hear from God? God is steady and faithful past, present, and future. As you reflect on this, pray in these ways and any other way the Holy Spirit leads. With thanksgiving that God has met you, been faithful, and poured his love and grace onto you. That we would be able to hear God amidst the noise, falsehood, and everything else that leads us away from his peace. That we would trust that God is good even if our situation is not good and a needed change has not come. That we would lean into God, allowing him to minister to us, that we might then be a comfort and rock for others. Mercy and Truth For the Pure and Shining One A prophetic song composed by the prophetic singers of Korah’s clan 1 Lord, your love has poured out so many amazing blessings on our land! You’ve restored Jacob’s destiny from captivity. 2 You’ve forgiven our many sins and covered every one of them in your love. Pause in his presence 3 So now it’s obvious that your blazing anger has ended and the furious fire of wrath has been extinguished by your mercy. 4 So bring us back to loving you, God our Savior. Restore our hearts so that we’ll never again feel your anger rise against us. 5 Will you forever hold a grudge? Will your anger endure for all time? 6 Revive us again, O God! I know you will! Give us a fresh start! Then all your people will taste your joy and gladness. 7 Pour out even more of your love on us! Reveal more of your kindness and restore us back to you! 8 Now I’ll listen carefully for your voice and wait to hear whatever you say. Let me hear your promise of peace-- the message every one of your godly lovers longs to hear. Don’t let us in our ignorance turn back from following you. 9 For I know your power and presence shines on all your devoted lovers. Your glory always hovers over all who bow low before you. 10Your mercy and your truth have married each other. Your righteousness and peace have kissed. 11Flowers of your faithfulness are blooming on the earth. Righteousness shines down from the sky. 12Yes, the Lord keeps raining down blessing after blessing, and prosperity will drench the land with a bountiful harvest. 13For deliverance goes before him, preparing a path for his steps. #NS90DOP Read Psalm 84 today.
How does the psalmist describe being in God’s presence? Who are the blessed? God’s presence brings strength. As you reflect on this, pray in these ways and any other way the Holy Spirit leads. For those who feel God as distant, that they would sense and experience God’s nearness. That we would long for the nearness of God. That those who want nothing to do with God would begin to see his love and his desire to have them close. For strength and hope for the weary. Longing for God For the Pure and Shining One A prophetic song written by the prophetic singers of Korah’s clan Set to the melody of “For the Feast of Harvest” 1 God of Heaven’s Armies, you find so much beauty in your people! They’re like lovely sanctuaries of your presence. 2 Deep within me are these lovesick longings, desires and daydreams of living in union with you. When I’m near you, my heart and my soul will sing and worship with my joyful songs of you, my true source and spring of life! 3 O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, my King and my God, even the sparrows and swallows are welcome to build a nest among your altars to raise their young. 4 What pleasure fills those who live every day in your temple, enjoying you as they worship in your presence! Pause in his presence 5 How enriched are they who find their strength in the Lord; within their hearts are the highways of holiness! 6 Even when their paths wind through the dark valley of tears, they dig deep to find a pleasant pool where others find only pain. He gives to them a brook of blessing filled from the rain of an outpouring. 7 They grow stronger and stronger with every step forward, and the God of all gods will appear before them in Zion. 8 Hear my cry, O God of Heaven’s Armies! God of Jacob, listen to my loving prayer. Pause in his presence 9 God, your wraparound presence is our defense. In your kindness look upon the faces of your anointed ones. 10For just one day of intimacy with you is like a thousand days of joy rolled into one! I’d rather stand at the threshold in front of the Gate Beautiful, ready to go in and worship my God, than to live my life without you in the most beautiful palace of the wicked. 11For the Lord God is brighter than the brilliance of a sunrise! Wrapping himself around me like a shield, he is so generous with his gifts of grace and glory. Those who walk along his paths with integrity will never lack one thing they need, for he provides it all! 12O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, what euphoria fills those who forever trust in you! #NS90DOP Read Psalm 82 today.
What is the predicament of the weak and fatherless? What does the psalmist desire and request? How does the psalmist ask for care for the least of these? The heart of God and our call includes care for the weak, fatherless, and least of these. As you reflect on this, pray in these ways and any other way the Holy Spirit leads. That we would be free from the pressures to play favorites and show partiality. That we would confess our neglect of caring for the weak, fatherless, and least of these. That we would move toward care for the least of these, especially in our neighborhoods and cities. That we would have eyes to see those who walk in darkness, and we would be willing to walk with them in their darkness and toward the light of God’s love and rescue. True Justice Asaph’s poetic song 1 All rise! For God now comes to judge as he convenes heaven’s courtroom. He judges every judge and rules in the midst of the gods, saying, 2 “How long will you judges refuse to listen to the voice of true justice and continue to corrupt what is right by judging in favor of the wrong?” Pause in his presence 3 “Defend the defenseless, the fatherless and the forgotten, the disenfranchised and the destitute. 4 Your duty is to deliver the poor and the powerless; liberate them from the grasp of the wicked. 5 But you continue in your darkness and ignorance while the foundations of society are shaken to the core! 6 Didn’t I commission you as judges, saying, ‘You are all like gods, since you judge on my behalf. You are all like sons of the Most High, my representatives.’ 7 Nevertheless, in death you are nothing but mere men! You will be laid in the ground like any prince and you will die.” 8 All rise! For God now takes his place as judge of all the earth. Don’t you know that everything and everyone belongs to him? The nations will be sifted in his hands! #NS90DOP Read Psalm 80 today.
What are the desires and longings of the psalmist? What does the psalmist repeat? God is a God of restoration. As you reflect on this, pray in these ways and any other way the Holy Spirit leads. For the places in your life where you long for restoration. For God to make things new within our minds, our hearts, and in our actions. For communities that had peace before to be restored to peace and flourishing. For the restoration and redemption of all things on earth as it is in heaven. Rescue and Restore For the Pure and Shining One Asaph’s poetic song To the tune of “Your Decrees Are like Lilies” 1 God-Enthroned, be revealed in splendor as you ride upon the cherubim! How perfectly you lead us, a people set free. Loving shepherd of Israel—listen to our hearts’ cry! Shine forth from your throne of dazzling light. 2 In the sight of Benjamin, Ephraim, and Manasseh, stir up your mighty power in full display before our eyes. Break through and reveal yourself by coming to our rescue. 3 Revive us, O God! Let your beaming face shine upon us with the sunrise rays of glory; then nothing will be able to stop us. 4 O God, the mighty Commander of Angel Armies, how much longer will you smolder in anger? How much longer will you be disgusted with your people even when they pray? 5 You have fed us with sorrow and grief and made us drink our tears by the bowlful. 6 You’ve made us a thorn in the side of all the neighboring lands, and now they just laugh at us with their mocking scorn. 7 Come back, come back, O God, and restore us! You are the Commander of Angel Armies. Let your beaming face shine upon us with the sunrise rays of glory, and then nothing will be able to stop us! 8-9Remember how you transplanted us here like a tender vine from Egypt. You cleared the land for your vineyard, evicting the nations from your land and planting us here. The roots of your vineyard went deep into the soil and filled the land with fruit. 10-11Because of your favor on your vineyard, blessing extended to every mountain of influence. Through this flourishing vineyard mighty ones were raised up. The nations were blessed by your fruitful vineyard of Israel, all the way from the Mediterranean Sea to the Euphrates. 12-13So Lord, why have you broken down your fence of favor around us? Trespassers can steal the fruit from off our vines, and now every wild beast comes breaking through our wall to ravage us. You’ve left us without protection! 14Come back, come back, O God to restore us! You are the Commander of Angel Armies. Look down from heaven and see our crisis. Come down and care for your lovely vineyard once again. 15Nurture our root and our fruit with your loving care. Raise up the Branch-Man, the Son whom you’ve made strong. 16Enemies chopped down our vine and set it on fire; now show them your anger and let them perish by your frown. 17Strengthen this Branch-Man, the Son of your love, the Son of Man who dwells at your right hand. 18Then we will never turn back from you. Revive us again, that we may trust in you. 19O God, the mighty Commander of Angel Armies, come back and rescue us! Let your beaming face shine upon us with the sunrise rays of glory. Then nothing will ever stop us again! #NS90DOP Read Psalm 79 today.
What is the situation of the psalmist? What is the psalmist asking from God? We can ask for God’s intervening work in the world. As you reflect on this, pray in these ways and any other way the Holy Spirit leads. For God to intervene in the injustices against all people and places around the world. For protection from and prevention of war between countries and within countries. For people and nations to come to repentance and for the goodness and glory of God to be seen. For the great injustices as well as the small ones, and that we would be people who would listen to those who cry out, are hurting, and need care. Prayer in a Time of National Disaster Asaph’s poetic song 1 God, won’t you do something? Barbarians have invaded your inheritance. Your temple of holiness has been violated, and Jerusalem has been left in ruins. 2 The corpses of your loving people are lying in the open-- food for the beasts and the birds. 3 The shed blood of your servants has soaked the city, with no one left to bury the dead. 4 Now the nearby nations heap their scorn upon us, scoffing, mocking us incessantly. 5 How much longer, O Yahweh, must we endure this? Does your anger have no end? Will your jealousy burn like a raging fire? 6 If you’re going to pour out your anger, pour it out on all these nations around us, not on us! They’re the ones who do not love you like we do! 7 See how they’ve attacked us, consuming the land, leaving it desolate. 8 Please, God, don’t hold the sins of our fathers against us. Don’t make us pay for their sins. Hurry to our side, and let your tenderhearted mercy meet us in our need, for we are devastated beyond belief. 9 Our hero, come and rescue us! O God of the breakthrough, for the glory of your name, come and help us! Forgive and restore us; heal us and cover us in your love. 10Why should all the nations sneer at us, saying, “Where is this God of yours?” Now is the time, Lord. Show your people and all the world that you will avenge this slaughter and bloodshed once and for all! 11Listen, Lord! Hear the sighing of all the prisoners of war, all those doomed to die. Demonstrate your glory-power, and come and rescue your condemned children! 12Lord God, take what these mocking masses have done to us and pay it all back to them seven times over. 13Then we, your devoted lovers, will forever thank you, praising your name from generation to generation! #NS90DOP Read Psalm 77 today.
What is the psalmist expressing to God through his questions? What does the psalmist decide to do (verse 10-12)? What are the deeds that God has done? When we are deeply discouraged, we can choose to remember and meditate on what God has done. As you reflect on this, pray in these ways and any other way the Holy Spirit leads. That we would bring patience to listening to those who need to process things out loud. That we would be slow to speak when someone is discouraged, giving them space to fully express their thoughts and feelings. That the Holy Spirit would help us see when to continue listening, and when and what to say when someone is discouraged. That we would remember and meditate on God’s good and great works when we are deeply discouraged. A Cry to God To the Pure and Shining One Asaph’s song of love’s celebration 1 I poured out my complaint to you, God. I lifted up my voice, shouting out for your help. 2 When I was in deep distress, in my day of trouble, I reached out for you with hands stretched out to heaven. Over and over I kept looking for you, God, but your comforting grace was nowhere to be found. 3 As I thought of you I moaned, “God, where are you?” I’m overwhelmed with despair as I wait for your help to arrive. Pause in his presence 4 I can’t get a wink of sleep until you come and comfort me. Now I’m too burdened to even pray! 5 My mind wandered, thinking of days gone by-- the years long since passed. 6 Then I remembered the worship songs I used to sing in the night seasons, and my heart began to fill again with thoughts of you. So my spirit went out once more in search of you. 7 Would you really walk off and leave me forever, my Lord God? Won’t you show me your kind favor, delighting in me again? 8 Has your well of sweet mercy dried up? Will your promises never come true? 9 Have you somehow forgotten to show me love? Are you so angry that you’ve closed your heart of compassion toward me? Pause in his presence 10Lord, what wounds me most is that it’s somehow my fault that you’ve changed your heart toward me and I no longer see the years of the Mighty One or your right hand of power. 11Yet I could never forget all your miracles, my God, as I remember all your wonders of old. 12I ponder all you’ve done, Lord, musing on all your miracles. 13It’s here in your presence, in your sanctuary, where I learn more of your ways, for holiness is revealed in everything you do. Lord, you’re the one and only, the great and glorious God! 14Your display of wonders, miracles, and power makes the nations acknowledge you. 15By your glory-bursts you’ve rescued us over and over. Just ask the sons of Jacob or the sons of Joseph, and they will tell you! And all of us, your beloved ones, know that it’s true! Pause in his presence 16When the many waters of the Red Sea took one look at you, they were afraid and ran away to hide-- trembling to its depths! 17Storm clouds filled with water high in the skies; cloudbursts and thunderclaps announced your approach. Lightning-flashes lit up the landscape. 18Rolling whirlwinds exploded with sonic booms of thunder, rumbling as the skies shouted out your story with light and sound and wind. Everything on earth shook and trembled as you drew near. 19Your steps formed a highway through the seas with footprints on a pathway no one even knew was there. 20You led your people forward by your loving hand, blessed by the leadership of Moses and Aaron. #NS90DOP Read Psalm 76 today.
How does the psalmist describe the power of God? How is the word “fear” used in relation to God? The greatness of God causes creation and kings to fear him. As you reflect on this, pray in these ways and any other way the Holy Spirit leads. That we would regularly remember the grandness and power of God. As we remember, that we would be humbled, and seek to submit and surrender our will to his ways. That we would confess the ways we control, seize power, and manipulate in order to get our way rather than love God and love others. That we would make time to reflect and recognize God’s power, having a posture that is ready to serve. Awe-Inspiring Power To the Pure and Shining One Asaph’s poetic tune, a song of smiting 1 God is well known in the land of Judah. He is famous throughout Israel, 2 making his home in Jerusalem, living here on Mount Zion. 3 That’s where he smashes every weapon of war that comes against him. That’s where he uses the broken arrows as kindling for his mighty bonfire. Pause in his presence 4 God, you are so resplendent and radiant! Your majesty shines from your everlasting mountain. Nothing could be compared to you in glory! 5 Even the mightiest of men have been paralyzed by your presence. They were so stunned and lifeless, not even the strongest one could lift a hand. 6 When Jacob’s God roared his rebuke, soldiers and their steeds all fell to the ground, stunned and lying still. 7 No wonder you are greatly feared! You are the awe-inspiring God! For who could ever stand before your face when your fierce anger burns and live to tell about it. 8 As the earth itself holds its breath in awe before you, judgment is decreed from heaven. 9 You arise to punish evil and defend the gentle upon the earth. Pause in his presence 10You have power to transform man’s futile anger into praise. The fury of your enemies only causes your fame to increase. 11So you’d better keep every promise you’ve ever made to the Awesome One, Yahweh! Let all people bring their extravagant gifts to him alone. 12He is famous for breaking the spirit of the powers that be. And the kings of the earth will know him as the Fearsome One! #NS90DOP Read Psalm 75 today.
Why does the psalmist give thanks? What does the psalmist say about the wicked? God will respond to the wicked. As you reflect on this, pray in these ways and any other way the Holy Spirit leads. With thankfulness, for the times you sensed God’s nearness and saw his movement in your life. That we would be people of humility, seeing and treating others as God would treat them. That there would be an end to evil and wickedness, especially in countries that exploit and take advantage of the most vulnerable. That we would pay attention to what God is doing in this world, and join him in fighting against evil and wickedness, in our city, country, and around the world. A Cup in God’s Hand To the Pure and Shining One Asaph’s poetic song To the tune of “Do Not Destroy” 1 God, our hearts spill over with praise to you! We overflow with thanks, for your name is the “Near One.” All we want to talk about is your wonderful works! And we hear your reply: 2 “When the time is ripe I will arise, and I will judge the world with perfect righteousness. 3 Though I have set the earth firmly on its pillars, I will shake it until it totters, and everyone’s hearts will tremble.” Pause in his presence 4 God warns the proud, “Stop your arrogant boasting!” And he warns the wicked, “Don’t think for a moment you can resist me! 5 Why would you speak with such stubborn pride? Don’t you dare raise your fist against me!” 6-7This I know: the favor that brings promotion and power doesn’t come from anywhere on earth, for no one exalts a person but God, the true judge of all. He alone determines where favor rests. He anoints one for greatness and brings another down to his knees. 8 A foaming cup filled with judgment mixed with fury is in the hands of the Lord Yahweh, full to the brim and ready to run over. He filled it up for the wicked, and they will drink it down to the very last drop! 9 But I will proclaim the victory of the God of Jacob. My melodies of praise will make him known. 10My praises will break the powers of wickedness, while the righteous will be promoted and become powerful! #NS90DOP Read Psalm 74 today.
What variety of questions is the psalmist asking God? With what tone does the psalmist seem to be speaking? What emotions seem to be behind the tone and questions in this psalm? God welcomes strong and bold requests. As you reflect on this, pray in these ways and any other way the Holy Spirit leads. For freedom to pray emotional and honest prayers. That we believe we can pray strong and bold prayers. For the freedom to speak our doubts to God. For the deep needs and desires of others. To keep hope and encourage others as we face times when God seems to be inactive in our lives and in the world. We Need You Now Asaph’s poem of instruction 1 Are you really going to leave us, God? Would you turn your back on us, rejecting your people? We are yours, your very own. Will your anger smolder against us forever? 2 Don’t forget that we are your beloved ones. Wrap us back into your heart again, for you chose us. You brought us out of our slavery and bondage and made us your favored ones, your Zion-people, your home on earth. 3 Turn your steps toward this devastation. Come running to bring your restoring grace to these ruins, to what the enemy has done to devastate your Holy Place. 4 They have come into the very midst of your dwelling place, roaring like beasts, setting up their banners to flaunt their conquest. 5 Now everything is in shambles! They’ve totally destroyed it. Like a forest chopped down to the ground, there’s nothing left. 6 All of the beauty of the craftsmanship of the inner place has been ruined, smashed, broken, and shattered. 7 They’ve burned it all to the ground. They’ve violated your sanctuary, the very dwelling place of your glory and your name. 8 They boasted, “Let’s completely crush them! Let’s wipe out every trace of this God. Let’s burn up every sacred place where they worship this God.” 9 We don’t see any miraculous signs anymore. There’s no longer a prophet among us who can tell us how long this devastation will continue. 10God, how much longer will you let this go on and allow these barbarians to blaspheme your name? Will you stand back and watch them get away with this forever? 11Why don’t you do something? You have the power to break in, so why would you hide your great power from us? Don’t hold back! Unleash your might and give them a final blow. 12You have always been, and always will be, my King. You are the mighty conqueror, working wonders all over the world. 13It was you who split the sea in two by your glorious strength. You smashed the power of Tannin, the sea monster. 14You crushed the might of Leviathan, the great dragon, then you took the crumbs and fed them to the sharks. 15With your glory you opened up springs and fountains, then you spoke, and the ever-flowing springs of Jordan dried up so we could cross over. 16You own the day and the night. Sunlight and starlight call you Creator. 17The four corners of the earth were formed by your hands, and every changing season owes its beauty to you. 18O Yahweh, don’t ever forget how these arrogant enemies, like fools, have mocked your name. 19Lord, aren’t we your beloved dove that praises you? Protect us from these wild beasts who want to harm us. Don’t leave us as lambs among wolves! You can’t abandon us after all we’ve been through! 20Remember your promises to us, for darkness covers the land, giving the violent ones a hiding place. 21Don’t let these insults continue. Can’t you see that we are your downtrodden and oppressed people? Make the poor and needy into a choir of praise to you! 22Don’t ignore these ignorant words, this continual mocking. Rise up, God; it’s time to defend yourself from all this. 23Never forget what your adversaries are saying. For their rage and uproar rise continually against you. It’s time to stand up to them! #NS90DOP Read Psalm 73 today.
What does the psalmist confess? How does the psalmist speak of God’s presence? What does the psalmist say is good? God provides strength and presence, no matter who the people around us are. As you reflect on this, pray in these ways and any other way the Holy Spirit leads. For those who are surrounded by arrogant and selfish people, that they would lean in and on the Lord. That we would defend and speak truth and change into situations and the lives of those that are harsh, destructive, and violent toward others. For ministries around our city that fight for the vulnerable. For God’s justice, and for those who seek to oppress and abuse others to be brought down. God’s Justice Asaph’s psalm 1 No one can deny it—God is really good to Israel and to all those with pure hearts. But I nearly missed seeing it for myself. 2 Here’s my story: I narrowly missed losing it all. 3 I was stumbling over what I saw the wicked doing. For when I saw the boasters with such wealth and prosperity, I became jealous over their smug security. 4-5Indulging in whatever they wanted, going where they wanted, doing what they wanted, and with no care in the world, no pain, no problems—they seemed to have it made. They lived as though life would never end. 6 They didn’t even try to hide their pride and opulence. Cruelty and violence are parts of their lifestyle. 7 Pampered and pompous, vice oozes from their souls; they overflow with vanity. 8 They’re such snobs—looking down their noses. They even scoff at God! They are nothing but bullies threatening God’s people. 9 They are loudmouths with no fear of God, pretending to know it all-- windbags full of hot air, impressing only themselves. 10Yet the people keep coming back to listen to more of their nonsense. 11They tell their cohorts, “God will never know. See, he has no clue of what we’re doing.” 12These are the wicked ones I’m talking about! They never have to lift a finger, living a life of ease while their riches multiply. 13Have I been foolish to play by the rules and keep my life pure? 14Here I am suffering under your discipline day after day. I feel like I’m being punished all day long. 15If I had given in to my pain and spoken of what I was really feeling, it would have sounded like unfaithfulness to the next generation. 16When I tried to understand it all, I just couldn’t. It was too puzzling—too much of a riddle to me. 17But then one day I was brought into the sanctuaries of God, and in the light of glory, my distorted perspective vanished. Then I understood that the destiny of the wicked was near! 18They’re the ones who are on the slippery path, and God will suddenly let them slide off into destruction to be consumed with terrors forever! 19It will be an instant end to all their life of ease; a blink of the eye and they’re swept away by sudden calamity! They’re all nothing more than momentary monarchs-- 20soon to disappear like a dream when one awakes. When the rooster crows, Lord God, you’ll despise their life of fantasies. 21When I saw all of this, what turmoil filled my heart, piercing my opinions with your truth. 22I was so stupid. I was senseless and ignorant, acting like a brute beast before you, Lord. 23Yet, in spite of all this, I still belong to you; you hold me by my right hand. 24You lead me with your secret wisdom. And following you brings me into your brightness and glory! 25Whom have I in heaven but you? You’re all I want! No one on earth means as much to me as you. 26Lord, so many times I fail; I fall into disgrace. But when I trust in you, I have a strong and glorious presence protecting and anointing me. Forever you’re all I need! 27Those who abandon the worship of God will perish. The false and unfaithful will be silenced, never heard from again. 28But I’ll keep coming closer and closer to you, Lord Yahweh, for your name is good to me. I’ll keep telling the world of your awesome works, my faithful and glorious God! #NS90DOP Read Psalm 70 today.
How does the psalmist describe his situation? What does he long for? Imagine the desperation of those waiting for God’s good justice (verses 1-5). As you reflect on this, pray in these ways and any other way the Holy Spirit leads. For those suffering injustices from religious persecution around the world. For children bullied in school, who are looking for God and others to help them. For those trapped in a marriage or relationship longing for rescue. For vindication for those falsely accused and waiting for redemption. For the people of God, the church, to rise up and rescue others. A Cry for Help To the Pure and Shining One David’s poetic lament to always remember 1 Please, Lord! Come quickly and rescue me! God, show me your favor and restore me. 2 Let all who seek my life be humiliated and confused. God, send them sprawling, all who wish me evil; they just want me dead. 3 Scoff at every scoffer and cause them all to be utter failures! Let them be ashamed and horrified over their complete defeat. 4 But let all who passionately seek you erupt with excitement and joy over what you’ve done! Let all your devoted lovers, who continually rejoice in the Savior, say aloud, “How great and glorious is our God!” 5 Lord, in my place of weakness and need, won’t you turn your heart toward me and hurry to help me? For you are my Savior, and I’m always in your thoughts. So don’t delay to deliver me now, for you are my God. #NS90DOP Read Psalm 68 today.
According to the psalmist, what has God done? What can he do? How often does the Lord bear us up (verse 19)? We can call out to God for justice. As you reflect on this, pray in these ways and any other way the Holy Spirit leads. Those who suffer injustices in our city and around the world. For those who fight unjust people and systems, that God would be their daily strength. That God would move and act today in the lives of those who are trapped in abusive marriages and relationships. That we would have eyes to see the tears and hear the cries of the marginalized, unseen, and hurting. A Song of Triumph For the Pure and Shining One David’s poetic song of praise 1 God! Arise with awesome power, and every one of your enemies will scatter in fear! 2 Chase them away—all these God-haters. Blow them away as a puff of smoke. Melt them away like wax in the fire. One good look at you and the wicked vanish. 3 But let all the righteous be glad! Yes, let them all rejoice in your presence and be carried away with gladness. Let them laugh and be radiant with joy! 4 Let them sing their celebration-songs for the coming of the cloud rider whose name is Yah! 5-6To the fatherless he is a father. To the widow he is a champion friend. The lonely he makes part of a family. The prisoners he leads into prosperity until they sing for joy. This is our Holy God in his Holy Place! But for the rebels there is heartache and despair. 7 O Lord, it was you who marched in front of your people, leading them through the wasteland. Pause in his presence 8 The earth shook beneath your feet; the heavens filled with clouds before the presence of the God of Sinai. The sacred mountain shook at the sight of the face of Israel’s God. 9 You, O God, sent the reviving rain upon your weary inheritance, showers of blessing to refresh it. 10So there your people settled. And in your kindness you provided the poor with abundance. 11God Almighty declares the word of the gospel with power, and the warring women of Zion deliver its message: 12“The conquering legions have themselves been conquered. Look at them flee!” Now Zion’s women are left to gather the spoils. 13When you sleep between sharpened stakes, I see you sparkling like silver and glistening like gold, covered by the beautiful wings of a dove! 14When the Almighty found a king for himself, it became white as snow in his shade. 15-16O huge, magnificent mountain, you are the mighty kingdom of God! All the other peaks, though impressive and imposing, look with envy on you, Mount Zion! For Zion is the mountain where God has chosen to live forever. 17Look! The mighty chariots of God! Ten thousands upon ten thousands, more than anyone could ever number. God is at the front, leading them all from Mount Sinai into his sanctuary with the radiance of holiness upon him. 18He ascends into the heavenly heights, taking his many captured ones with him, leading them in triumphal procession. And gifts were given to men, even the once rebellious, so that they may dwell with Yah. 19What a glorious God! He gives us salvation over and over, then daily he carries our burdens! Pause in his presence 20Our God is a mighty God who saves us over and over! For the Lord, Yahweh, rescues us from the ways of death many times. 21But he will crush every enemy, shattering their strength. He will make heads roll for they refuse to repent of their stubborn, sinful ways. 22I hear the Lord God saying to all the enemies of his people, “You’d better come out of your hiding places, all of you who are doing your best to stay far away from me. Don’t you know there’s no place to hide? 23For my people will be the conquerors; they will soon have you under their feet. They will crush you until there is nothing left!” 24O God, my King, your triumphal processions keep moving onward in holiness; you’re moving onward toward the Holy Place! 25Leaders in front, then musicians, with young maidens in between, striking their tambourines. 26And they sing, “Let all God’s princely people rejoice! Let all the congregations bring their blessing to God, saying, ‘The Lord of the fountain! The Lord of the fountain of life! The Lord of the fountain of Israel!’” 27Astonishingly, it’s the favored youth leading the way: princes of praise in their royal robes and exalted princes are among them, along with princes who have wrestled with God. 28-29Display your strength, God, and we’ll be strong! For your miracles have made us who we are. Lord, do it again and parade from your temple your mighty power. By your command even kings will bring gifts to you. 30God, rebuke the beast-life that hides within us! Rebuke those who claim to be “strong ones,” who lurk within the congregation and abuse the people out of their love for money. God scatters the people who are spoiling for a fight. 31Africa will send her noble envoys to you, O God. They will come running, stretching out their hands in love to you. 32Let all the nations of the earth sing songs of praise to Almighty God! Go ahead, all you nations—sing your praise to the Lord! Pause in his presence 33Make music for the one who strides the ancient skies. Listen to his thunderous voice of might split open the heavens. 34Give it up for God, for he alone has all the strength and power! Proclaim his majesty! For his glory shines down on Israel. His mighty strength soars in the clouds of glory. 35God, we are consumed with awe, trembling before you as your glory streams from your Holy Place. The God of power shares his mighty strength with Israel and with all his people. God, we give our highest praise to you! #NS90DOP Read Psalm 67 today.
Why is the psalmist asking God to be gracious, bless, and make his face shine upon them? Who praises God? Our praise shows God’s glory. As you reflect on this, pray in these ways and any other way the Holy Spirit leads. That all we do will point to God. That others will see any good work of the church and Christians, and see and believe in God. That more and more people and nations will see, know, and praise God. That we would live with humility, trusting that anything we have is a gift of God, giving him all praise, thankfulness, and glory. It’s Time to Praise Him For the Pure and Shining One A poetic song of praise for guitar 1 God, keep us near your mercy-fountain and bless us! And when you look down on us, may your face beam with joy! Pause in his presence 2 Send us out all over the world so that everyone everywhere will discover your ways and know who you are and see your power to save. 3 Let all the nations burst forth with praise; let everyone everywhere love and enjoy you! 4 Then how glad the nations will be when you are their King. They will sing, they will shout, for you give true justice to the people. Yes! You, Lord, are the shepherd of the nations! Pause in his presence 5 No wonder the peoples praise you! Let all the people praise you more! 6 The harvest of the earth is here! God, the very God we worship, keeps us satisfied at his banquet of blessings. 7 And the blessings keep coming! All the ends of the earth will give him the honor he deserves and be in awe of him! #NS90DOP Read Psalm 66 today.
What is the tone of this psalm? What does the psalmist invite the reader to? There is joy found in God and in his works. As you reflect on this, pray in these ways and any other way the Holy Spirit leads. For a posture of gratitude, praise, and joy. For people to feel and experience God’s joy in their lives. That we would be a church that tells people of our joy, of God’s work, and how he has heard our prayers. That we would invite others to also see God, his goodness, and his love, that they might know him. Thank You, Lord For the Pure and Shining One A song of awakening 1 Everyone everywhere, lift up your joyful shout to God! 2 Sing your songs tuned to his glory! Tell the world how wonderful he is. 3 For he’s the awe-inspiring God, great and glorious in power! We’ve never seen anything like him! Mighty in miracles, you cause your enemies to tremble. No wonder they all surrender and bow before you! 4 All the earth will bow down to worship; all the earth will sing your glories forever! Pause in his presence 5 Everyone will say, “Come and see the incredible things God has done; it will take your breath away! He multiplies miracles for his people!” 6 He made a highway going right through the Red Sea as the Hebrews passed through on dry ground, exploding with joyous excitement over the miracles of God. 7 In his great and mighty power he rules forever, watching over every movement of every nation. So beware, rebel lands; he knows how to humble you! Pause in his presence 8 Praise God, all you peoples. Praise him everywhere and let everyone know you love him! 9 There’s no doubt about it: God holds our lives safely in his hands. He’s the one who keeps us faithfully following him. 10O Lord, we have passed through your fire; like precious metal made pure, you’ve proved us, perfected us, and made us holy. 11You’ve captured us, ensnared us in your net. Then, like prisoners, you placed chains around our necks. 12You’ve allowed our enemies to prevail against us. We’ve passed through fire and flood, yet in the end you always bring us out better than we were before, saturated with your goodness. 13I come before your presence with my sacrifice. I’ll give you all that I’ve promised, everything I have. 14When I was overcome in my anguish, I promised to give you my sacrifice. Here it is! All that I said I would offer you is yours. 15I’ll throw it all—the best I have to bring—into the fire as the fragrance of my sacrifice ascends unto you. Pause in his presence 16All you lovers of God who want to please him, come and listen, and I’ll tell you what he did for me. 17I cried aloud to him with all my heart, and he answered me! Now my mouth overflows with the highest praise. 18Yet if I had closed my eyes to my sin, the Lord God would have closed his ears to my prayer. 19But praises rise to God, for he paid attention to my prayer and answered my cry to him! 20I will forever praise this God who didn’t close his heart when I prayed and never said no when I asked him for help. He never once refused to show me his tender love. #NS90DOP |