Day 17.

Read Psalm 17 today.

What does the psalmist claim about his actions?
What does the psalmist ask of God?
​
God promises his presence.

As you reflect on this, pray in these ways and any other way the Holy Spirit leads.
For all to believe that God’s nearness and presence is with them.
For hope for those who feel as if God is distant.
For those who despair that their sin is too deep and their actions are too bad for God to be near them, and that they would see and experience God’s love and grace.
That family members, those we love, and even our enemies who are trapped in sin would be freed to life with God through Jesus.
 
A Cry for Justice
A priestly prayer of David
 
Hear Me!
1  Listen to me, Lord.
Hear the passionate prayer of this honest man.
My cause is just and my need is real.
I’ve done what’s right and my lips speak truth.
2  Examine and exonerate me.
Vindicate me and show the world I’m innocent.
3  For in a visitation of the night
you inspected my heart and refined my soul in fire
until nothing vile was found in me.
I will not sin with my words.
4  Following your word has kept me from wrong.
Your ways have molded my footsteps, keeping me
from going down the paths of the violent.
5  My steps follow in the tracks of your chariot wheels,
always staying in their path,
never straying from your way.
6  You will answer me, God; I know you always will.
Hear my words like you always do as you listen to my every prayer.
 
Hide Me!
7  Magnify the marvels of your mercy to all who seek you. 
You are the loving Savior of all who turn aside
to hide themselves in you.
8  Protect me from harm;
keep an eye on me as you would a child 
who is reflected in the twinkling of your eye.
Yes, hide me within the shelter of your embrace,
under your outstretched wings. 
9  Protect me there from all my foes.
For there are many who surround my soul
to completely destroy me.
10They are pitiless, heartless—hard as nails,
swollen with pride and filled with arrogance!
11See how they close in on me,
waiting for the chance to throw me to the ground. 
12They’re like lions eager to tear me apart,
like young and fearless lions lurking in secret,
so ferocious and cruel—ready to rip me to shreds.
 
Help Me!
13Arise, God, and confront them!
Challenge them with your might! 
Free me from their clutches and rescue me from their rage.
14Throw them down to the ground,
those who live for only this life on earth.
Thrust them out of their prosperity
and into their portion in eternity,
leaving their wealth and wickedness behind!
15As for me, because I am innocent, I will see your face
until I see you for who you really are.
I will be satisfied in an awakening of your likeness in me!
 
#NS90DOP