Read Psalm 65 today.
How does the psalmist describe God? What are the actions of God toward the various parts of the earth? God has power over all the earth. As you reflect on this, pray in these ways and any other way the Holy Spirit leads. That we would trust that the same God who has power of the earth has power in our lives and the lives of others. That God cares greatly for the earth and we would be people who also care for the earth. That people would see and believe God as they sit in the majesty of his creation. That as we spend time in the beauty of the earth, we would be in awe of the one who created it. What a Savior For the Pure and Shining One King David’s poetic song 1-2O God in Zion, to you even silence is praise! You who answers prayer, all of humanity comes before you with their requests. 3 Though we are overcome by our many sins, your sacrifice covers over them all. 4 How blessed is the one you choose to live near you in your courts. The beauty of your house, your holy temple, satisfies us. 5 You answer our prayers with amazing wonders and with awe-inspiring displays of power. You are the righteous God who helps us like a father. Everyone everywhere looks to you, for you are the confidence of all the earth, even to the farthest islands of the sea. 6 What jaw-dropping, astounding power is yours! You are the mountain maker who sets them all in place. 7 You muzzle the roar of the mighty seas and the rage of mobs with their noisy riots. 8 O God, to the farthest corners of the planet people will stand in awe, startled and stunned by your signs and wonders. Sunrise brilliance and sunset beauty both take turns singing their songs of joy to you. 9 Your visitations of glory bless the earth; the rivers of God overflow and enrich it. You paint the wheat fields golden as you provide rich harvests. 10Every field is watered with the abundance of rain-- showers soaking the earth and softening its clods, causing seeds to sprout throughout the land. 11You crown the earth with the fruits of your goodness. Wherever you go, the tracks of your chariot wheels drip with oil. 12Luxuriant green pastures boast of your bounty as you make every hillside blossom with joy. 13The grazing meadows are covered with flocks, and the fertile valleys are clothed with grain, each one dancing and shouting for joy, creation’s celebration! They’re all singing their songs of praise to you! #NS90DOP
0 Comments
Read Psalm 63 today.
What is the psalmist experiencing? What does the psalmist do with various parts of his body? What does the psalmist say about what God has done and what he will do? We can choose to lean in to God with all we are and receive all the goodness he has for us. As you reflect on this, pray in these ways and any other way the Holy Spirit leads. For the ability to lean fully into God, with our whole selves. For our thoughts to be the thoughts of God, and our strength to come from him. That we will look to God, we would linger on who he is, and would absorb his love more deeply. That, as we live God’s strength during hard times, others will notice and wonder how we are so strong, and we can point them to God. Thirsting for God For the Pure and Shining One King David’s song when he was exiled in the Judean wilderness 1 O God of my life, I’m lovesick for you in this weary wilderness. I thirst with the deepest longings to love you more, with cravings in my heart that can’t be described. Such yearning grips my soul for you, my God! 2 I’m energized every time I enter your heavenly sanctuary to seek more of your power and drink in more of your glory. 3 For your tender mercies mean more to me than life itself. How I love and praise you, God! 4 Daily I will worship you passionately and with all my heart. My arms will wave to you like banners of praise. 5 I overflow with praise when I come before you, for the anointing of your presence satisfies me like nothing else. You are such a rich banquet of pleasure to my soul. 6-7I lie awake each night thinking of you and reflecting on how you help me like a father. I sing through the night under your splendor-shadow, offering up to you my songs of delight and joy! 8 With passion I pursue and cling to you. Because I feel your grip on my life, I keep my soul close to your heart. 9 Those who plot to destroy me shall descend into the darkness of hell. 10They will be consumed by their own evil and become nothing more than dust under our feet. 11These liars will be silenced forever! But with the anointing of a king I will dance and rejoice along with all his devoted lovers who trust in him. #NS90DOP Read Psalm 61 today.
Who does the psalmist cry out to when his heart is faint and overwhelmed? What does the psalmist most desire? How does he show his thankfulness? God is our security, our protection, and our comfort. As you reflect on this, pray in these ways and any other way the Holy Spirit leads. For belief that God hears all our prayers. That those who are overwhelmed can find comfort in the Lord. That God will give us courage in discouraging situations. For a posture of daily gratitude and thankfulness for God’s love and faithfulness. Prayer for Protection To the Pure and Shining One A song for the guitar by King David 1 O God, hear my prayer. Listen to my heart’s cry. 2 For no matter where I am, even when I’m far from home, I will cry out to you for a father’s help. When I’m feeble and overwhelmed by life, guide me into your glory, where I am safe and sheltered. 3 Lord, you are a paradise of protection to me. You lift me high above the fray. None of my foes can touch me when I’m held firmly in your wraparound presence! 4 Keep me in this glory. Let me live continually under your splendor-shadow, hiding my life in you forever. Pause in his presence 5 You have heard my sweet resolutions to love and serve you, for I am your beloved. And you have given me an inheritance of rich treasures, which you give to all your devoted lovers. 6 You treat me like a king, giving me a full and abundant life, years and years of reigning, like many generations rolled into one. 7 I will live enthroned with you forever! Guard me, God, with your unending, unfailing love. Let me live my days walking in grace and truth before you. 8 And my praises will fill the heavens forever, fulfilling my vow to make every day a love-gift to you! #NS90DOP Read Psalm 60 today.
In times of desperation, whom does the psalmist talk to? How is the psalmist specific with his needs? What confidence does the psalmist express at the end? God is our hope in our desperation and in disaster. As you reflect on this, pray in these ways and any other way the Holy Spirit leads. For God to restore those in need. For the ability to pray for specific needs. For those who are in dire need to know they can turn to God for redemption. For the ability to turn our worries and concerns of injustice, health issues, and relationships over to God. Has God Forgotten Us? To the Pure and Shining One King David’s poem for instruction composed when he fought against the Syrians with the outcome still uncertain and Joab turned back to kill twelve thousand descendants of Esau in the Valley of Salt To the tune of “Lily of the Covenant” 1 God, it seems like you walked off and left us! Why have you turned against us? You have been angry with us. O Lord, we plead, come back and help us as a father. 2 The earth quivers and quakes before you, splitting open and breaking apart. Now come and heal it, for it is shaken to its depths. 3 You have taught us hard lessons and made us drink the wine of bewilderment. 4 You have given miraculous signs to those who love you. As we follow you, we fly the flag of truth, and all who love the truth will rally to it. Pause in his presence 5 Come to your beloved ones and gently draw us out. For Lord, you save those whom you love. Come with your might and strength! 6-7Then I heard the Lord speak in his holy splendor. From his sanctuary I heard the Lord promise: “In my triumph I will be the one to measure out the portion of my inheritance to my people, and I will secure the land as I promised you. Shechem, Succoth, Gilead, Manasseh, they are all still mine!” he says. “Judah will continue to produce kings and lawgivers, and Ephraim will produce great warriors. 8 Moab will become my lowly servant. Edom will likewise serve my purposes. I will lift up a shout of victory over the land of Philistia! 9 But who will bring my triumph into the strong city? Who will lead me into Edom’s fortresses?” 10Have you really rejected us, refusing to fight our battles? 11Give us a father’s help when we face our enemies. For to trust in any man is an empty hope. 12With God’s help we will fight like heroes, and he will trample down our every foe! #NS90DOP Read Psalm 59 today.
In this dangerous and stressful situation, how does the psalmist respond? What does the psalmist expect from the Lord? Ask God to be a refuge and a fortress. As you reflect on this, pray in these ways and any other way the Holy Spirit leads. That we will call out to the Lord when we are in dangerous situations. That we would reflect God’s nature and provide protection for those who are vulnerable. That God would provide daily strength and wisdom to our police forces and government to provide protection and care for our communities and cities. That we will have hope in the Lord’s refuge. That those who are in danger will sense his love and protection and would see his presence through the actions of the church. Protect Me For the Pure and Shining One King David’s song of instruction composed when Saul set an ambush for him at his home To the tune of “Do Not Destroy” 1 My God, protect me! Keep me safe from all my enemies, for they’re coming to kill me. Put me in a high place out of their reach-- a place so high that these assassins will never find me. 2 Save me from these murdering men, these bloodthirsty killers. 3 See how they set an ambush for my life. They’re fierce men ready to launch their attack against me. O Lord, I’m innocent; protect me! 4 I’ve done nothing to deserve this, yet they are already plotting together to kill me. Arise, Lord, see what they’re scheming, and come and meet with me. 5 Awaken, O God of Israel! Commander of Angel Armies, arise to punish these treacherous people who oppose you! Don’t go soft on these hard-core killers! Pause in his presence 6 After dark they came to spy, sneaking around the city, snarling, prowling like a pack of stray dogs in the night-- 7 boiling over with rage, shouting out their curses, convinced that they’ll never get caught. 8 But you, Lord, break out laughing at their plans, amused by their arrogance, scoffing at their sinful ways. 9 My strength is found when I wait upon you. Watch over me, God, for you are my mountain fortress; you set me on high! 10The God of passionate love will meet with me. My God will empower me to rise in triumph over my foes. 11Don’t kill them; stagger them all with a vivid display of power and scatter them with your armies of angels, O mighty God, our protector! Use your awesome power to make them wanderers and vagabonds and then bring them down. 12They are nothing but proud, cursing liars. They sin in every word they speak, boasting in their blasphemies! 13May your wrath be kindled to destroy them; finish them off! Make an end of them and their deeds until they are no more! Let them all know and learn that God is the ruler over Jacob, the God-King over all the earth! Pause in his presence 14Here they come again-- prowling, growling like a pack of stray dogs in the city. 15Drifting, devouring, and coming in for the kill, they refuse to sleep until they’ve eaten their fill. 16But as for me, your strength shall be my song of joy. At each and every sunrise, my lyrics of your love will fill the air! For you have been my glory-fortress, a stronghold in my day of distress. 17O my strength, I sing with joy your praises. O my stronghold, I sing with joy your song! O my Savior, I sing with joy the lyrics of your faithful love for me! #NS90DOP Read Psalm 56 today.
What attacks is the psalmist experiencing? How has the psalmist endured the attacks? What does the psalmist express confidence in? In spite of our situations, we can cry out to God, and have confidence in God’s mercy, justice, and salvation. As you reflect on this, pray in these ways and any other way the Holy Spirit leads. For forgiveness for listening to man’s/the world’s opinions/criticisms more than God’s truths. For the reception of God’s mercy and grace. For those who feel defeated and despairing because of relentless evil attacks and verbal abuse. For the strength to not succumb to attacks, but lean in and trust the strength and salvation of Jesus. With thanksgiving that God is a light, he is near when we are feeling pinned against a wall, and that he has saved us. For us to walk in the light of life, sharing that light and life with others. Trusting in God For the Pure and Shining One King David’s golden song of instruction composed when the Philistines captured him in Gath To the tune of “The Oppression of the Princes to Come” 1 Lord, show me your kindness and mercy, for these men oppose and oppress me all day long. 2 Not a day goes by without somebody harassing me. So many in their pride trample me under their feet. 3 But in the day that I’m afraid, I lay all my fears before you and trust in you with all my heart. 4 What harm could a man bring to me? With God on my side, I will not be afraid of what comes. The roaring praises of God fill my heart as I trust his promises. 5 Day after day cruel critics distort my words; constantly they plot my collapse. 6 They lurk in the dark, waiting, spying on my movements in secret to take me by surprise, ready to take my life. 7 They don’t deserve to get away with this! Look at their wickedness, their injustice, Lord. In your fierce anger cast them down to defeat. 8 You’ve kept track of all my wandering and my weeping. You’ve stored my many tears in your bottle—not one will be lost. For they are all recorded in your book of remembrance. 9 The very moment I call to you for a father’s help the tide of battle turns and my enemies flee. This one thing I know: God is on my side! 10I trust in the Lord. And I praise him! I trust in the Word of God. And I praise him! 11What harm could man do to me? With God on my side, I will not be afraid of what comes. My heart overflows with praise to God and for his promises. I will always trust in him. 12So I’m thanking you with all my heart, with gratitude for all you’ve done. I will do everything I’ve promised you, Lord. 13For you have saved my soul from death and my feet from stumbling so that I can walk before the Lord bathed in his life-giving light. #NS90DOP Read Psalm 53 today.
What seems to be troubling the psalmist? What is it that seems to bring him peace? What does the psalmist say will happen to the “fools” who don’t acknowledge God? God will bring salvation to those who acknowledge him and seek him. As you reflect on this, pray in these ways and any other way the Holy Spirit leads. Pray for the fools who say in their hearts, “there is no god,” that they might come to acknowledge God their creator. Pray for God’s people who are facing affliction from those who do not acknowledge him. Pray for people you know personally who don’t acknowledge God. Pray for areas in your own life where you are hesitant to acknowledge God. Thank God for his promises to his people. Pray that God would continually remind you of his promise of salvation. The Wickedness of the World For the Pure and Shining One A contemplative song of instruction To the tune of “The Dancings of Mourning” 1 Only the withering soul would say to himself, “There’s no God for me!” Anyone who thinks like that is corrupt and callous; depraved and detestable, they are devoid of what is good. 2 The Lord looks down in love, bending over heaven’s balcony. God looks over all of Adam’s sons and daughters, looking to see if there are any who are wise with insight-- any who search for him, wanting to please him. 3 But no, all have wandered astray, walking stubbornly toward evil. Not one is good; he can’t even find one! 4 Look how they live in luxury while exploiting my people. Won’t these workers of wickedness ever learn! They never even think of praying to God. 5 Soon, unheard-of terror will seize them while in their sins. God himself will one day scatter the bones of those who rose up against you. Doomed and rejected, they will be put to shame, for God has despised them. 6 Oh, I wish our time of rescue were already here. Oh, that God would come forth now -- arising from the midst of his Zion-people to save and restore his very own. When God fully restores his people, Jacob will rejoice, and Israel will be filled with gladness! #NS90DOP Read Psalm 48 today.
How does the psalmist describe Mount Zion? What does the description of Mount Zion tell us about our God? How does the psalmist encourage the reader to respond? God is our refuge and we look to him as our eternal guide. As you reflect on this, pray in these ways and any other way the Holy Spirit leads. Praise God for his steadfast love for you. Tell God about a situation in which you seek his refuge. Ask God to pour out his love over you. Ask God for guidance as you face your situation. Thank God for being a place of safety. Beautiful Zion A poetic song by the prophetic singers of Korah’s clan 1 There are so many reasons to describe God as wonderful! So many reasons to praise him with unlimited praise! 2 Zion-City is his home; he lives on his holy mountain-- high and glorious, joy-filled and favored. Zion-Mountain looms in the farthest reaches of the north, the city of our incomparable King! 3 This is his divine abode, an impenetrable citadel, for he is known to dwell in the highest place. 4-6See how the mighty kings united to come against Zion, yet when they saw God manifest in front of their eyes, they were stunned. Trembling, they all fled away, gripped with fear. Seized with panic, they doubled up in frightful anguish, like a woman in the labor pains of childbirth. 7 Like a hurricane blowing and breaking the invading ships, God blows upon them and breaks them to pieces. 8 We have heard about these wonders, and then we saw them with our own eyes. For this is the city of the Commander of Angel Armies, the city of our God, safe and secure forever! Pause in his presence 9 Lord, as we worship you in your temple, we recall over and over your kindness to us and your unending love. 10The fame of your name echoes throughout the entire world, accompanied with praises. Your right hand is full of victory. 11So let the people of Zion rejoice with gladness; let the daughters of praise leap for joy! For God will see to it that you are judged fairly. 12-13Circle Zion; count her towers. Consider her walls, climb her palaces, and then go and tell the coming generation of the care and compassion of our God. 14Yes, this is our God, our great God forever. He will lead us onward until the end, through all time, beyond death, and into eternity! #NS90DOP Read Psalm 45 today.
Who is the groom in this psalm and how is he described? Who is the bride and how is she described? How is this royal wedding described? What has God given? Focus on the majesty of God and his love for right and good things, and his people. As you reflect on this, pray in these ways and any other way the Holy Spirit leads. For the enjoyment of celebrations and good gifts that God has given. For deeper awareness of God’s majesty. For deeper understanding of God’s grace. For deeper understanding of God’s love for us. For deeper understanding of how God views us. Experiencing the wonder of relationship with God. The Wedding Song For the Pure and Shining One by the prophetic singers of Korah’s clan A contemplative song of instruction for the Loved One To the melody of “Lilies” 1My heart is on fire, boiling over with passion. Bubbling up within me are these beautiful lyrics as a lovely poem to be sung for the King. Like a river bursting its banks, I’m overflowing with words, spilling out into this sacred story. His Royal Majesty 2Beautiful! Beautiful! Beyond the sons of men! Elegant grace pours out through every word you speak. Truly God has anointed you, his favored one, for eternity! 3Now strap your lightning-sword of judgment upon your side, O mighty warrior, so majestic! You are full of beauty and splendor as you go out to war! 4In your glory and grandeur go forth in victory! Through your faithfulness and meekness the cause of truth and justice will stand. Awe-inspiring miracles are accomplished by your power, leaving everyone dazed and astonished! 5Your wounding leaves men’s hearts defeated as they fall before you broken. 6Your glory-kingdom, O God, endures forever, for you are enthroned to rule with a justice-scepter in your hand! 7You are passionate for righteousness, and you hate lawlessness. This is why God, your God, crowns you with bliss above your fellow kings. He has anointed you, more than any other, with his oil of fervent joy, the very fragrance of heaven’s gladness. 8Your royal robes release the scent of suffering love for your bride; the odor of aromatic incense is upon you. From the pure and shining place, lovely music that makes you glad is played for your pleasure. Her Royal Majesty 9The daughters of kings, women of honor, are maidens in your courts. And standing beside you, glistening in your pure and golden glory, is the beautiful bride-to-be! 10Now listen, daughter, pay attention, and forget about your past. Put behind you every attachment to the familiar, even those who once were close to you! 11For your royal Bridegroom is ravished by your beautiful brightness. Bow in reverence before him, for he is your Lord! 12Wedding presents pour in from those of great wealth. The royal friends of the Bridegroom shower you with gifts. 13As the princess-bride enters the palace, how glorious she appears within the holy chamber, robed with a wedding dress embroidered with pure gold! 14Lovely and stunning, she leads the procession with all her bridesmaids as they come before you, her Bridegroom-King. 15What a grand, majestic entrance! A joyful, glad procession as they enter the palace gates! 16Your many sons will one day be kings, just like their Father. They will sit on royal thrones all around the world. 17I will make sure the fame of your name is honored in every generation, as all the people praise you, giving you thanks forever and ever! #NS90DOP Read Psalm 42 today.
How does the psalmist feel? What does the psalmist do with these feelings? Notice the psalmist’s cries to the Lord. As you reflect on this, pray in these ways and any other way the Holy Spirit leads. With a deep longing for God. With a deep desire to worship with God’s people. For those who are suffering with depression and other debilitating mental illnesses. For those who feel oppressed. For comfort for parents who have cried out to the Lord for their children, and have yet to see change. A Cry for Revival For the Pure and Shining One A contemplative poem for instruction by the prophetic singers of Korah’s clan 1 I long to drink of you, O God, to drink deeply from the streams of pleasure flowing from your presence. My longings overwhelm me for more of you! 2 My soul thirsts, pants, and longs for the living God. I want to come and see the face of God. 3 Day and night my tears keep falling and my heart keeps crying for your help, while my enemies mock me over and over, saying, “Where is this God of yours? Why doesn’t he help you?” 4 So I speak over my heartbroken soul, “Take courage. Remember when you used to be right out front leading the procession of praise when the great crowd of worshipers gathered to go into the presence of the Lord? You shouted with joy as the sound of passionate celebration filled the air and the joyous multitude of lovers honored the feast of the Lord!” 5 So then, my soul, why would you be depressed? Why would you sink into despair? Just keep hoping and waiting on God, your Savior. For no matter what, I will still sing with praise, for you are my saving grace! 6 Here I am depressed and downcast. Yet I will still remember you as I ponder the place where your glory streams down from the mighty mountaintops, lofty and majestic--the mountains of your awesome presence. 7 My deep need calls out to the deep kindness of your love. Your waterfall of weeping sent waves of sorrow over my soul, carrying me away, cascading over me like a thundering cataract. 8 All through the day Yahweh has commanded his endless love to pour over me. Through the night I sing his songs and my praises to the living God. 9 I will say to God, “You are my mountain of strength; how could you forget me? Why must I suffer this vile oppression of my enemies-- these heartless tormentors who are out to kill me?” 10Their wounding words pierce my heart over and over while they say, “Where is this God of yours?” 11So I say to my soul, “Don’t be discouraged. Don’t be disturbed. For I know my God will break through for me.” Then I’ll have plenty of reasons to praise him all over again. Yes, he is my saving grace! #NS90DOP Read Psalm 41 today.
What does the psalmist pray for in verse 4 and 10? What confidence does this give him (verse 11)? Having hope in the Lord and having integrity during hard times. As you reflect on this, pray in these ways and any other way the Holy Spirit leads. That we will pray with confidence. That we would receive God’s graciousness towards us. That we respond with integrity to those who betray us. That we don’t seek revenge but that we seek to show kindness. Pray with gratitude for the work he has done in your heart. I Need You, Lord King David’s poetic song for the Pure and Shining One 1 God always blesses those who are kind to the poor and helpless. They’re the first ones God helps when they find themselves in any trouble. 2 The Lord will preserve and protect them. They’ll be honored and esteemed while their enemies are defeated. 3 When they are sick, lying upon their bed of suffering, God will restore them. He will raise them up again and restore them back to health. 4 So in my sickness I say to you, “Lord, be my kind healer. Heal my body and soul; heal me, God! For I have confessed my sins to you.” 5 But those who hate me wish the worst for me, saying, “When will he die and be forgotten?” 6 And when these “friends” come to visit me with their pious sympathy and their hollow words and with hypocrisy hidden in their hearts, I can see right through it all. For they come merely to gather gossip about me, using all they find to mock me with malicious hearts of slander. 7 They are wicked whisperers who imagine the worst for me, repeating their rumors, saying, 8 “He got what he deserved; it’s over for him! The spirit of infirmity is upon him, and he’ll never get over this illness.” 9 Even my ally, my friend, has turned against me. He was one I totally trusted with my life, sharing supper with him, and now he shows me nothing but betrayal and treachery. He has sold me as an enemy. 10So Lord, please don’t desert me when I need you! Give me grace and get me back on my feet so I can triumph over them all. 11Then I’ll know you’re pleased with me when you allow me to taste victory over all my foes. 12Now stand up for me and don’t let me fall, for I’ve walked with integrity. Keep me before your face forever. 13Everyone praise the Lord God of Israel, always and forever! For he is from eternity past and will remain for the eternity to come. That’s the way it will be forever. Faithful is our King! Amen! #NS90DOP |