God, with the Psalmist we pray you would purify your People and your Church. Help us to trust you and not falter. Examine our hearts and minds and keep us mindful of your unfailing love and your faithfulness. By your Spirit help us to live blameless lives; deliver us from temptation and be merciful to us sinners. Prune your Church for greater fruitfulness – that we would be a beacon of your Light, hope, mercy, peace, and love in this world. Help us to show your beauty and glory to this world and to rejoice and praise you as Lord. Give us wisdom and courage for the facing of this hour. In Jesus’s name we pray, Amen.
Psalm 26
1
Vindicate me, Lord,
for I have led a blameless life;
I have trusted in the Lord
and have not faltered.
2
Test me, Lord, and try me,
examine my heart and my mind;
3
for I have always been mindful of your unfailing love
and have lived in reliance on your faithfulness.
4
I do not sit with the deceitful,
nor do I associate with hypocrites.
5
I abhor the assembly of evildoers
and refuse to sit with the wicked.
6
I wash my hands in innocence,
and go about your altar, Lord,
7
proclaiming aloud your praise
and telling of all your wonderful deeds.
8
Lord, I love the house where you live,
the place where your glory dwells.
9
Do not take away my soul along with sinners,
my life with those who are bloodthirsty,
10
in whose hands are wicked schemes,
whose right hands are full of bribes.
11
I lead a blameless life;
deliver me and be merciful to me.
12
My feet stand on level ground;
in the great congregation I will praise the Lord.