Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens,
your faithfulness to the skies.
Your righteousness is like the highest mountains,
your justice like the great deep.
You, Lord, preserve both people and animals.
How priceless is your unfailing love, O God!
People take refuge in the shadow of your wings. (Psalm 36:5-7 NIV)
Who are we, sovereign Lord, and what are our families, that you have brought us this far? And as if this weren’t enough in your sight, sovereign Lord, you have also spoken about the future of your servants—mere humans! For the sake of your word and according to your will, you have done great things. How great you are, sovereign Lord! There is no one like you, and there is no God but you, as we have heard with our own ears.
You have established your people as your own forever, and you have become their God. Sovereign Lord, you are God! Your covenant is trustworthy, and you have promised good things to your servants. Now, please bless the houses of your servants, that they may endure forever in your sight.
Contend, Lord, with those who contend with us; fight against those who fight against us. Take up shield and armor; arise and come to the aid of your servants and their families. May those who seek our harm—physically, mentally, emotionally, or through our societal systems, livelihoods, and relationships—be disgraced and put to shame. May those who plot the ruin of your children be turned back in fear. May their path be dark and slippery, with the angel of the Lord pursuing them. May all who exalt themselves over your children be clothed in shame and disgrace.
Let us, who delight in our vindication before you, shout for joy and gladness, always proclaiming, “The Lord be exalted, who delights in the well-being of his servants.” Our tongues will proclaim your righteousness and praise you all day long.
Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens; your faithfulness to the skies. Your righteousness is like the highest mountains, your justice like the great deep. With you is the fountain of life; in your light, we see light. Continue your love to those who know you, and continue your righteousness to the upright in heart, to your servants and families.
In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.
adapted from 2 Samuel 7:18-24, 28-29 NIV, Psalm 35:1-6 & 26-28 NIV, Psalm 36:5-7, 10 NIV
[adapted from April 17, 2021 post]