To you, O Lord, we lift up our souls, trusting in you to not be shamed or triumphed over, but to be led by you. Help us, your People/your Church, to be faithful to you and seek your leading first in all things. Do not remember our sins of apathy, indecision, greed, self-focus, sexual immorality, or failure to be Salt and Light to the world around us. Have pity on us and bring us out of our sin and distress. There are many enemies of your Church and we pray you would protect us from them as we take refuge in you. Rescue us from these troubles as we wait for you. Help us to be humble and to learn from you. Help us to fear you and see what you are teaching us. Help us to see the paths you choose for us and the intents of your promises. Give us strength for today, bright hope for tomorrow, and the wisdom and courage for the facing of these days. In the strong name of Christ we pray, Amen.
1
To you, O Lord, I lift my soul.
2
I trust you, O my God.
Do not let me be put to shame.
Do not let my enemies triumph over me.
3
No one who waits for you will ever be put to shame,
but all who are unfaithful will be put to shame.
4
Make your ways known to me, O Lord,
and teach me your paths.
5
Lead me in your truth and teach me
because you are God, my savior.
I wait all day long for you.
6
Remember, O Lord, your compassionate and merciful deeds.
They have existed from eternity.
7
Do not remember the sins of my youth or my rebellious ways.
Remember me, O Lord, in keeping with your mercy and your goodness.
8
The Lord is good and decent.
That is why he teaches sinners the way they should live.
9
He leads humble people to do what is right,
and he teaches them his way.
10
Every path of the Lord is one of mercy and truth
for those who cling to his promise and written instructions.
11
For the sake of your name, O Lord,
remove my guilt, because it is great.
12
Who, then, is this person that fears the Lord?
He is the one whom the Lord will teach which path to choose.
13
He will enjoy good things in life,
and his descendants will inherit the land.
14
The Lord advises those who fear him.
He reveals to them the intent of his promise.
15
My eyes are always on the Lord.
He removes my feet from traps.
16
Turn to me, and have pity on me.
I am lonely and oppressed.
17
Relieve my troubled heart,
and bring me out of my distress.
18
Look at my misery and suffering,
and forgive all my sins.
19
See how my enemies have increased in number,
how they have hated me with vicious hatred!
20
Protect my life, and rescue me!
Do not let me be put to shame.
I have taken refuge in you.
21
Integrity and honesty will protect me because I wait for you.
22
Rescue Israel, O God, from all its troubles!
Psalm 25 (GW)
2020-08-08