Psalm 20

 

1 The Lord hear thee in the day of trouble; the name of the God of Jacob defend thee; 2 Send thee help from the sanctuary, and strengthen thee out of Zion; 3 Remember all thy offerings, and accept thy burnt sacrifice; Selah. 4 Grant thee according to thine own heart, and fulfil all thy counsel. 5 We will rejoice in thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners: the Lord fulfil all thy petitions.

6 Now know I that the Lord saveth his anointed; he will hear him from his holy heaven with the saving strength of his right hand.

7 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God. 8 They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright. 9 Save, Lord: let the king hear us when we call. Prayer :

Abba Father,

We come before you in the day of trouble, seeking your guidance, strength, and protection. We lift up our prayers to you, the God of Jacob, and we trust in your defense.

Send us help from your sanctuary, and strengthen us from Zion. Remember our offerings and accept our sacrifices. Grant us according to your will, and fulfill the purposes of our hearts. May we find joy in your salvation, and may your name be exalted in our lives.

We rejoice in knowing that you save your anointed. Hear us from your holy heaven and provide us with the saving strength of your right hand. In a world where some trust in chariots and horses, we choose to remember the name of the Lord our God.

May those who oppose us be brought down, while we stand upright in your strength. Lord, save us, and let our cries be heard. We place our trust in you.

In Jesus' name, we pray.

Amen.

Psalm 19

1 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. 2 Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. 3 There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. 4 Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun, 5 Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race. 6 His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.

7 The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.

8 The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. 9 The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. 10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. 11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.

12 Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults. 13 Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.

14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer. Prayer :

Abba Father,

We come before you in awe of your creation, as the heavens declare your glory and the firmament reveals your handiwork. Each day and night, your creation speaks of your knowledge and power, and we are reminded of your majesty.

Your law, O Lord, is perfect, converting the soul. Your testimony is sure, making the simple wise. Your statutes are right, rejoicing the heart, and your commandments are pure, enlightening the eyes. Your fear is clean, enduring forever, and your judgments are true and righteous altogether.

We acknowledge the immeasurable value of your Word, more desired than gold, sweeter than honey. By your Word, we are warned and find great reward in keeping it.

Lord, we recognize our human frailty and the errors we may not fully comprehend. Cleanse us from secret faults, and keep us from presumptuous sins. May they not have dominion over us, that we may be upright and innocent.

As we reflect on the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts, we pray that they be acceptable in your sight. You are our strength and redeemer, and we surrender our lives to you.

In Jesus' name, we pray.

Amen.

Psalm 18

1 I will love thee, O Lord, my strength. 2 The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. 3 I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.

4 The sorrows of death compassed me, and the floods of ungodly men made me afraid. 5 The sorrows of hell compassed me about: the snares of death prevented me. 6 In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears.

7 Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations also of the hills moved and were shaken, because he was wroth. 8 There went up a smoke out of his nostrils, and fire out of his mouth devoured: coals were kindled by it. 9 He bowed the heavens also and came down: and darkness was under his feet.

10 And he rode upon a cherub, and did fly: yea, he did fly upon the wings of the wind. 11 He made darkness his secret place; his pavilion round about him were dark waters and thick clouds of the skies. 12 At the brightness that was before him his thick clouds passed, hail stones and coals of fire.

13 The Lord also thundered in the heavens, and the Highest gave his voice; hail stones and coals of fire. 14 Yea, he sent out his arrows and scattered them; and he shot out lightnings, and discomfited them.

15 Then the channels of waters were seen, and the foundations of the world were discovered at thy rebuke, O Lord, at the blast of the breath of thy nostrils.

16 He sent from above, he took me, he drew me out of many waters. 17 He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me: for they were too strong for me. 18 They prevented me in the day of my calamity: but the Lord was my stay.

19 He brought me forth also into a large place; he delivered me, because he delighted in me. 20 The Lord rewarded me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me.

21 For I have kept the ways of the Lord, and have not wickedly departed from my God. 22 For all his judgments were before me, and I did not put away his statutes from me. 23 I was also upright before him, and I kept myself from mine iniquity.

24 Therefore hath the Lord recompensed me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands in his eyesight.

25 With the merciful thou wilt show thyself merciful; with an upright man thou wilt show thyself upright; 26 With the pure thou wilt show thyself pure; and with the froward thou wilt show thyself froward.

27 For thou wilt save the afflicted people; but wilt bring down high looks. 28 For thou wilt light my candle: the Lord my God will enlighten my darkness.

29 For by thee I have run through a troop; and by my God have I leaped over a wall. 30 As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the Lord is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.

31 For who is God save the Lord? or who is a rock save our God? 32 It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect. 33 He maketh my feet like hinds' feet, and setteth me upon my high places.

34 He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms. 35 Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great.

36 Thou hast enlarged my steps under me, that my feet did not slip. 37 I have pursued mine enemies, and overtaken them: neither did I turn again till they were consumed. 38 I have wounded them that they were not able to rise: they are fallen under my feet.

39 For thou hast girded me with strength unto the battle: thou hast subdued under me those that rose up against me. 40 Thou hast also given me the necks of mine enemies; that I might destroy them that hate me.

41 They cried, but there was none to save them: even unto the Lord, but he answered them not. 42 Then did I beat them small as the dust before the wind: I did cast them out as the dirt in the streets.

43 Thou hast delivered me from the strivings of the people; and thou hast made me the head of the heathen: a people whom I have not known shall serve me.

44 As soon as they hear of me, they shall obey me: the strangers shall submit themselves unto me. 45 The strangers shall fade away, and be afraid out of their close places.

46 The Lord liveth; and blessed be my rock; and let the God of my salvation be exalted. 47 It is God that avengeth me, and subdueth the people under me.

48 He delivereth me from mine enemies: yea, thou liftest me up above those that rise up against me: thou hast delivered me from the violent man. 49 Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, O Lord, among the heathen, and sing praises unto thy name.

50 Great deliverance giveth he to his king; and sheweth mercy to his anointed, to David, and to his seed for evermore. Prayer :

Abba Father,

We come before you with hearts full of praise and gratitude. You are our rock, our fortress, and our deliverer. In you, we find strength, trust, and salvation. We declare that you are our Lord, our God, and in you, we put our complete trust.

Lord, we acknowledge the challenges and struggles we face, the sorrows that encompass us, and the enemies that rise against us. Yet, we take refuge in you, our source of hope and strength. In times of distress, we call upon you, confident that you hear our cries.

As we reflect on the powerful imagery of your presence—earthquakes, smoke, fire, and the wings of the wind—we are reminded of your majesty and might. You are the one who delivers us from the snares of death, the strong enemy, and the floods of ungodly men.

We are grateful for your deliverance, for drawing us out of many waters and bringing us into a large place. Your rewards are based on righteousness, and your ways are perfect. You, O Lord, are our shield, our light in darkness, and the one who makes our way perfect.

Teach us to be merciful, upright, and pure, reflecting your character in our lives. We thank you for your salvation, for lifting us up, and for your gentleness that makes us great. Enlarge our steps and keep us from slipping.

Lord, in the battles of life, you are our strength and shield. We trust that you will subdue those who rise against us. As we pursue our enemies, may we experience victory through your might.

In all things, we give thanks to you, O Lord. You are our rock, our salvation, and the God of our deliverance. We exalt your name and declare your praises among the nations.

In the powerful name of Jesus, we pray.

Amen.

Psalm 17

 

1 Hear the right, O Lord, attend unto my cry, give ear unto my prayer, that goeth not out of feigned lips. 2 Let my sentence come forth from thy presence; let thine eyes behold the things that are equal. 3 Thou hast proved mine heart; thou hast visited me in the night; thou hast tried me, and shalt find nothing; I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress. 4 Concerning the works of men, by the word of thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer. 5 Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not. 6 I have called upon thee, for thou wilt hear me, O God: incline thine ear unto me, and hear my speech. 7 Shew thy marvellous lovingkindness, O thou that savest by thy right hand them which put their trust in thee from those that rise up against them. 8 Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings, 9 From the wicked that oppress me, from my deadly enemies, who compass me about. 10 They are inclosed in their own fat: with their mouth they speak proudly. 11 They have now compassed us in our steps: they have set their eyes bowing down to the earth; 12 Like as a lion that is greedy of his prey, and as it were a young lion lurking in secret places. 13 Arise, O Lord, disappoint him, cast him down: deliver my soul from the wicked, which is thy sword: 14 From men which are thy hand, O Lord, from men of the world, which have their portion in this life, and whose belly thou fillest with thy hid treasure: they are full of children, and leave the rest of their substance to their babes. 15 As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness. Prayer :

Abba Father,

We come before you, seeking your righteousness and justice. Hear our cry, O Lord, and listen to our sincere prayer.

Examine our hearts, for we have purposed to speak truth and to keep ourselves from the paths of the destroyer. You have tested us, and we trust that you will find nothing in us that transgresses your will.

Guide our steps, Lord, so that we do not slip or stumble on the paths of life. We call upon you, knowing that you will hear us. Incline your ear to our pleas and listen to our speech.

We rely on your marvelous lovingkindness and seek refuge in the shadow of your wings. Protect us from the wicked who oppress and surround us. Be our defense against those who speak proudly and rise up against us.

Arise, O Lord, and disappoint the plans of the wicked. Cast down those who seek our harm and deliver our souls from their schemes.

We acknowledge that our hope is in you alone. Keep us as the apple of your eye and hide us under the shadow of your wings. Guard us from the enemies who surround us, and let your righteousness prevail.

As we seek your face, Lord, grant us satisfaction in your presence. May we awake, beholding your likeness and finding fulfillment in the richness of your love.

In the name of Jesus, we pray.

Amen.

Psalm 16

1 Preserve me, O God: for in thee do I put my trust. 2 O my soul, thou hast said unto the Lord, Thou art my Lord: my goodness extendeth not to thee; 3 But to the saints that are in the earth, and to the excellent, in whom is all my delight. 4 Their sorrows shall be multiplied that hasten after another god: their drink offerings of blood will I not offer, nor take up their names into my lips. 5 The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot. 6 The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage. 7 I will bless the Lord, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons. 8 I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. 9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope. 10 For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. 11 Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore Prayer :

Abba Father,

We come before you with hearts filled with trust and gratitude. You are our refuge, and in you, we find our truest joy and security.

Preserve us, O God, as we put our trust in you alone. We declare that you are our Lord, and apart from you, we have no goodness. Our delight is in the saints, in those who honor and follow you.

We turn away from pursuits that lead us away from you. We renounce the offerings of those who chase after false gods. Our allegiance is to you alone.

You, Lord, are our inheritance and our cup. You hold our future, and we rest in the assurance that our lives are in your hands. The boundaries you have set for us are in pleasant places, and we are grateful for the goodly heritage you've given us.

We bless you, Lord, for your counsel and guidance. Day and night, we seek you and set you before us. Because you are at our right hand, we shall not be moved.

Our hearts rejoice, and our souls find rest in you. We take refuge in the hope that you will not abandon our souls to the grave, and you will not let your Holy One see decay.

Show us the path of life, O Lord. In your presence is fullness of joy, and at your right hand, there are pleasures forevermore.

In the name of Jesus, we pray.

Amen.

Psalm 14

 

14 The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.

² The Lord looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God.

³ They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one.

⁴ Have all the workers of iniquity no knowledge? who eat up my people as they eat bread, and call not upon the Lord.

⁵ There were they in great fear: for God is in the generation of the righteous.

⁶ Ye have shamed the counsel of the poor, because the Lord is his refuge.

⁷ Oh that the salvation of Israel were come out of Zion! when the Lord bringeth back the captivity of his people, Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad.

Prayer:

Abba Father,

We come before you acknowledging that you are the Creator of all things and the source of true wisdom and understanding. In a world where some deny your existence and choose the path of foolishness, we seek your guidance and mercy.

Lord, look down from heaven and see if there are any who understand, any who seek you. We recognize that all have turned away, and corruption has tainted the hearts of many. Yet, we trust in your grace and mercy.

We lift up those who do not acknowledge your presence, praying that their hearts may be softened and their eyes opened to your truth. May they come to understand the depth of your love and turn towards you.

In the face of evildoers who oppress and devour your people, be our refuge, O Lord. Frustrate the plans of the wicked, and let your justice prevail. We long for the day when salvation will come, and your people will rejoice.

We place our hope in you, our Redeemer, and we pray for the restoration of all people through the saving work of your Son, Jesus Christ. In His name, we pray.

Amen.

Psalm 15

 

15 Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?

² He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.

³ He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour.

⁴ In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the Lord. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.

⁵ He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved.

Prayer :

Abba Father, We come before you with hearts desiring to dwell in your presence, to abide in your sacred tent and on your holy mountain. Teach us to live lives that reflect your character, to walk blamelessly, and to seek righteousness in all our ways.

Help us, Lord, to speak the truth from our hearts and to avoid slander and wrongdoing. May our words and actions bring honor to you and build up those around us. Grant us the strength to despise what is vile and to honor those who fear you.

Enable us to keep our promises even when it is difficult, and to be people of integrity who do not waver. Open our eyes to the needs of the poor, and may we be generous in our lending without expecting anything in return.

Lord, may we never accept bribes or participate in injustice. We long to live in a way that reflects your character and brings glory to your name. As we seek to live out these principles, may we find ourselves unshaken by the challenges of life.

In Jesus' name, we pray.