I realized this morning that finding new words to help others reflect can get tired.
I usually struggle to write unless I feel incredibly inspired.
So this morning I just asked the Lord for a word, a scripture to reflect on, something that we can look at together.
I have added my own thoughts/ notes, but as you read through Psalm 86 maybe write down your own thoughts or prayers- things that God might want to speak to you about.
Psalm 86
Lament and Petition (Lament: a passionate expression of grief or sorrow)
A prayer of David.
1 Listen, Lord, and answer me, (isn't this always the cry of our hearts?! Answer me, Lord; hear me!) for I am poor and needy. (But I remind myself that you give us our DAILY bread, for today only. Today's bread isn't tomorrow's) 2 Protect my life, for I am faithful. You are my God; save your servant who trusts in you. 3 Be gracious to me, Lord, for I call to you all day long. (My thoughts become my prayers as I practice speaking to You. I forget very easily that you are always around for a conversation.) 4 Bring joy to your servant’s life, (Show me the fruits of my faith, that others may see it too.) because I appeal to you, Lord.
5 For you, Lord, are kind and ready to forgive, (Wow, Lord! Teach me to be like You. Ready and eager to forgive. To be kind.) abounding in faithful love to all who call on you. (No conditions) 6 Lord, hear my prayer; listen to my cries for mercy. (Not just for me, but for the world. We are hurting so much! Hear our cries Papa) 7 I call on you in the day of my distress, for you will answer me. (I know this is true)
8 Lord, there is no one like you among the gods, and there are no works like yours. (The sun rises and sets every day, flowers bloom according to their time. You use our environments and people around us to speak Your truth) 9 All the nations you have made will come and bow down before you, Lord, (What a day that will be!! So exciting) and will honor your name. 10 For you are great and perform wonders; you alone are God.
11 Teach me your way, Lord, and I will live by your truth. (Deuteronomy 23:21-23 "Be careful to do whatever comes from your lips, because you have freely vowed") Give me an undivided mind to fear your name. 12 I will praise you with all my heart, Lord my God, and will honor your name forever. 13 For your faithful love for me is great, and you rescue my life from the depths of Sheol.
14 God, arrogant people have attacked me; a gang of ruthless men intends to kill me. They do not let you guide them.[a] 15 But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, (Even to my enemies. Or when I am the enemy, your compassion continues!!) slow to anger and abounding in faithful love and truth. 16 Turn to me and be gracious to me. Give your strength to your servant; save the son of your female servant. 17 Show me a sign of your goodness; (Open my eyes and ears to hear and see your goodness) my enemies will see and be put to shame because you, Lord, have helped and comforted me.
-Caryn
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