My Psalm 181
Dear Lord, Creator and Sustainer of the Universe,
Source of all wisdom, King of my heart, Abba Father,
Listen to the cries of your children who cry to You for mercy.
We are a hurting people, anxious, fearful, dismayed
By evil doing, rancor, hatred, falsehood, division—
Our sin against You and each other.
We believe, help Thou our unbelief,
In Your guidance, Your strength, Your sovereignty,
In Your Word which shows us time after time
That You are in charge, that to You belongs the victory.
Lord, we so need Your mercy right now.
You told us there would be times of uprisings,
Wars and rumors of wars, brothers against brothers,
Persecution and hatred in our midst.
Bring us to our knees. Bring us to Your Word of truth.
Bring us to Yourself. Once more guide our weary lives
To Your truth. Use Your people as instruments of peace.
Grow us up into humble giants who speak Your Word
In a weary world. Shake off our indifference.
Expose our prejudices and deal with us for our sin.
Cleanse our hearts from savagery, ill will, discontent,
Rancor, evil speech, dishonesty, and self-centeredness.
Remind us again of Clouds of Witnesses You have placed in our lives.
Those who inspire the best in us because they are used by You.
Grant this day that we will inhale Your Word as sweet perfume,
That we will live by Your words, not those of others.
Block our ears and eyes from murder and mayhem
That we may focus on Your truth, mercy, love, and assurance.
Be with our leaders. Confront them with Your majesty
And Your rule of justice. Convict them that they may lead
In the paths of righteousness, peace, and love.
Grant them clear vision of Your truth
And help them to use their power for Your causes.
Keep us in Your tender care
As we traverse the rocky path here below
Until, through the mercy of Jesus Christ
Who died to save all men and bring them to You,
We pray Maranatha, Come, Lord Jesus
To our hearts today.
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