Praying the Psalms

+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

Opening – (Northumbria Community)

One thing I have asked of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life; to behold the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple.

Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory.
__________

Morning Reading: Psalm 143 (NLT) – A psalm of David.

Hear my prayer, O Lord; listen to my plea! Answer me because you are faithful and righteous. Don’t put your servant on trial, for no one is innocent before you.

My enemy has chased me. He has knocked me to the ground and forces me to live in darkness like those in the grave. I am losing all hope; I am paralyzed with fear. I remember the days of old. I ponder all your great works and think about what you have done. I lift my hands to you in prayer. I thirst for you as parched land thirsts for rain. Interlude

Come quickly, Lord, and answer me, for my depression deepens.

• Don’t turn away from me, or I will die.
• Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you.
• Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you.
• Rescue me from my enemies, Lord; I run to you to hide me.
• Teach me to do your will, for you are my God.

May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing.

For the glory of your name, O Lord, preserve my life. Because of your faithfulness, bring me out of this distress. In your unfailing love, silence all my enemies and destroy all my foes, for I am your servant.
__________

Morning Prayer

O Lord our God: Hear the cries of your people, overwhelmed by the darkness surrounding us –

+ for we believe that you will fulfill all your promises to us…
+ for we believe that you have forgiven us and set us free from sin and death…
+ for we believe that you have judged us righteous through your Son, Jesus Christ…
+ for we believe that you are merciful and gracious towards those who love you…

O Lord our God: Hear the cries of your people, overwhelmed by the darkness surrounding us –

+ for our souls are besieged by spiritual forces of darkness…
+ for our thoughts are besieged by temptations and doubts…
+ for our lives are spent in misery and desolation…

O Lord our God: Hear the cries of your people, and pour out your Spirit on us –

+ that your light might displace our darkness…
+ that your wisdom might displace our foolishness…
+ that your strength might displace our weakness…
+ that your love might displace our fears…
+ that your hope might displace our despair…

O Lord our God: Thank you for the relief you have already sent us in our Savior, Jesus Christ; prepare us now for his imminent return in glory to Judge the living and the dead. We rejoice in expectation of his deliverance and live confidently, guided by his Word and Spirit. Blessed be his holy Name. Amen.
__________

“Psalm 143” – Shane & Shane

Hear my prayer, give Your ear | In Your faithfulness answer me
In Your righteousness, do not judge | For no one is righteous

Teach me to do Your will Lord | For you are my God
Your Spirit is good good good
Lead me on level ground Lord | For You are my God
Your Spirit is good, It is good

Revive me, revive me | Not for me,
But for Your Name | In Your mercy deliver me from my enemies
Revive me

I remember days of old | Your works I meditate oh Lord
I consider all the works of Your hands | I lift up my hands to you
My soul longs
__________

Blessing – (Northumbrian Community)

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, and protect you through the storm. May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you. May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.
__________

+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.