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.
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Morning Reading: Psalm 55 (NLT)

Listen to my prayer, O God. Do not ignore my cry for help! Please listen and answer me, for I am overwhelmed by my troubles. My enemies shout at me, making loud and wicked threats. They bring trouble on me and angrily hunt me down.

My heart pounds in my chest. The terror of death assaults me. Fear and trembling overwhelm me, and I can’t stop shaking. Oh, that I had wings like a dove; then I would fly away and rest! I would fly far away to the quiet of the wilderness.

How quickly I would escape—far from this wild storm of hatred.

Confuse them, Lord, and frustrate their plans, for I see violence and conflict in the city. Its walls are patrolled day and night against invaders, but the real danger is wickedness within the city. Everything is falling apart; threats and cheating are rampant in the streets.

It is not an enemy who taunts me—I could bear that. It is not my foes who so arrogantly insult me—I could have hidden from them. Instead, it is you—my equal, my companion and close friend. What good fellowship we once enjoyed as we walked together to the house of God.

Let death stalk my enemies; let the grave swallow them alive, for evil makes its home within them.

But I will call on God, and the Lord will rescue me. Morning, noon, and night I cry out in my distress, and the Lord hears my voice. He ransoms me and keeps me safe from the battle waged against me, though many still oppose me. God, who has ruled forever, will hear me and humble them.

For my enemies refuse to change their ways; they do not fear God.

As for my companion, he betrayed his friends; he broke his promises. His words are as smooth as butter, but in his heart is war. His words are as soothing as lotion, but underneath are daggers!

Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.

But you, O God, will send the wicked down to the pit of destruction. Murderers and liars will die young, but I am trusting you to save me.
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Morning Prayer

O Lord our God: you have appointed a time and place and assigned responsibilities to each one of us – both great and small. Lighten our loads and lift our burdens, especially –

+ For those of us suffering great persecution and hardship…. Lord, have mercy.
+ For those of us experiencing division and disaffection…. Lord, have mercy.
+ For those of us experiencing private sorrows and pain…. Lord, have mercy.
+ For those of us experiencing betrayal and disappointment…. Lord, have mercy.

O Lord our God: we would escape into your loving arms if we could, but our times are in your hands. Hear our prayers and grant us the respite we require that we might trust completely in your loving-kindness and serve you whole-heartedly – we ask in Jesus’ name.
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“Psalm 55” – Lindsey James VanCleve

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