I used to think it was a little bit odd when a psalmist cried out to God and asked God to listen to him. After all, if God wasn’t listening, why call to Him at all? But I’ve come to realize that this is the most natural kind of yearning in a relational context because it is a cry for special attention and focus from the one we love. When the psalmist—or we—called to God with words like, “hurry to help me. Listen to my voice when I call on you” (Psalm 141:1) he wasn’t asking God to do something surprising or against His nature. He was asking God to lean in and listen the way a loving father listens to a needy child.
We see this made clear in verse 2 when David said “May my prayer be set before you as incense,
the raising of my hands as the evening offering” (v.2). His heart yearned to honor the Lord and lift Him up. And what is the request he was making? One that God was pleased to answer. David asked to be kept from evil and to be protected from temptation. He specifically mentioned sins of the heart and of the mouth, two kinds of sin that are especially insidious and difficult to overcome. And he asked that God would send godly people to correct him (v.5).
But there is more to David’s prayer than just a private request for the sake of his soul. He recognized the threat of wicked people—those who seek to bring him down in one way or another. He asked God to judge and correct them too (vv.6–7). But there is urgency in David’s prayer and maybe even fear. He sees the evil of temptation and the evil of his enemies as life threatening. We don’t often take sin this seriously, but David saw the results of sin in his life and the results of sin committed against him as deadly. And he was right. Sin isn’t just deadly, it also condemns us, and so we too must cry out, “But my eyes look to you, LORD, my Lord. I seek refuge in you; do not let me die.” (v.8)
Here’s the amazing reality that Lent points us to: God has delivered us through the work of Jesus. Jesus has delivered us from the power of sin; it no longer holds us in its sway despite our ongoing sinful inclinations. We are now able to not sin by the power of the Holy Spirit. And what is more, we are promised the eternal life that Jesus himself declared: “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me, even if he dies, will live. Everyone who lives and believes in me will never die” (John 11:25–26). In Christ we have the refuge of the resurrection, the permanent resolution to death.
Written by Barnabas Piper
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83 thoughts on "Psalms 140–143"
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Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness. Psalm 143:10
Amen!
Forgive me Father for I have sinned. My heart needs you. Protect me. In Jesus name, Amen
I love the simple yet powerful message of Psalm 143:10: “Lord teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your good Spirit lead me on level ground.”
How I long for the stability that comes with “level ground” especially as we walk through this crazy life. I love how reassuring it is to know that through all the hardships and the ups and downs, in His mercy He sets our path and paves the way through on level ground!
My prayer every morning before I rise, Psalm 143:8. At dawn let me hear of your kindness, for in you I trust. Show me the path I should walk, for to you I entrust my life.
Thank you, Lord Jesus for showing me the way ✨
Amen. Lord hear my cries for help. Oh, to hear your tender voice in the mornings like a father to His child. I am ready for You. Thank you for listening and for your steadfast love. Amen
He rescues me! He protects me! He is my shelter! He is merciful! He IS my God! Joining you beautiful She’s from Berkeley California this early afternoon. We came here to celebrate my son’s 25th birthday. He drove so I got to focus on reading our devotion for today. And yes, we came to do coffee here! So blessed to have a son who loves Jesus! And I’ll get to share his birthday with my daughter and his girlfriend! I am blessed! I love that we have all entered Holy week together! It’s been an amazing study!
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The Holden Evening Prayer which is song on Wednesday night Lenten services at our church has a beautiful song based on Psalm 141!
Here are some of the lyrics below:
Let my prayer rise up as incense before you,
the lifting up of my hands as an offering to you.
O God, I call to you, come to me now;
hear my voice when I cry to you.
Let my prayer rise up as incense before you,
the lifting up of my hands as an offering to you.
Keep watch within me, God;
deep in my heart may the light of your love be burning bright.
Let my prayer rise up as incense before you,
the lifting up of my hands as an offering to you.
All praise to the God of all, Creator of life;
all praise to the Christ and the Spirit of love.
Let my prayer rise up as incense before you,
the lifting up of my hands as an offering to you.
That is beautiful! Thank you for sharing.
I love David noticed the sin in his own heart and wanted God to correct him. I also have been praying that God would lead me closer to him and give me the strength to follow after him.
So thankful!!
Dear Shes
I have discovered an anthem for times of deepening depression; evidence of the enemy.
(Psalm 143.8)
“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.”
Liken to the prophet Isaiah (30:21)
“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it’.”
Submit to the One who saves.
Turn towards His truth.
Amen & Amen
Amen! So simply GOOD!
Amen!
Amen
“In Christ we have the refuge of the resurrection, the permanent resolution to death.”- Baranabas Piper.
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Refuge of resurrection”
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“Resolution to death”.
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1 Corinthians 15:
23 … Christ was raised as the first of the harvest; then all who belong to Christ will be raised when he comes back.
24 After that the end will come, when he will turn the Kingdom over to God the Father, having destroyed every ruler and authority and power.
25 For Christ must reign until he humbles all his enemies beneath his feet. 26 And the last enemy to be destroyed is death.
54 Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled:
“Death is swallowed up in victory.
55 O death, where is your victory?
O death, where is your sting?”
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SONG SHARE:
Death Where Is Your Sting (Official Lyric Video)
Verse 1
For God so loved the world, He gave His son
To bear the weight of sin, He bled for us
From Heaven’s highest place, He took the fall
And there was just one life, laid down for all
Chorus
Death, where is your sting
Grave, where is your victory
He’s alive, He’s alive
He is risen
Verse 2
Behold the vacant tomb, that held our Lord
That grave became the stage, for Heaven’s glory
Behold the Risen King, in open skies
He is the Resurrection, He is the Life
Bridge
No weapon formed against us will prosper
The gates of hell won’t stand
Your Church will rise from glory to glory
In the name of Jesus
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THANK YOU, JESUS!!! ❤
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Love hugs, and prayers! ❤
Who is the song by? I thought it was the Mercyme song..but no.
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RE: SONG SHARE
Death Where Is Your Sting” from Cory Asbury (Bethel Music)
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Thank you, Rhonda, for bringing that to my attention! I didn’t realize his name wad not part kf the title I shared.
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What a great reminder as we enter into Holy Week and look to the cross and reflect on all
Jesus has done for us.
Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love. – this just wrapped me in a warm hug from God this morning! Just a reminder that He meets in the morning with what we need for the day!
Praying for all’. Have a blessed day!
So many of us are praying these prayers!
Praying with you and for you Sharon ❤️
When I read through these Psalms, I’m like here it is over and over- running from enemies and wishing them harm. It’s re-occurring often, and I think that I don’t have enemies chasing me. But then, I think it was Kelly that we do have one against us. We have the one enemy that keeps us oppressed throughout this life and wears us down- Satan. He is the one that is constantly after us. He is non-relenting, the more you are on a mission to change the world for Jesus, the more he tries to disrupt our goals and plans. He temps us with things he knows works. He makes a trip and fall constantly, spew things out of our mouths, and attacks our minds, hearts, and souls! He is who we can strike out against with our weapon—the armor given by Jesus!
We have defense armor, and we have the best, one offense tool–the WORD of God!
This is why it’s so important to read and know the word every day!! To put it in our heart and mind over and over. Memorizing so it comes easily. Meditation and praying to have revelation and eyes opened. Knowing how to apply it and use it like a sword! We have to have precision. And it’s not going to do anything if it is dull. Our daily intake sharpens the end so it’s useful.
So yes, we may have physical enemies wearing us down, or even looking to kill us. But don’t miss that we have the one that comes to steal, kill, and destroy all of us. Even more those of Jesus! The others are easy, we must be more challenging, so he has to be more strategic with us! Lord help me to remember our very real enemy that comes daily- and to be ready to fight with your truth and word. You are for us, not against us to harm, YOU DECLARE, to give us a hope and a future!! (Jer 29:11) Thank you for Jesus, that now we know with no mistake that He wins, we win through the resurrection that our eyes are turned to this great Holy Week!! We may be living the Friday but we KNOW Sunday is coming!! We have victory- the battle Belongs to you!! (Phil Whicham!)
Thank you Lord for the victory! Thank you for equipping with each piece! Thank you most for your Mercy and Grace. That we are forgiven, and can rest assured that Jesus Saves. The ultimate sacrifice, the veil was torn, he reins victorious!
Song- Worthy is the Lamb- Hillsong worship. An oldie I am listening to this morning!
This is such a weighty week, Palm Sunday yesterday…Jesus ushered in on a Donkey. The crowds singing and praising Hossana! Hossana! Oh how beautiful. But then..
The week brings so much. I hope to sit in them all again this week. I recommend watching The Chosen- season 5 this week. And we have been watching The Passion of the Christ for the past 5 weeks…which really, along with this study, does NOT let me get around Holy Week, to Resurrection quickly. No, I must keep looking to all the things in between and heed the lessons. I can’t wait until Sunday…when I can rejoice and praise his Holy Name!! He LIVES, HE LIVES!! We will then at jail stay in the Resurrection and what it means for us for a couple of months rather than one Sunday!
Please pray for Carrie, a butterfly of ours. And my grandson Brayden.
I love the passion you have for Jesus, Rhonda!!
Thanks for sharing with us.
I will pray for your butterfly and your grandson.
Hugs to you!
Oh Sue!! I was so happy to see you name above, then HERE on my comment! I have been worried about you, that you are holding up Strong, and wrapped in the peace of Jesus as you go through all this. I pray Steve is okay, and that ya’ll can just love on each other and family, and keep eyes on Jesus’ victory and eternal life! Nothing in this world can change that victory we have!!
Rhonda, This will be a slow recovery for Steve. Brain surgery is a tricky business. But we are both so thankful to be given more time that we just take each day as it comes.
The grands are happy Papa’s brain isn’t sick anymore. LOL And they are always willing to bring him whatever he needs. They also enjoy rides with him on his lap in the wheelchair. (Smiles)
Yes, it’s hard. That’s life, right?
I just appreciate so much all the prayer warriors here!
And with so much down time, I pray for all of you!
Hugs!
Psalms is so many things. Hope, strength, encouragement, a balm, convicting, peace joy, praise, introspective, pointed, redeeming….the list goes on.
My heart feels heavy at the weight of my sin that deeply grieves the heart of God, that hurts others, that causes separation in relationship, that comes from selfish desires, justification and undisciplined choices. When I read Psalm 140 I know David is calling out to the Lord to save him from his enemies and ungoldly people who intend harm, but if I look a little beyond the original context, I see me, myself and I. I am my own worst enemy. My humanness. My sin. My fallen nature.
‘Rescue me, O Lord, from evil men (vs 1) Keep me from the hands if the wicked (vs4) O Lord, I say to you, “You are my God” Hear O Lord my cry for mercy (vs6).
Heavenly Father, forgive me for all that I so easily let get in the way of walking in fellowship with you. I’m sorry Lord for the choices I make that bring a temporary satisfaction, justify a thought, a perceived need or want, but quickly cause shame, remorse, or hurt. I don’t deserve the forgiveness,grace and mercy you give Lord and as we move through this Holy Week, remind me Father of the depths of your suffering and sacrifice and to not take that for granted. Draw me close to you Lord. Help me to stand firm and as I call on your name, it is my daily prayer Lord this morning and every morning to “Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go,for to you I entrust my life. Rescue me from my enemies,(from myself) Lord, for I hide myself in you. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.’ (Psalm 143:8-10). Help me Lord to love and live for you well in every way. In your mighty, Holy name, Amen
Yes! Amen and Amen! I think we were thinking along the same lines! But you always clarify it better than my ramblings!lol :)
Oh Wendy, these could easily have been my words. Thank for this prayer, I need it too. Psalms 143 really spoke to me too. ‘Lord teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.’ Prayers for all you dear sisters this morning at the start of this Holy week. ❤️
I also am my own worst enemy.
“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you.” Let it be so.
Thank you for sharing your prayers, that we may also pray them.
Psalm 143:8 also stood out to me. My husband and I are going through a difficult and uncertain time involving a business situation and need God’s guidance over our own. We put our trust in you, Lord.
Prayers, lifting this need up for you and your husband!
I think Psalm 143 will be my prayer today.
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Lord hear my prayer.
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Listen to my cry.
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Answer me quickly, my spirit fails.
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Do not hide your face from me.
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Teach me to do your will.
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Lead me on level ground.
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Lord preserve my life.
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Bring me out of trouble.
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Having a bit of a rough time these past few weeks. Appreciate your prayers. ❤️
Praying! Psalm 143 spoke to me as well.
Praying dearSharon… This is also a wonderful prayer for me! ♥️
Lord, we know our feelings are not the authority; your Word is. You promise that you hear and draw near when your people cry out. I pray that in your kindness you will give Sharon a tangible sense of your nearness and your love and care for her. Restore to her the joy of her salvation and let her life overflow with the abundance Jesus said He came to bring. We will wait with expectant hearts for you to move. ❤️
Praying for you!
Sharon, your words spoke for me as well.
I’m sorry Sue you are having a wilderness week, month, however long it is—for you and Sharon both…Lord, give them the omph they need to get over this trap they have set foot in, but we know you break any grip of oppression, drought or isolation, sickness,…ANYTHING!! Lord..give them what they need to feel your presence, to know you are in their midst every moment, carefully tended to them. I often think about when I was sick two times last year and how miserable I felt. And I’m like, Lord I don’t ever want that again, please protect me from that sickness this year.
❤️ Have prayed for the petitions as you have shared, Sharon
Amen!
“Teach me to do your will, for you are my God!
Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground!”
Amen
Gail, Deb, Bill, 8 grandkids
Psalm 143:8 stood out to me because it seems like that has been my prayer lately. Remind me of Your love and presence God. Holy Spirit guide me and help me to walk according to Your ways Lord and not mine. Help me to know where I should go Lord! I’m struggling to hear Him lately and it’s been a bit disheartening. I will continue to trust in You, O God. I know You have not forgotten me!
No, he hasn’t forgotten you dear Susan! We definitely go through those seasons where it feels like we don’t hear him, but he never leaves or forsakes us. I think he is wanting us to stay steadfast in the truth of our faith, learning to make it not emotions but what we Know! In the lonely, dry times, it’s like we have to double down. The rewards fly in suddenly after the wilderness times…a land of milk and honey!
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Lenten Prayer: Release, Refine, Reveal, Lead
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Release: Psalm 140 “I say to the Lord, “You are my God. Listen, Lord, to my cry for help” v6
Lord, You are my God.
I give You what feels heavy and out of my control.
Take my anger, my worries, and what feels unfair.
I trust You with it.
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Refine: Psalm 41 “Lord, set up a guard for my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips” v3.
Guard my words and shape my heart.
Make my thoughts and actions pleasing to You.
Help me live with honesty and love.
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Reveal: Psalm 142 “I cry aloud to the Lord;I plead aloud to the Lord for mercy”. V1
When I feel alone, remind me You are near.
Help me be honest with You about everything.
Be my refuge and my comfort.
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Lead: Psalm 143 “Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your gracious Spirit lead me on level ground”. V10
Teach me to do Your will.
Guide my steps and make my path steady.
I surrender to You, lead me in Your way.
Amen.
Amen ❤️
Thank you Kimberly, these are such good notes. :)
Oh goodness, I needed this last night! lol. I sent a single letter to all my butterflies in prison (14!) to hopefully encourage them. THIS you wrote would be so good, it IS so good! I will copy and save it to use! Thank you for breaking it down in a practical way.
Thank you for sharing, Kimberly.
Thank you, Kimberly for this Lenten prayer.
Amen
Amen
Beautiful!
Oh Lord, guard my mouth and my heart. Protect me, but also convict me. Wash me clean and help me live a life that honors You.
Kelly beat me to the verses!
May we listen to and feel God’s love and kindness each morning, leaning into and following His guidance. Let’s walk with the Lord daily.
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Praying for a great day and week, sisters ❤️
Lord, set up a guard for my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips.
May all I say and do be to Your glory Lord!
Yep, I had to underline that and pray—YES LORD, PLEASE guard my lips. I am so quick to speak! Especially in my marriage. It gets me in trouble and conflict often.
Cat-tee a short but powerful prayer.
GM ladies. Our list grows! If you want to add your prodigals to the list, please post their names in the comment under my name. I have prayed for them all by name this morning! Have a blessed day!
Acts 2:39 For the promise is for you and for your children, and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call.”
Acts 26:18:… open their eyes, so they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God. Then they will receive forgiveness for their sins and be given a place among God’s people, who are set apart by faith in me.
Jeremiah 31:16-17 But now this is what the Lord says: “Do not weep any longer, for I will reward you,” says the Lord. “Your children will come back to you from the distant land of the enemy.17 There is hope for your future,” says the Lord.“Your children will come again to their own land.”
Proverbs 20:7 The righteous who walks in his integrity— blessed are his children after him.
Alice V – Brian, Rachel
Kim Mullins – Tyler
Tami – Chela, Quentin
Sharon – Nicholas, Jonathan
Rebecca W – Brett, Jake, Joey, Lindsay, Kelly, Abby, Katelyn, Katie
Emma Rageth – Olivia, Ali
Indiana Elaine – Kent, Shelley
Mari V – Rick, Marta, Toby
Tricia C – David, Allison, Christopher, Lina, Travis, Nicole
Mia Faith – Parker, Isaiah, Alexandra, Griffin, Annalee, Bill
Aleida – Victor
Maddie – Michelle, Julia
Rhonda – Michael
Charlotte Hill – Casey, John, Emma
Deb – Brandon, Angel
Linda J – Matthew
Mollie – Sam
MMD – Ethan, Hayden, Rachel
Carol H – Justin, Ezekiel, Elijah, Andrew
Kari – Rachel, Josh, James, Ayano
Mi Sherry – Kaitlyn, Aaron, Will
Cheryl Read – Renee, Jason, Kayden, Kylee
Wendy B – Amy, Colton, Kirk, Nick
Anne Klinkhammer – Molly
Sue Dalos – Chelsea, Kenny
Bessie – Ben
Annie Hewitt – Annie pls give me name/s:)
Sandy Lynn – Andy
Diane – Jon, Keith, Roger, Mike
Jane K – Leah
B – M, B
Susan B – Tammy, Amy
Carla – Cierra, Stephen
Lisa H – Cora
Kimberk – Megan, Randy
Adrienne – Raelynn, Tyler, Tracy
Brandi – Levi, Sarah, Ellen, India
Robin Bailey – Rodney, Brian
Erin L – Emerson, Zoe
Janet – Ryan, Amanda, Matthew, Stephanie
Sheryl – Adam, LaShonda
Maria J – Benjamin, Mike, Mark, Patrick
Maria B – Chris, Tristan, Madeline, Cristal, Shanty, Nicole, Luis
Melani Fryer – Matthew, Dylan, Courtney, Lydia
Therese – Ryan, Brittany, Sydney
Traci Gendron – Kara, Andrew
Jenny Carmichael – Katy
Mercy – boys in social care system
Kerry Rowley – Preston, Parker, Lindsey
Maria S – Joshua, Katie, Zoe
Melissa – Madison, Richard, Liam, Zac, Wesley
Felicia – Brittin, Tyler
Vicki – Ben, Sian
TC – Randi, Michael, Callie
Elizabeth – Trae, Xavier, Reya
Adie – Monica, Shawn, Stephanie
Susan B – Emma
Penni – Les, Jonah, Emily, Garret, Domi, Connor, Grace
Nat – Marissa, Melody
Martha Hix – Claire, Ralph, Tyler, Whitney, Trey
Phobie – Phobie, Greg, Steve, Jessie
Laura – Jordan, Taliah
April L – Molly, Becca
Karen Breaux – Brittany, Justin, Erin, Jordyn
Heather – Jack, Hudson
Cheryl Blow – Sara
Dianne – Ian
Leap – Liz, Teg, Taylor, Alison
Tara B – Clara Paige, Anna
Debra K – Stephen, Meagan, Daniel, Creg
Margaret W. —David, Matthew, Missy, Becca, Marianna
Melzie K- Jake, Cece & Elijah
Shar – K
Leala – Ryan, AJ, Sam
Jennifer – Matthew, Lauren and families
Cat-tee – A & A, K & T
K-Ann – G, T, S
Cathy McVey – Jeremiah, Brayden, Nolan, Ashlyn
Keri – Finley, Rudy, Scout, Nellie, Polly, Dottie, Goldie
Lena- Andrea,Lanie, Eiley, Everly, Schaefer
LaRae-Levi
Julie G – Matt, Katherine, Ray
AML – Jonathan, Jake, Emma, Becca
Kristin G – Brandon, Melissa
Allegra – Lydia, Nick, Micah, Jonah
Karen- Nathan, Bailey
Praying
Tami, thank you for your faithfulness in praying for our dear children.
Blake, Zoie, Greg, Elizabeth
I love the music of Project of Love on Spotify which puts scripture to song, but especially their version of Psalm 143. Worth a listen!
Wow! I was not familiar with Project of Love. I just listened to Psalm 143. I’m already planning to share it with friends. Thanks for mentioning this resource.
Wow, that was beautiful! Thanks for letting us know about this.
Thank you, Abigail, for letting me know about Project of Love! I listened to Psalm 143. So good.
Thanks Abigail!
oh wow. thank you! this might be the soundtrack to my life from now on
Psalm 143:1, 6, 8, 10-11 NLT
1 Hear my prayer, O Lord;
listen to my plea!
Answer me because you are faithful and righteous.
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6 I lift my hands to you in prayer.
I thirst for you as parched land thirsts for rain.
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8 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.
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10 Teach me to do your will,
for you are my God.
May your gracious Spirit lead me forward
on a firm footing.
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11 For the glory of your name, O Lord, preserve my life.
Because of your faithfulness, bring me out of this distress.
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Trusting God to help fight external “enemies” seems easier than trusting Him to help fight the inernal one. O if I could just stop the loops that play in my head that generate bitterness and resentment when interactions with others do not go the way I think they should or when my pride is stepped on.
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So thankful God is longsuffering with me.
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ANGELA – praying healing comes quickly to your mom.
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MARGARET W – praying the Lord goes before your son in his work situation.
Love these scriptures ❤️
So good!
Amen, Kelly!
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