Psalm 81

Posted on by richlyspeaking

We’re reading through, and with intentionality, praying through the Psalms during this school year. There are 150 Psalms, divided into 180 different readings. See this post for more info.

The audio file below is the entire episode for today. The text below is today’s prayer. I’m reading the Contemporary English Version of the Text, copyright 1995, by the American Bible Society.

God. Abba. Father.

We sing for joy to you today! We play music and instruments in our praise. Indeed, Lord, you have established a decree that we are to worship you. And we do so, with great revelry!

We thank you for removing from us the burdens of worry and the yoke of slavery. We thank you for rescuing us and for answering our prayers. We ask that you would forgive us from the sin of idolatry, from putting anything above you or in front of you, God. We worship you, the One True God.

We ask that you might defeat those things that defeat us… worry, anxiety, fear, stubbornness, pride, arrogance… or even those outside forces of the enemy like jealousy and oppression. Turn your hand against our foes, especially, the evil one. Please, don’t let us be tempted.

Thank you that your ways are just and true. And to the believer you promise we will enjoy the sweetness of life and be fed the finest of bread by the bread of life himself. Even Jesus.

And it’s in His name we pray.

Amen.

(c) 2020. Rich Ronald.

Psalm 80

Posted on by richlyspeaking

We’re reading through, and with intentionality, praying through the Psalms during this school year. There are 150 Psalms, divided into 180 different readings. See this post for more info.

The audio file below is the entire episode for today. The text below is today’s prayer. I’m reading the Contemporary English Version of the Text, copyright 1995, by the American Bible Society.

God. Abba. Father.

You are our great Shepherd. You lead your children as you sit on your throne of grace in heaven. Hear our prayers. Restore us, God. Turn your face to shine on us; do not turn your face away from us.

May your anger against those who sin against you simmer. Thank you for providing a means to escape your judgment through your son, Jesus. Thank you for smiling on your children, once again!

Once we were your chosen people. You cared deeply for us, as a gardener tends his vines. You provided mountain shade and cool water. And, as a people, we thrived. Then, we confess, we turned our backs on you. We rejected you. Many still do. Thank you for forgiving us. Please forgive those who continue to reject you – as they turn to you.

Thank you that you sent the One, your son, who sits on your right in heaven! He has put a new life in us! We worship you because of Him! Thank you for renewing our strength. Thank you for turning your face towards us. Thank you for giving us your peace and your salvation.

Through Jesus.

And it’s His name we pray.

Amen.

(c) 2020. Rich Ronald.

Psalm 79

Posted on by richlyspeaking

We’re reading through, and with intentionality, praying through the Psalms during this school year. There are 150 Psalms, divided into 180 different readings. See this post for more info.

The audio file below is the entire episode for today. The text below is today’s prayer. I’m reading the Contemporary English Version of the Text, copyright 1995, by the American Bible Society.

God. Abba. Father.

Sometimes, it feels like we are the punchline for the world’s jokes. We who have faith. We who believe. We are often berated and humiliated. And some, God, are severely persecuted. Give them strength today, those who face physical harm and abuse because they have taken a stand on behalf of the Kingdom.

Pour out your wrath on those who want to bring your children down. You are famous for helping. Please send your mercy. Forgive us of our sins. Don’t let the pagan nations scoff and ask wryly, “where is your God?”

Yes! Let your mighty power save! We will praise you and thank you. We will tell everyone of your wonderful love for us. From our generation to the next generation, we, your sheep, will proclaim the praises of our great shepherd!

His name is Jesus.

And it is in his name we pray.

Amen.

(c) 2020. Rich Ronald.

Psalm 78

Posted on by richlyspeaking

We’re reading through, and with intentionality, praying through the Psalms during this school year. There are 150 Psalms, divided into 180 different readings. See this post for more info.

The audio file below is the entire episode for today. The text below is today’s prayer. I’m reading the Contemporary English Version of the Text, copyright 1995, by the American Bible Society.

God. Abba. Father.

Thank you for this story of the rocky relationship between you and your chosen people.

Thank you for the many who have gone before us… those who taught people who taught us of your ways. Give us strength and courage to continue to pass along our hope and faith to the next generation.

Your ways are holy and just. Your love is gracious, kind, and unconditional. Even when your children are stubborn and selfish and finicky. Your word says that you kept forgiving their sin. Thank you that you keep forgiving our sin as well!

And thank you for choosing your king of Israel, David… in whose line Jesus ultimately came. We hear these stories of old and wonder of their significance to us. Yet, we have seen your grace and your power first-hand. Just like the tribes who wandered in the desert. Just like King David experienced your forgiveness and mercy. Just like those who shared your love story with us.

Give us that same grace to proclaim your powerful truths to the next generation. We worship you, great King! We sing of your praises, today and always.

In the name of your son, Jesus, who offers compassion in abundance to everyone.

Amen.

(c) 2020. Rich Ronald.

Psalm 77

Posted on by richlyspeaking

We’re reading through, and with intentionality, praying through the Psalms during this school year. There are 150 Psalms, divided into 180 different readings. See this post for more info.

The audio file below is the entire episode for today. The text below is today’s prayer. I’m reading the Contemporary English Version of the Text, copyright 1995, by the American Bible Society.

God. Abba. Father.

Today we thank you that you are here. When we are in distress, or in trouble, we cry out to you. Even at night, when we cannot sleep and our mind won’t stop racing with anxious thoughts of tomorrow, we remember your goodness. Some days, though, when you are silent, we wonder if you are listening, oh God. We ask ourselves if this is the end? Have you forgotten us?

Then we remember again your goodness. Your mercy. Your love. Even the great things you have accomplished, just in our brief lifetimes. Yes, everything you do is right. There is no god that compares to you, great King. You alone work mighty miracles. You alone are the One True God who makes things happen.

You rescued your people from the mighty waters. Yes, when the ocean’s waves are towering, you are greater. When the thunder is heard in the whirlwind, your voice bellows louder. Even when the earth quakes and lightning flashes in brilliance, you are more powerful. Heaven and earth obey your commands for you are God.

You guide us through every storm of life. Like a shepherd tends to his sheep, you protect, you lead, you comfort, you care for each of us.

We thank and praise you. We reach our arms to you and take your strong, powerful hand. Thank you for leading us. Always. We trust you, God.

In Jesus’ name.

Amen.

(c) 2020. Rich Ronald

Psalm 76

Posted on by richlyspeaking

We’re reading through, and with intentionality, praying through the Psalms during this school year. There are 150 Psalms, divided into 180 different readings. See this post for more info.

The audio file below is the entire episode for today. The text below is today’s prayer. I’m reading the Contemporary English Version of the Text, copyright 1995, by the American Bible Society.

God. Abba. Father.

We love the picture the psalmist paints of your glory. You are our God. You are famous and your name is great! Everyone in Israel knows your home is there upon Mt. Zion. Yet your home is also in our hearts. We praise you!

You shine brighter than the noon day sun! You are radiant and majestic. We stand in awe of who you are, the One True God. You are also the Judge. And you are ready to rescue everyone in need. In fact, you have rescued us by sending your Son, Jesus.  The Gospel writer Matthew says you have come to serve. And the greatest act of service was giving your life in exchange for those who are held captive. Yes, your Son, oh God, has come to heal the brokenhearted, to give sight to the blind and to rescue those who are in bondage. Thank you that you have completed that task… and you are continuing to do so in our hearts today.

We offer a gift of praise and gratitude to you, our King. You are Jesus! Thank you for standing tall on the earth and making things right. Thank you for saving each one of us.

We love and praise you Jesus.

Amen.

(c) 2020. Rich Ronald

Psalm 75

Posted on by richlyspeaking

We’re reading through, and with intentionality, praying through the Psalms during this school year. There are 150 Psalms, divided into 180 different readings. See this post for more info.

The audio file below is the entire episode for today. The text below is today’s prayer. I’m reading the Contemporary English Version of the Text, copyright 1995, by the American Bible Society.

God. Abba. Father.

We praise you for you are the One True God. Your name is Emmanuel. You are always close to us. Thank you!

You are also the ultimate Judge. You will choose an appointed time to bring balance to your righteous scales. Right now the earth seems too lopsided. The evil appears great. But when we look closely, we also see your people and your peace and your love and your grace in many, many places. We thank you for the increase of your goodness across the earth.

We know that in you alone is our victory. You give power. You take away power. You give life. You take away life. We trust your ways. They are holy and pure. And we will sing your praises as long as we live. You will ultimately destroy those who are evil. And you give strength to those who open their hands to receive your grace.

Grace that has been given to us through your Son Jesus. So we open our hands to receive His grace today. And it is in His name we pray.

Amen.

(c) 2020. Rich Ronald

Psalm 74

Posted on by richlyspeaking

We’re reading through, and with intentionality, praying through the Psalms during this school year. There are 150 Psalms, divided into 180 different readings. See this post for more info.

The audio file below is the entire episode for today. The text below is today’s prayer. I’m reading the Contemporary English Version of the Text, copyright 1995, by the American Bible Society.

God. Abba. Father.

There seems to always be times when we feel like you have left us. The people of Israel felt that way when your holy temple was destroyed by her enemies. Even Jesus must have pondered the distance he certainly felt when on the cross.

But your name is Emmanuel. The prophet Ezekiel says your name is Jehovah Shammah, The Lord who is Present. And Genesis says you are Jehovah El Roi, The Lord who Sees Us. Yes, you are with us. Always.

You have won mighty victories throughout the world, throughout time. You made a way through the sea. You brought living water from a parched earth. You make the seasons, the nights and the days.

Above all, you gave us the greatest victory when You, through your Son Jesus, conquered death on our behalf. Thank you! We worship and praise you, great King! You made a covenant with us, all of us. We remember those many promises that you have given us… the assurance of an abundant life, a pledge of your constant presence and guidance, and even to provide simply for our daily bread.

You will never disappoint us. We lift up a chorus of praise to your name.

We worship you and thank you today!

Because of Jesus we pray.

Amen.

(c) 2020. Rich Ronald

Psalm 73

Posted on by richlyspeaking

We’re reading through, and with intentionality, praying through the Psalms during this school year. There are 150 Psalms, divided into 180 different readings. See this post for more info.

The audio file below is the entire episode for today. The text below is today’s prayer. I’m reading the Contemporary English Version of the Text, copyright 1995, by the American Bible Society.

God. Abba. Father.

No doubt about it. You are good. So good to us!

But we confess. Sometimes we miss it. When we see the wicked succeed, we sometimes wonder, “why?” Why do the arrogant and those who gain wealth via questionable means appear to not have a care in the world while we pinch pennies and do our best to keep our pride in check?

In our hearts we desire to never doubt your plans or your ways. Yet, when we see evil thrive, we wonder. Our goal is to only have praise on our lips for you, God. Create in us a pure heart, oh God. Don’t let us turn to the left or to the right. And don’t let us worry or be consumed with the success of others. You have plans for us. We have a personal relationship with you. And how you bless each one of us is up to you. You are the One True God.

We know, as we worship you, that the path of those who don’t follow you will lead to destruction. No matter their success today.

We thank you that you will bring your people back. You will continue to guide us by your Spirit. And you will lead us to glory. Thank you for your wisdom. Thank you for leading us. Truly you are that we want in this lifetime. Your ways. Your presence. Your peace. Your joy. Even when our bodies fail, you will be our strength for all eternity.

Yes, we choose you, oh God. You are our protector and provider. We will tell the whole world, beginning with our friends, family and neighbors, of your wonderful love and how gracious you are to us.

In Jesus’ name.

Amen.

(c) 2020. Rich Ronald

Psalm 72

Posted on by richlyspeaking

We’re reading through, and with intentionality, praying through the Psalms during this school year. There are 150 Psalms, divided into 180 different readings. See this post for more info.

The audio file below is the entire episode for today. The text below is today’s prayer. I’m reading the Contemporary English Version of the Text, copyright 1995, by the American Bible Society.

God. Abba. Father.

We thank you that you are our great and mighty King! We praise you! The whole earth is filled with your glory. You alone work miracles. Your name will never be forgotten. Your fame shines as bright as the noonday sun! Hallelujah to you, our God!

We also thank you for those who rule over us. The leaders of our land, the president, governors, senators, legislators, and mayors. May they all bring justice to their people. May they walk humbly before You. May they defend the afflicted and needy, the poor, the homeless and the fatherless. Give them wisdom as they rule. And may they seek out your counsel to guide them.

Yet, mighty God, we pray that you will be the One to meet all our needs. You are our great provider. We do not trust in the ways of man or woman, but we trust in you and you alone. You are the One who genuinely cares for those who are down and out. You are the One who genuinely cares for the broken-hearted. You are the One who genuinely cares for the blind, the lost, and those who are entangled in the ways of the world. So, we cry out to you. Forgive us and free us from the bondage of our sin.

You are the wonder-working God. Let the earth and all who dwell in it sing praises to your holy name!

Through Jesus we pray.

Amen.

(c) 2020. Rich Ronald