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.