Psalm 102

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.

Here is today’s prayer, preceded by the text from the Contemporary English Version, copyright 1995, by the America Bible Society.

I pray to you, Lord! Please listen.  Don’t hide from me in my time of trouble. Pay attention to my prayer and quickly give an answer.

My days disappear like smoke, and my bones are burning as though in a furnace. I am wasting away like grass, and my appetite is gone. My groaning never stops, and my bones can be seen through my skin. I am like a lonely owl in the desert or a restless sparrow alone on a roof.

My enemies insult me all day, and they use my name for a curse word. Instead of food, I have ashes to eat and tears to drink, because you are furious and have thrown me aside. My life fades like a shadow at the end of the day and withers like grass.

Our Lord, you are King forever and will always be famous. You will show pity to Zion because the time has come. We, your servants, love each stone in the city, and we are sad to see them lying in the dirt.

Our Lord, the nations will honor you, and all kings on earth will praise your glory. You will rebuild the city of Zion. Your glory will be seen, and the prayers of the homeless will be answered.

Future generations must also praise the Lord, so write this for them: “From his holy temple, the Lord looked down at the earth.  He listened to the groans of prisoners, and he rescued everyone who was doomed to die.”

All Jerusalem should praise you, our Lord, when people from every nation meet to worship you. I should still be strong, but you, Lord, have made an old person of me. You will live forever! Years mean nothing to you. Don’t cut my life in half!

In the beginning, Lord, you laid the earth’s foundation and created the heavens. They will all disappear and wear out like clothes. You change them, as you would a coat, but you last forever. You are always the same. Years cannot change you. Every generation of those who serve you will live in your presence.

We worship you today knowing that you will continue to show us how much you love us.

Psalm 102

Here is today’s prayer from Psalm 102:

God. Abba. Father.

We cry out to you today. We ask that you will turn your ear to our voices and hear our prayers. There are some days when we are weak beyond weak, when our bodies, spirits, and hearts are broken. We sometimes feel like we are on the verge of withering away. We hurt.

When those days occur, help us to remember that you are still sovereign. You are our great King! You always have been. You always will be. And we can trust in your perfect timing. Your word says you will arise and show us your great compassion. And indeed, at that moment when Jesus sat up from that cold slab in the tomb, you showed us your great and unending grace and mercy. We worship you today knowing that you will continue to show us how much you love us. You will show us your favor and your glory! Thank you.

Thank you for ordaining that future generations will continue to praise you as we praise you today. For you have rescued us! Yes, you have set each one of us free from those things that hold us back. You have given us sight to see your beauty and how you make all things new. You have healed our broken hearts. No matter our age nor our circumstances in life, you continue to bring us freedom, sight and healing. Thank you.

For you are the One True God. You set the cornerstone on earth. You are the same, you remain true through all generations. We thank you for keeping your promises. Our sons and daughters will be at home with you, as we are.

All because Jesus sat up from that cold slab in the tomb! Rise in our hearts today, Jesus. Rise again.

Thank you!

We love you. Amen.

(c) 2021. Rich Ronald.

Psalm 101

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.

Here is today’s prayer, preceded by the text from the Contemporary English Version, copyright 1995, by the America Bible Society.

I will sing to you, Lord! I will celebrate your kindness and your justice. Please help me learn to do the right thing, and I will be honest and fair in my own kingdom.

I refuse to be corrupt or to take part in anything crooked, and I won’t be dishonest or deceitful.

Anyone who spreads gossip will be silenced, and no one who is conceited will be my friend.

I will find trustworthy people to serve as my advisors, and only an honest person will serve as an official.

No one who cheats or lies will have a position in my royal court. Each morning I will silence any lawbreakers I find in the countryside or in the city of the Lord.

Let our home be a place of humility and unconditional love for one another.

Psalm 101

Here is today’s prayer from Psalm 101:

God. Abba. Father.

We sing to you today! We celebrate that you are just, you are kind and you always make right and truthful decisions. Thank you for giving us the Holy Spirit who guides us into all truth. Please help us to follow in your ways, Lord, to be just, kind, and truthful — especially at home with our family. Yes, keep our hearts pure and blameless. Let us not join in the ways of wickedness. May all in our home lift up your name and your ways. Let our home be a place of humility and unconditional love for one another.

Give us the courage to join with those who are genuine and trustworthy. Let us not participate in gossip or slander. May all our conversations today be honest.

Thank you for grace and forgiveness. Thank you for making all things new.

We praise you today.

In Jesus name.

Amen.

(c) 2021. Rich Ronald.

Psalm 100

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.

Here is today’s prayer, preceded by the text from the Contemporary English Version, copyright 1995, by the America Bible Society.

 Shout praises to the Lord, everyone on this earth. Be joyful and sing as you come in to worship the Lord!

You know the Lord is God! He created us, and we belong to him; we are his people, the sheep in his pasture.

Be thankful and praise the Lord as you enter his temple. The Lord is good! His love and faithfulness will last forever

Sing with Joy! We belong to God.

Psalm 100

Here is today’s prayer from Psalm 99:

God. Abba. Father.

We shout with joy this morning! Thank you for new days. Thank you for fresh starts. We bring our worship to you, great King! Thank you for putting a song of praise on our lips.

You are God. You are not just a feeling. You are not just some ancient theology. You are alive. You are the One True God. You have always been. Even before time began, you were and you are. You formed us. We belong to you. You made us. You have watched over us every day of our lives. You are the only One that can make sense of our world today. We open our hands and ask you to lead us. Guide us. Give us wisdom. Protect us. Take care of us, like a shepherd takes care of his lambs.

Wherever and whenever we worship you, we lift up our heads with great gratitude. Yes, we are thankful! You are everything that is right and beautiful. You are generous and gracious. You are love and faithfulness. You are peace and grace. You are forgiveness and comfort. You are joy and patience. You always have been. And you always will be.

We humbly thank you and proclaim our love to you today.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

(c) 2021. Rich Ronald.

Psalm 90

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.

Here is today’s prayer, preceded by the text from the Contemporary English Version, copyright 1995, by the America Bible Society.

Our Lord, in all generations
    you have been our home.
2 You have always been God—
    long before the birth
    of the mountains,
    even before you created
    the earth and the world.

3 At your command we die
    and turn back to dust,
4     but a thousand years
    mean nothing to you!
They are merely a day gone by
    or a few hours in the night.

5 You bring our lives to an end
    just like a dream.
We are merely tender grass
6     that sprouts and grows
in the morning,
    but dries up by evening.
7 Your furious anger frightens
    and destroys us,
8 and you know all of our sins,
    even those we do in secret.

9 Your anger is a burden
each day we live,
    then life ends like a sigh.
10 We can expect seventy years,
or maybe eighty,
    if we are healthy,
    but even our best years
    bring trouble and sorrow.
Suddenly our time is up,
    and we disappear.
11 No one knows the full power
    of your furious anger,
    but it is as great as the fear
    that we owe to you.
12 Teach us to use wisely
    all the time we have.

13 Help us, Lord! Don’t wait!
    Pity your servants.
14 When morning comes,
    let your love satisfy
    all our needs.
Then we can celebrate
    and be glad for what time
    we have left.
15 Make us happy for as long
    as you caused us trouble
    and sorrow.
16 Do wonderful things for us,
    your servants,
    and show your mighty power
    to our children.
17 Our Lord and our God,
    treat us with kindness
    and let all go well for us.
    Please let all go well!

Teach us to make every day count. Let us celebrate you each morning with great joy. Let us count our blessings today.

Here is today’s prayer:

Psalm 90

God. Abba. Father.

We rejoice for you have always been our shelter, our home. Before time began, you were and you are the One True God. We worship you today.

Time is so different for you, compared to our life’s journey. To you, a single day and a thousand years are the same. You have numbered our days. We are born. We die. In the days before you gave the world your son, those who walked the earth then feared your anger each day of their lives. Today, thanks to your favor, we know that our life is an eternal life… our time on earth is just the beginning of forever for each one of us.

Teach us to make every day count. Let us celebrate you each morning with great joy! Let us count our blessings today. Let us look with gratitude on the days we have lived. Like the ocean waves that never cease, let us remember your great love — extended to us through our life experiences, our family and friends, to our times of worship to you, our great King; your faithfulness will extend throughout all eternity. We confess that it’s difficult for us to get our head around that, but we trust you and we look forward to an endless season in your presence.

We ask that you give us happiness and true joy today, and for the rest of our days on earth, as we trust in you. We pray you will show us your power and your unfailing love. Treat us with kindness. May the work of our hands bring you glory. Give us your peace.

Through Jesus we pray.

Amen.

(c) 2021. Rich Ronald.

Psalm 89

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.

Here is today’s prayer, preceded by the text from the Contemporary English Version, copyright 1995, by the America Bible Society.

Our Lord, I will sing of your love forever. Everyone yet to be born will hear me praise your faithfulness. I will tell them, “God’s love can always be trusted, and his faithfulness lasts as long as the heavens.”

You said, “David, my servant, is my chosen one, and this is the agreement I made with him: David, one of your descendants will always be king.”

Our Lord, let the heavens now praise your miracles, and let all of your angels praise your faithfulness.

None who live in the heavens can compare with you. You are the most fearsome of all who live in heaven; all the others fear and greatly honor you. You are Lord God All-Powerful! No one is as loving and faithful as you are. You rule the roaring sea and calm its waves.  You crushed the monster Rahab, and with your powerful arm, you scattered your enemies. The heavens and the earth belong to you. And so does the world with all its people because you created them and everything else.

Mount Tabor and Mount Hermon gladly praise you. You are strong and mighty! Your kingdom is ruled by justice and fairness with love and faithfulness leading the way.

Our Lord, you bless those who join in the festival and walk in the brightness of your presence. We are happy all day because of you, and your saving power brings honor to us.  Your own glorious power makes us strong, and because of your kindness, our strength increases. Our Lord and our King, the Holy One of Israel, you are truly our shield.

In a vision, you once said to your faithful followers: “I have helped a mighty hero. I chose him from my people and made him famous. David, my servant, is the one I chose to be king, and I will always be there to help and strengthen him.

“No enemy will outsmart David, and he won’t be defeated by any hateful people. I will strike down and crush his troublesome enemies. He will always be able to depend on my love, and I will make him strong with my own power. I will let him rule the lands across the rivers and seas. He will say to me, ‘You are my Father and my God, as well as the mighty rock where I am safe.’

“I have chosen David as my first-born son, and he will be the ruler of all kings on earth. My love for him will last, and my agreement with him will never be broken.

“One of David’s descendants will always be king, and his family will rule until the sky disappears. Suppose some of his children should reject my Law and refuse my instructions. Or suppose they should disobey all of my teachings. Then I will correct and punish them because of their sins. But I will always love David and faithfully keep all of my promises to him.

“I won’t break my agreement or go back on my word. I have sworn once and for all by my own holy name, and I won’t lie to David. His family will always rule. I will let his kingdom last as long as the sun and moon
appear in the sky.”

You are now angry, God, and you have turned your back on your chosen king. You broke off your agreement with your servant, the king, and you completely destroyed his kingdom. The walls of his city have been broken through, and every fortress now lies in ruin. All who pass by take what they want, and nations everywhere joke about the king.

You made his enemies powerful and let them celebrate. But you forced him to retreat because you did not fight on his side. You took his crown and threw his throne in the dirt. You made an old man of him and put him to shame.

How much longer, Lord? Will you hide forever? How long will your anger keep burning like fire? Remember, life is short! Why did you empty our lives of all meaning? No one can escape the power of death and the grave.

Our Lord, where is the love you have always shown and that you promised so faithfully to David? Remember your servant, Lord! People make jokes about me, and I suffer many insults. I am your chosen one, but your enemies chase and make fun of me.

Our Lord, we praise you forever. Amen and amen

You are Lord God All-Powerful!

No one is as loving and faithful as you are.

Here is today’s prayer:

God. Abba. Father.

We will sing of your great love forever. Both today and for future generations. We will never cease to tell of your greatness, of your wonder, of your splendor. We marvel at your creation! No one is as loving and faithful as you are!

Thank you that your promises are true and just. Thank you for assuring the people of Israel that one of David’s sons will always occupy the throne in The Land. Thank you for choosing David to shepherd the people of Israel. His stories of humble beginnings, faithful service, and the ways you delivered him and sustained him are always encouraging to us. We echo his decrees: You are our Rock! We find shelter and safety in you, our Savior!”

There is none like you, oh God. You rule over the winds and the oceans, the heavens and the earth. After your love for your children, we thank you that righteousness and justice and love and truth are the things you value most.  Blessed are your children who proclaim your praises. We are happy and filled with great joy. Your power sustains us, makes us strong and vibrant!

Thank you for being steadfast, our foundation. We cannot be moved when our roots are firmly planted deep in you. Somedays, we think you are silent. We look for you but cannot find you. Yet, we know that you are always with us. Even when you are quiet. You are in the creation all around us. We are reminded that you speak through your Word, which is always present. You have spoken since the Beginning. Your word remains active for Eternity.

So, we praise you’re your name. Forever!

Through Jesus!

Amen.

(c) 2021. Rich Ronald.

Psalm 87

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.

We are temporarily suspending the audio portion of this study via the RichlySpeaking podcast. Here is today’s prayer, preceded by the text from the Contemporary English Version, copyright 1995, by the America Bible Society.

Psalm 87:

Zion was built by the Lord on the holy mountain, and he loves that city more than any other place in all of Israel. Zion, you are the city of God, and wonderful things are told about you.

Egypt, Babylonia, Philistia, Phoenicia, and Ethiopia are some of those nations that know you, and their people all say, “I was born in Zion.”

God Most High will strengthen the city of Zion. Then everyone will say, “We were born here too.” The Lord will make a list of his people, and all who were born here will be included.

All who sing or dance will say, “I too am from Zion.”

Bless the City Gates of Jerusalem. May all who enter be blessed. Bless the mighty and sturdy walls. May all who walk by them be strengthened and protected.

Here is today’s prayer:

God. Abba. Father.

Today we pray for Zion and the city of Jerusalem. Your word says this city is the most favored of all the cities in Israel… even in all the world.

In your perfect plan, Jerusalem is highly favored among all cities of the world. We pray that you will strengthen the people of the City of David. It is a joyful place! Even today, to see young boys being consecrated at the Wall is such a joyous event. Bless those families.

Bless the City Gates of Jerusalem. May all who enter be blessed. Bless the mighty and sturdy walls. May all who walk by them be strengthened and protected.

Thank you for the many miracles your Son performed within its walls. Thank you for healing the lame and restoring the broken hearted, and for welcoming those whom others had rejected. Thank you for standing up for what is right and true and just. And thank you for laying your life down, and then, for rising again in this beautiful city, oh Jerusalem!  

We pray for peace within your city, Oh God. And as your peace is revealed to the people of the Land, may it also radiate to all the corners of the world. May your Kingdom come, on earth, to Israel, and to every other city on the globe. May your peace be revealed even in our homes, and our families this day.

There are many places where you knelt in this city of David. You knelt to comfort a scorned woman. You knelt to wash the disciples’ feet. You knelt to pray in the garden. And you fell to your knees as you were beaten and taunted… in that very city.

So, we bow before you to worship you and join you in praying for life and peace in Jerusalem.

We sing, we dance, we praise your name Jesus!

Amen.

(c) 2020. Rich Ronald.

Psalm 67

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 that you always turn your face towards us. You are kind and bless us with peace. Thank for revealing your Son Jesus to all of us. You sent Him, in your image, to smile on us. To offer us grace and forgiveness and joy and hope. Just because you loved us so very much.

So, we praise your name! We shout with faith because of who you are, our great King!

Thank you for blessing this earth. Thank you for the physical harvest of seed and crops. And thank you for the harvest of souls as well. We pray, as you have asked us, not only for the harvest, but for harvest hands, workers, to bring in the harvest. Especially in these final days. Oh, may we be ones who will work on your behalf.

We pray you will continue to bless us all, from one end of the globe to the other.

In Jesus’ name.

Amen.

(c) 2020. Rich Ronald

Psalm 66

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 join with psalmist in praising you, our great King! We will say of you, oh God, “There is none like you! How awesome are your deeds!” And we think of our lives and wonder at how you have been with us through it all. You have encouraged us. You have challenged us. You have blessed us. You have taken care of us. Thank you.

You are the steady rock, the one thing that never moves or fails us, Lord. You have pushed us and tested us. You have walked along side us. You are the anchor in an ocean of the waves of life that toss us back and forth. As you have pushed and prodded, you have refined us like silver. You have polished and molded us so that we humbly reflect your image as the master silversmith. You have brought us to our own Promised Land. Thank you!

We will worship you! We will, with great joy, tell others of all that you have done for us. Thank you for hearing our prayers. You are such a great listener. And you didn’t turn away from us. Even when we confessed our most terrible thoughts and sins. You have chosen to love us, unconditionally. You offer grace in abundance.

We praise you and thank you!

In Jesus’ name.

Amen.

(c) 2020. Rich Ronald

Psalm 65

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 with the psalmist today for you are worthy to be praised! We thank you that everyone will eventually come to your throne, recognizing our sin-filled lives. Yes, our sin is just too much for us to bear. Our guilt consumes us. But the very good news is that you are quick to forgive us all. You have removed our sins once and for all, by the grace offered through Jesus. You have invited us to live with you and worship you in your holy place. Thank you!

You have saved us. You have answered our prayers. You are our great hope. You have created the earth out of nothing. You formed the mountains. Through your strength the oceans were filled. And all of creation responds to your commands. Yes, the whole earth is filled with awe and joy at your hands.

We thank you for the seasons of planting, watering, growing and harvesting. The hills dance and the valleys blossom. You provide for our blessing and bounty. We sing to you! We thank you for the promise of our inheritance. We join with the flowers and the animals, the grain and the clouds, the rivers and oceans, the mountains and the rolling meadows in songs of joy and praise to your holy and wonderous name. You are the Creator. You are our King. You are our Shepherd. You are our loving Father.

We love you, Lord.

In Jesus’ name.

Amen.

(c) 2020. Rich Ronald

Psalm 64

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.

Hear our prayer. Today we need to vent. It seems there are some times when the circumstances of our lives take us down and defeat us. It’s the cruelty of strangers or the deep wounds from a friend or even harsh insults from those we love the most. Please protect us. Guard our hearts. And please forgive us when we are those people to others. Yes, we know and confess that our minds can also be cunning and our tongues ruthless.

We choose to fall on our faces before you, oh God. We are in awe of who you are and your holy ways. We bow before you and proclaim the great works of your hand. It is good for us to ponder your righteousness and aspire, by your grace, to live a zealous life as your disciples.

We rejoice in you, Yahweh. We are glad and run to your arms. Thank you for blessing your people with peace and happiness. We celebrate you today.

In Jesus name,

Amen.

(c) 2020. Rich Ronald