God’s Guiding Word: Prayer
Introduction
Psalm 27: Today’s psalm is an expression of confidence and trust in God, even in the midst of an enemy attack. Trusting in God’s care, the writer expresses a desire to seek God’s guidance and to live in God’s house.
Today’s Key Verse: Psalm 27:1
The LORD is my light and my salvation; I will fear no one.
The LORD protects me from all danger; I will never be afraid.
Reading
27 The Lord is my light and my salvation;
I will fear no one.
The Lord protects me from all danger;
I will never be afraid.
2 When evil people attack me and try to kill me,
they stumble and fall.
3 Even if a whole army surrounds me,
I will not be afraid;
even if enemies attack me,
I will still trust God.
4 I have asked the Lord for one thing;
one thing only do I want:
to live in the Lord’s house all my life,
to marvel there at his goodness,
and to ask for his guidance.
5 In times of trouble he will shelter me;
he will keep me safe in his Temple
and make me secure on a high rock.
6 So I will triumph over my enemies around me.
With shouts of joy I will offer sacrifices in his Temple;
I will sing, I will praise the Lord.
7 Hear me, Lord, when I call to you!
Be merciful and answer me!
8 When you said, “Come worship me,”
I answered, “I will come, Lord.”
9 Don’t hide yourself from me!
Don’t be angry with me;
don’t turn your servant away.
You have been my help;
don’t leave me, don’t abandon me,
O God, my savior.
10 My father and mother may abandon me,
but the Lord will take care of me.
11 Teach me, Lord, what you want me to do,
and lead me along a safe path,
because I have many enemies.
12 Don’t abandon me to my enemies,
who attack me with lies and threats.
13 I know that I will live to see
the Lord’s goodness in this present life.
14 Trust in the Lord.
Have faith, do not despair.
Trust in the Lord.
Reflect
What verses show the writer’s confidence in God? What petitions does the writer direct to God in verses 7–12? What are your fears? Is this psalm a source of comfort for you? Why or why not?
Pray
Lord God, you alone are my light and my salvation. Teach me what you want me to do and lead me along a safe path. Trusting in your goodness and mercy, I pray in your holy name. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
Psalm 28: A prayer for help.