PrayerBits for Friday

PrayerBits

A bite sized devotional program
produced by the West Side Presbyterian Church

Friday

Scripture Lesson: Psalm 31:9-16 A Psalm of Lament

Time to reflect: Psalms of Lament by an Individual are one of the most common Psalm types in the Bible. These are songs that were sung in the Temple by people in distress. They are honest prayers, bold, beseeching, pleading, even bargaining. They help us get comfortable about being honest with God in our prayers. Part of the amazing nature of these Psalms is the hope and confidence they show in God.

Moving Throughout the day: What laments do you have and need to put before God?

 Scripture:

Be merciful to me, O LORD, for I am in distress;
       my eyes grow weak with sorrow,
       my soul and my body with grief.

  My life is consumed by anguish
       and my years by groaning;
       my strength fails because of my affliction,
       and my bones grow weak.

  Because of all my enemies,
       I am the utter contempt of my neighbors;
       I am a dread to my friends—
       those who see me on the street flee from me.

  I am forgotten by them as though I were dead;
       I have become like broken pottery.

  For I hear the slander of many;
       there is terror on every side;
       they conspire against me
       and plot to take my life.

 But I trust in you, O LORD;
       I say, "You are my God."

  My times are in your hands;
       deliver me from my enemies
       and from those who pursue me.

  Let your face shine on your servant;
       save me in your unfailing love.