Day 38 · Drawing Near in Prayer · (NET2)
David brings his voice and his waiting to God in the morning. He faces real evil and asks the Lord to lead him in righteousness. His access rests on God’s faithful love, not on his own worthiness. The psalm gives us language for both trouble and refuge. Whatever time we set aside, we can begin our responsibilities by turning toward the Lord and looking to him for guidance.
Request
Lord, hear my prayer and lead me in your righteous way today. Amen.
Read
1 Listen to what I say, Lord!
Carefully consider my complaint!
2 Pay attention to my cry for help,
my King and my God,
for I am praying to you!
3 Lord, in the morning you will hear me;
in the morning I will present my case to you and then wait expectantly for an answer.
4 Certainly you are not a God who approves of evil;
evil people cannot dwell with you.
5 Arrogant people cannot stand in your presence;
you hate all who behave wickedly.
6 You destroy liars;
the Lord despises violent and deceitful people.
7 But as for me, because of your great faithfulness I will enter your house;
I will bow down toward your holy temple as I worship you.
8 Lord, lead me in your righteousness
because of those who wait to ambush me,
remove the obstacles in the way in which you are guiding me.
9 For they do not speak the truth;
their stomachs are like the place of destruction,
their throats like an open grave,
their tongues like a steep slope leading into it.
10 Condemn them, O God!
May their own schemes be their downfall.
Drive them away because of their many acts of insurrection,
for they have rebelled against you.
11 But may all who take shelter in you be happy.
May they continually shout for joy.
Shelter them so that those who are loyal to you may rejoice.
12 Certainly you reward the godly, Lord.
Like a shield you protect them in your good favor.
Scripture: NET Bible, Second Edition (NET2).
Reflect
- How does David connect dependence on God’s love with his request for guidance?
- What situation today needs to be brought before God before you respond?
Restate
Summarize what it means to pray and then wait expectantly.
Respond
Let the passage guide your prayer. Use these prompts in your own words:
- Praise: Praise God as a refuge for those who trust him.
- Thanksgiving: Thank him for the faithful love that welcomes you.
- Confession: Confess plans made without seeking his guidance.
- Intercession: Pray for people facing deceit or hostility.
- Petition: Ask for a straight path in your next decision.
Carry it into today: Pray over your next responsibility before beginning it.