Did you get up this morning with a lump in your throat? Is your heart heavy? Is there a heaviness in your soul? Could you use an extra ounce (or pound) of the Holy Spirit’s peace? You are not alone. Let’s pray the truths of Psalm 5 together.
O Lord, the always present, always watching, all knowing, and all powerful King of the universe …
Give ears to my words. Consider my groaning. Give attention to the sound of my cry. Listen to me right now.
You are my King and my God. That’s right, I am confident enough to call you mine. You belong to me. And why is that? It is because I belong to you. I am your special, elect, regenerated, justified, adopted subject, citizen, soldier, friend, child, and bride. I am yours and you are mine.
O Lord, in the morning you hear my voice. I am confident I have your ear. I have your attention, for you have promised to draw near as I draw near to you. You have no desire to ignore the heart-felt plea of your child. As a matter of face, your Spirit is the one encouraging me to pray right now.
Therefore, this morning, I prepare a sacrifice for you and watch.
I will watch you give strict justice to those who are your enemies, for you are not a God who delights in wickedness; evil may not dwell with you. The boastful shall not stand before your eyes; you hate all evil doers. You destroy those who speak lies: the Lord abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man. Oh Lord, I must pause and confess my sins again, for I am one who is wicked. I am evil. I am proud and arrogant, lacking integrity, and quite willing to harm others in order to profit myself. By my thoughts, actions, words, and deeds, I have the traits of an enemy of God.
However, I am not your enemy. I through the abundance of your steadfast love, will enter your house. That’s right, because of your steadfast love, I will walk in the door of your house and bow down toward your holy temple in fear of you.
And what will be my supplication. It will be, “O Lord, lead me in your righteousness … make your way straight before me.” Because you have made me new and continue to do a sanctifying work in my heart, I want to keep your Law. I want to be godly. I want to look more and more like Jesus. I want to live more today like I will live forever in glory. O Lord, show me the straight way and help me to walk straightly. May your Spirit …
- Remind me right now of key biblical texts that deal with my questions, confusions, problems, and various opportunities.
- Remind me right now and throughout the day of biblical principles and teachings.
- Impress upon my heart that which is on your heart.
- Lead me not into temptation, and deliver me from evil thinking, speaking, and doing.
- Grant me wisdom in listening, thinking, talking, and doing.
- I wait for your Effectual Spirit, the Promised Counselor, to make me want that which you want.
- Then, help me to make wise decisions, be diligent and decisive in action, and then rest in your sovereign providence.
Father in heaven, the wicked, let them fall by their own counsels … they have rebelled against you. But not me, not right now! I am not rebelling against you. I am confessing my sin, confessing your Gospel, confessing your love for me, confessing my need of you.
Therefore, as I worship, consider, make decisions, and go to work for you, I also need internal comfort. Hear my final supplication. Let all who take refuge in your rejoice. Let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them. Help those who love your name exult in you.
I know you will do this Father. For you bless the righteous, O Lord, and I am righteous because I am married and united to your Son. You cover him — the righteous — with favor as with a shield.
Now, come and do what you Promise. For I have prayed according to your will. I have prayed according to your inspired, infallible, written will.
Unfathomable Grace 