Deus Misereatur

  [This particular congregational prayer walks through all of Psalm 56] Be gracious to me, O God, for man tramples on me; all day long an attacker oppresses me; my enemies trample on me all day long, for many attack me proudly. When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me (Psalm 56:1-4) ?  Lord, our oppressors are the world, the flesh, and the devil. May our trust in you raise us up above fear and dread. Sometimes it feels like our own bodies and life circumstances are our worst enemies, walloping us with maladies, heart disease, mental darkness, disorientation, heart aches and heart breaks. We pray for those going through the thick and thin of it right now (…). Bring them through it all with faith, hope, love, and the smile of your face. Hear our prayer, O Lord, and let our cry come to you! All day long they injure my cause; all their thoughts are against me for evil. They stir up strife, ...

(I presented a version of this 9 July 2017 at Heritage Presbyterian Church; and again on 19 July 2017 at the Capitol Bible Forum, Oklahoma State Capitol) God is For Us: Psalm 56 ( Romans 8.31-39 )   I have often used this passage and these thoughts when talking about Baptism. Now that may startle you a bit since the only water mentioned are the tears of David. But if you’ll hold on tight I think you may see how I get there. The Pressure is Constant (1, 2, and 5): “ all day long ”. The Pressure is Fierce (1-2, 5-7): “ tramples on me….an attacker oppresses me ” (1); “ My enemies trample on me….many attack me proudly ” (2); “ injure my cause….thoughts are against me for evil ” (5); “ stir up strife…lurk…watch my steps….waited for my life ” (6). Fierce Response (7). Faith-Filled Prayer in the Pressure (1a; 3-4, 8-11): “Faith is seen here as a deliberate act, in defiance of one’s emotional state” Derek Kidner; v. 8-11. *** v.9 “This I know that God is for me…” – ...

Sunday morning: From Psalm 56 Be gracious to me, O God, for man tramples on me; all day long an attacker oppresses me; my enemies trample on me all day long, for many attack me proudly. When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me? / Lord, our oppressors are the world, the flesh and the devil. May our trust in you raise us up above fear and dread. Sometimes it feels like our own bodies and life circumstances are our worst enemies, walloping us with maladies, heart disease, mental darkness and disorientation, heart aches and heart breaks. We pray for those going through the thick and thin of it… Bring them through it all with joy, hope, faith, and the smile of your face. Hear our prayer, O Lord, and let our cry come to you ! All day long they injure my cause; all their thoughts are against me for evil. They stir up strife, they lurk; they watch my steps, as they have waited for my life....