Psalm 122 Song of Praise and Prayer for Jerusalem A Song of Ascents. Of David. 1 I was glad when they said to me,     “Let us go to the house of the Lord!” 2 Our feet are standing     within your gates, O Jerusalem. 3 Jerusalem—built as a city     that is bound firmly together. 4 To it the tribes go up,     the tribes of the Lord, as was decreed for Israel,     to give thanks to the name of the Lord. 5 For there the thrones for judgment were set up,     the thrones of the house of David. 6 Pray for [...]

Psalm 43 (NRSV) Prayer to God in Time of Trouble 1 Vindicate me, O God, and defend my cause     against an ungodly people; from those who are deceitful and unjust     deliver me! 2 For you are the God in whom I take refuge;     why have you cast me off? Why must I walk about mournfully     because of the oppression of the enemy? 3 O send out your light and your truth;     let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy hill     and to your dwelling. 4 Then I will go to the altar of God,     to God [...]

Psalm 62:5-8 (NRSV) 5 For God alone my soul waits in silence,     for my hope is from him. 6 He alone is my rock and my salvation,     my fortress; I shall not be shaken. 7 On God rests my deliverance and my honor;     my mighty rock, my refuge is in God. 8 Trust in him at all times, O people;     pour out your heart before him;     God is a refuge for us. Selah Reflection: Several years ago, I went on a silent retreat. For those of you who know [...]

Psalm 69 To the leader: according to Lilies. Of David. 1 Save me, O God,     for the waters have come up to my neck. 2 I sink in deep mire,     where there is no foothold; I have come into deep waters,     and the flood sweeps over me. 3 I am weary with my crying;     my throat is parched. My eyes grow dim     with waiting for my God. 4 More in number than the hairs of my head     are those who hate me without cause; many are those who would destroy me,     my enemies who accuse me falsely. What I [...]

Psalm 15 NRSV 1 O Lord, who may abide in your tent?     Who may dwell on your holy hill? 2  Those who walk blamelessly, and do what is right,     and speak the truth from their heart; 3 who do not slander with their tongue,     and do no evil to their friends,     nor take up a reproach against their neighbors; 4 in whose eyes the wicked are despised,     but who honor those who fear the Lord; who stand by their oath even to their hurt; 5 who do not lend money at interest,     and do not take a bribe against [...]

Scripture: Psalm 37:1-8 (NIV) 1 Do not fret because of those who are evil     or be envious of those who do wrong; 2 for like the grass they will soon wither,     like green plants they will soon die away. 3 Trust in the Lord and do good;     dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. 4 Take delight in the Lord,     and he will give you the desires of your heart. 5 Commit your way to the Lord;     trust in him and he will do this: 6 He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn,     your vindication [...]

Psalm 30 (NRSV) 1 I will extol you, O Lord, for you have drawn me up,     and did not let my foes rejoice over me. 2 O Lord my God, I cried to you for help,     and you have healed me. 3 O Lord, you brought up my soul from Sheol,     restored me to life from among those gone down to the Pit. 4 Sing praises to the Lord, O you his faithful ones,     and give thanks to his holy name. 5 For his anger is but for a moment;     his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may linger [...]

Psalm 5 1 Give ear to my words, O Lord;     give heed to my sighing. 2 Listen to the sound of my cry,     my King and my God,     for to you I pray. 3 O Lord, in the morning you hear my voice;     in the morning I plead my case to you, and watch. 4 For you are not a God who delights in wickedness;     evil will not sojourn with you. 5 The boastful will not stand before your eyes;     you hate all evildoers. 6 You destroy those who speak lies;     the Lord abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful. 7 [...]