Psalm 13
How long, Lord? Will you utterly forget me?
How long will you hide your face from me?
How long must I carry sorrow in my soul,
grief in my heart day after day?
How long will my enemy triumph over me?
Look upon me, answer me, Lord, my God!
Give light to my eyes lest I sleep in death,
Lest my enemy say, "I have prevailed,"
lest my foes rejoice at my downfall.
I trust in your faithfulness.
Grant my heart joy in your help,
That I may sing of the Lord,
"How good our God has been to me!"
--Reflection
Am I persistent in my communication with God, in good times and in bad?
Friday, November 26, 2010
December 5 - God, Our Refuge
Psalm 72
O God, give your judgment to the king;
your justice to the son of kings;
That he may govern your people with justice,
your oppressed with right judgment,
That the mountains may yield their bounty for the people,
and the hills great abundance,
That he may defend the oppressed among the people,
save the poor and crush the oppressor.
May he live as long as the sun endures,
like the moon, through all generations.
May he be like rain coming down upon the fields,
like showers watering the earth,
That abundance may flourish in his days,
great bounty, till the moon be no more.
May he rule from sea to sea,
from the river to the ends of the earth.
May his foes kneel before him,
his enemies lick the dust.
May the kings of Tarshish and the islands bring tribute,
the kings of Arabia and Seba offer gifts.
May all kings bow before him,
all nations serve him.
For he rescues the poor when they cry out,
the oppressed who have no one to help.
He shows pity to the needy and the poor
and saves the lives of the poor.
From extortion and violence he frees them,
for precious is their blood in his sight.
Long may he live, receiving gold from Arabia,
prayed for without cease, blessed day by day.
May wheat abound in the land,
flourish even on the mountain heights.
May his fruit increase like Lebanon's,
his wheat like the grasses of the land.
May his name be blessed forever;
as long as the sun, may his name endure.
May the tribes of the earth give blessings with his name;
may all the nations regard him as favored.
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel,
who alone does wonderful deeds.
Blessed be his glorious name forever;
may all the earth be filled with the Lord's glory.
Amen and amen.
--Reflection
Do I remember to ask God to be an essential part of my life?
O God, give your judgment to the king;
your justice to the son of kings;
That he may govern your people with justice,
your oppressed with right judgment,
That the mountains may yield their bounty for the people,
and the hills great abundance,
That he may defend the oppressed among the people,
save the poor and crush the oppressor.
May he live as long as the sun endures,
like the moon, through all generations.
May he be like rain coming down upon the fields,
like showers watering the earth,
That abundance may flourish in his days,
great bounty, till the moon be no more.
May he rule from sea to sea,
from the river to the ends of the earth.
May his foes kneel before him,
his enemies lick the dust.
May the kings of Tarshish and the islands bring tribute,
the kings of Arabia and Seba offer gifts.
May all kings bow before him,
all nations serve him.
For he rescues the poor when they cry out,
the oppressed who have no one to help.
He shows pity to the needy and the poor
and saves the lives of the poor.
From extortion and violence he frees them,
for precious is their blood in his sight.
Long may he live, receiving gold from Arabia,
prayed for without cease, blessed day by day.
May wheat abound in the land,
flourish even on the mountain heights.
May his fruit increase like Lebanon's,
his wheat like the grasses of the land.
May his name be blessed forever;
as long as the sun, may his name endure.
May the tribes of the earth give blessings with his name;
may all the nations regard him as favored.
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel,
who alone does wonderful deeds.
Blessed be his glorious name forever;
may all the earth be filled with the Lord's glory.
Amen and amen.
--Reflection
Do I remember to ask God to be an essential part of my life?
December 4 - Let us praise God!
Psalm 147
Hallelujah!
How good to celebrate our God in song;
how sweet to give fitting praise.
The Lord rebuilds Jerusalem,
gathers the dispersed of Israel,
Heals the brokenhearted,
binds up their wounds,
Numbers all the stars,
calls each of them by name.
Great is our Lord, vast in power,
with wisdom beyond measure.
The Lord sustains the poor,
but casts the wicked to the ground.
Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving;
with the lyre celebrate our God,
Who covers the heavens with clouds,
provides rain for the earth,
makes grass sprout on the mountains,
Who gives animals their food
and ravens what they cry for.
God takes no delight in the strength of horses,
no pleasure in the runner's stride.
Rather the Lord takes pleasure in the devout,
those who await his faithful care.
Glorify the Lord, Jerusalem;
Zion, offer praise to your God,
Who has strengthened the bars of your gates,
blessed your children within you,
Brought peace to your borders,
and filled you with finest wheat.
The Lord sends a command to earth;
his word runs swiftly!
Thus snow is spread like wool,
frost is scattered like ash,
Hail is dispersed like crumbs;
before such cold the waters freeze.
Again he sends his word and they melt;
the wind is unleashed and the waters flow.
The Lord also proclaims his word to Jacob,
decrees and laws to Israel.
God has not done this for other nations;
of such laws they know nothing.
Hallelujah!
--Reflection
How has God been there for me in my time of need?
Hallelujah!
How good to celebrate our God in song;
how sweet to give fitting praise.
The Lord rebuilds Jerusalem,
gathers the dispersed of Israel,
Heals the brokenhearted,
binds up their wounds,
Numbers all the stars,
calls each of them by name.
Great is our Lord, vast in power,
with wisdom beyond measure.
The Lord sustains the poor,
but casts the wicked to the ground.
Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving;
with the lyre celebrate our God,
Who covers the heavens with clouds,
provides rain for the earth,
makes grass sprout on the mountains,
Who gives animals their food
and ravens what they cry for.
God takes no delight in the strength of horses,
no pleasure in the runner's stride.
Rather the Lord takes pleasure in the devout,
those who await his faithful care.
Glorify the Lord, Jerusalem;
Zion, offer praise to your God,
Who has strengthened the bars of your gates,
blessed your children within you,
Brought peace to your borders,
and filled you with finest wheat.
The Lord sends a command to earth;
his word runs swiftly!
Thus snow is spread like wool,
frost is scattered like ash,
Hail is dispersed like crumbs;
before such cold the waters freeze.
Again he sends his word and they melt;
the wind is unleashed and the waters flow.
The Lord also proclaims his word to Jacob,
decrees and laws to Israel.
God has not done this for other nations;
of such laws they know nothing.
Hallelujah!
--Reflection
How has God been there for me in my time of need?
December 3 - Trust
Psalm 27
The Lord is my light and my salvation;
whom do I fear? The Lord is my life's refuge;
of whom am I afraid?
When evildoers come at me to devour my flesh,
These my enemies and foes themselves stumble and fall.
Though an army encamp against me,
my heart does not fear;
Though war be waged against me,
even then do I trust.
One thing I ask of the Lord; this I seek:
To dwell in the Lord's house all the days of my life,
To gaze on the Lord's beauty,
to visit his temple.
For God will hide me in his shelter in time of trouble,
Will conceal me in the cover of his tent;
and set me high upon a rock.
Even now my head is held high above my enemies on every side!
I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy;
I will sing and chant praise to the Lord.
Hear my voice, Lord, when I call;
have mercy on me and answer me.
"Come," says my heart, "seek God's face";
your face, Lord, do I seek!
Do not hide your face from me;
do not repel your servant in anger. You are my help;
do not cast me off;
do not forsake me, God my savior!
Even if my father and mother forsake me,
the Lord will take me in.
Lord, show me your way;
lead me on a level path because of my enemies.
Do not abandon me to the will of my foes;
malicious and lying witnesses have risen against me.
But I believe I shall enjoy the Lord's goodness
in the land of the living.
Wait for the Lord, take courage;
be stouthearted, wait for the Lord!
--Reflection
What is a fear that I could give up to God?
The Lord is my light and my salvation;
whom do I fear? The Lord is my life's refuge;
of whom am I afraid?
When evildoers come at me to devour my flesh,
These my enemies and foes themselves stumble and fall.
Though an army encamp against me,
my heart does not fear;
Though war be waged against me,
even then do I trust.
One thing I ask of the Lord; this I seek:
To dwell in the Lord's house all the days of my life,
To gaze on the Lord's beauty,
to visit his temple.
For God will hide me in his shelter in time of trouble,
Will conceal me in the cover of his tent;
and set me high upon a rock.
Even now my head is held high above my enemies on every side!
I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy;
I will sing and chant praise to the Lord.
Hear my voice, Lord, when I call;
have mercy on me and answer me.
"Come," says my heart, "seek God's face";
your face, Lord, do I seek!
Do not hide your face from me;
do not repel your servant in anger. You are my help;
do not cast me off;
do not forsake me, God my savior!
Even if my father and mother forsake me,
the Lord will take me in.
Lord, show me your way;
lead me on a level path because of my enemies.
Do not abandon me to the will of my foes;
malicious and lying witnesses have risen against me.
But I believe I shall enjoy the Lord's goodness
in the land of the living.
Wait for the Lord, take courage;
be stouthearted, wait for the Lord!
--Reflection
What is a fear that I could give up to God?
December 2 - Gratitude
Psalm 118
Give thanks to the Lord,
who is good, whose love endures forever.
Let the house of Israel say:
God's love endures forever.
Let the house of Aaron say,
God's love endures forever.
Let those who fear the LORD say,
God's love endures forever.
In danger I called on the Lord;
the Lord answered me and set me free.
The Lord is with me; I am not afraid;
what can mortals do against me?
The Lord is with me as my helper;
I shall look in triumph on my foes.
Better to take refuge in the Lord
than to put one's trust in mortals.
--Reflection
What are the many gifts God has given you?
Give thanks to the Lord,
who is good, whose love endures forever.
Let the house of Israel say:
God's love endures forever.
Let the house of Aaron say,
God's love endures forever.
Let those who fear the LORD say,
God's love endures forever.
In danger I called on the Lord;
the Lord answered me and set me free.
The Lord is with me; I am not afraid;
what can mortals do against me?
The Lord is with me as my helper;
I shall look in triumph on my foes.
Better to take refuge in the Lord
than to put one's trust in mortals.
--Reflection
What are the many gifts God has given you?
December 1 - Faith
Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd;
there is nothing I lack.
In green pastures you let me graze;
to safe waters you lead me;
you restore my strength.
You guide me along the right path for the sake of your name.
Even when I walk through a dark valley,
I fear no harm for you are at my side;
your rod and staff give me courage.
You set a table before me as my enemies watch;
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Only goodness and love will pursue me all the days of my life;
I will dwell in the house of the Lord for years to come.
--Reflection
How does God walk by my side each and every day?
The Lord is my shepherd;
there is nothing I lack.
In green pastures you let me graze;
to safe waters you lead me;
you restore my strength.
You guide me along the right path for the sake of your name.
Even when I walk through a dark valley,
I fear no harm for you are at my side;
your rod and staff give me courage.
You set a table before me as my enemies watch;
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Only goodness and love will pursue me all the days of my life;
I will dwell in the house of the Lord for years to come.
--Reflection
How does God walk by my side each and every day?
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
November 30 - Praise All the Day
Psalm 113
Hallelujah!
Praise, you servants of the Lord,
praise the name of the Lord.
Blessed be the name of the Lord
both now and forever.
From the rising of the sun to its setting
let the name of the Lord be praised.
High above all nations is the Lord;
above the heavens God's glory.
Who is like the Lord,
our God enthroned on high,
looking down on heaven and earth?
The Lord raises the needy from the dust,
lifts the poor from the ash heap,
Seats them with princes,
the princes of the people,
Gives the childless wife a home,
the joyful mother of children.
Hallelujah!
--Reflection
Do I really realize all that God has done for me? All that He has given me? Maybe it is time to make a list of all my blessings.
Hallelujah!
Praise, you servants of the Lord,
praise the name of the Lord.
Blessed be the name of the Lord
both now and forever.
From the rising of the sun to its setting
let the name of the Lord be praised.
High above all nations is the Lord;
above the heavens God's glory.
Who is like the Lord,
our God enthroned on high,
looking down on heaven and earth?
The Lord raises the needy from the dust,
lifts the poor from the ash heap,
Seats them with princes,
the princes of the people,
Gives the childless wife a home,
the joyful mother of children.
Hallelujah!
--Reflection
Do I really realize all that God has done for me? All that He has given me? Maybe it is time to make a list of all my blessings.
November 29 - God's Well-Tended Flock
Psalm 100
Shout joyfully to the Lord, all you lands;
worship the Lord with cries of gladness;
come before him with joyful song.
Know that the Lord is God,
our maker to whom we belong, whose people we are,
God's well-tended flock.
Enter the temple gates with praise,
its courts with thanksgiving.
Give thanks to God, bless his name;
good indeed is the Lord.
Whose love endures forever,
whose faithfulness lasts through every age.
--Reflection Do I believe that I belong to God?
Do I put my life in His hands willingly?
Shout joyfully to the Lord, all you lands;
worship the Lord with cries of gladness;
come before him with joyful song.
Know that the Lord is God,
our maker to whom we belong, whose people we are,
God's well-tended flock.
Enter the temple gates with praise,
its courts with thanksgiving.
Give thanks to God, bless his name;
good indeed is the Lord.
Whose love endures forever,
whose faithfulness lasts through every age.
--Reflection Do I believe that I belong to God?
Do I put my life in His hands willingly?
November 28 - Peace and Blessings
Psalm 122
I rejoiced when they said to me,
"Let us go to the house of the Lord."
And now our feet are standing within your gates, Jerusalem.
Jerusalem, built as a city, walled round about.
Here the tribes have come, the tribes of the Lord,
As it was decreed for Israel,
to give thanks to the name of the Lord.
Here are the thrones of justice,
the thrones of the house of David.
For the peace of Jerusalem pray:
"May those who love you prosper!
May peace be within your ramparts,
prosperity within your towers."
For family and friends I say,
"May peace be yours."
For the house of the Lord, our God, I pray,
"May blessings be yours."
--Reflection
What is MY prayer for my family and friends?
My church? My country?
I rejoiced when they said to me,
"Let us go to the house of the Lord."
And now our feet are standing within your gates, Jerusalem.
Jerusalem, built as a city, walled round about.
Here the tribes have come, the tribes of the Lord,
As it was decreed for Israel,
to give thanks to the name of the Lord.
Here are the thrones of justice,
the thrones of the house of David.
For the peace of Jerusalem pray:
"May those who love you prosper!
May peace be within your ramparts,
prosperity within your towers."
For family and friends I say,
"May peace be yours."
For the house of the Lord, our God, I pray,
"May blessings be yours."
--Reflection
What is MY prayer for my family and friends?
My church? My country?
Advent Reflections Beginning Soon
Before beginning the new Advent reflections for Advent 2010, below you will still find all the posts from last year.
Beginning on Sunday, November 28, 2010, we will post daily reflections. If you use Twitter, you can also follow them on SFA_Advent.
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