Throughout this series we have joined some of our favorite biblical characters in the prayers they once prayed and which God has preserved for us in the Scriptures. As you ponder the variety of prayers from the Great Prayer Book, the Psalms, be enveloped by each word as if it was written directly to and for you…because in fact they were and are a gift from God for you. Praying the Scriptures in this way will bring health and vitality to your heart and soul, and great liberty to your life of prayer.
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Psalm 16 is often described as the “golden psalm” or “David’s jewel” as it’s understood to be a Messianic psalm, speaking of the coming of Christ and his ministry of deliverance and direction. It’s the psalm chosen as the thematic psalm for my book, Crafting a Rule of Life, acknowledging that the Lord is the One in whom we take refuge, the One who is our delight, the One who is our daily portion and cup, the One who counsels and instructs us, and the One who holds us eternally secure. It’s the Lord Jesus who makes the way for us to walk along our own “path of life” both now and forevermore, and the One to whom we listen attentively as we journey through this life and into the next. Therefore, our hearts rejoice in his presence and our joy will be found in the Lord alone both now and forevermore. It’s a fabulous psalm and one worthy of our prayerful reflection.
Today…
As you give thanks to the Lord for the provision of his Son Jesus as your refuge and redeemer, offer your true self into the fullness of his will as you walk the path of life created just for you. (Psalm 16)
Keep me safe, my God,
for in you I take refuge.
I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord;
apart from you I have no good thing.”
I say of the holy people who are in the land,
“They are the noble ones in whom is all my delight.”
Those who run after other gods will suffer more and more.
I will not pour out libations of blood to such gods
or take up their names on my lips.
Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup;
you make my lot secure.
The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
surely I have a delightful inheritance.
I will praise the Lord, who counsels me;
even at night my heart instructs me.
I keep my eyes always on the Lord.
With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;
my body also will rest secure,
because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead,
nor will you let your faithfulone see decay.
You make known to me the path of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence,
with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
Behold the splendor of the Lord – Believe the promises of his love – Belong to those who unreservedly trust him – Become prayerful in all you are and do.
