God’s Renewing Word of Prayer
Introduction
Psalm 28: Today’s reading opens with a plea for God’s help and concludes with words of thanksgiving and praise.
Scripture Reading
A Prayer for Help
1O Lord, my defender, I call to you.
Listen to my cry!
If you do not answer me,
I will be among those who go down to the world of the dead.
2Hear me when I cry to you for help,
when I lift my hands toward your holy Temple.
3Do not condemn me with the wicked,
with those who do evil—
those whose words are friendly,
but who have hatred in their hearts.
4 Punish them for what they have done,
for the evil they have committed.
Punish them for all their deeds;
give them what they deserve!
5They take no notice of what the Lord has done
or of what he has made;
so he will punish them
and destroy them forever.
6Give praise to the Lord;
he has heard my cry for help.
7The Lord protects and defends me;
I trust in him.
He gives me help and makes me glad;
I praise him with joyful songs.
8The Lord protects his people;
he defends and saves his chosen king.
9Save your people, Lord,
and bless those who are yours.
Be their shepherd,
and take care of them forever.
Today’s Key Verse: Psalm 28:6
Give praise to the LORD; he has heard my cry for help.
Reflect
Verses 1-5 reflect an individual’s lament; verses 6-9 reflect an individual’s song of praise. How would you describe the psalm writer’s feelings in these verses? What causes the writer to cry out to the LORD? How does the writer express trust in the LORD? What are your thoughts concerning the change in tone at the end of verse 5 and the beginning of verse 6?
Pray
Loving and merciful God, like a shepherd you care for your people. Listen my cry and hear my prayer for _____________________________. In your holy name I pray. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
Psalm 40: A prayer of praise for God’s help.