God’s Renewing Word of Prayer
Introduction
Psalm 64: Today’s reading is the prayer of an individual who seeks God’s protection from those who inflict harm by means of cruel words. The writer trusts in God, and the psalm concludes with a call to praise God.
Scripture Reading
A Prayer for Protection
1I am in trouble, God—listen to my prayer!
I am afraid of my enemies—save my life!
2Protect me from the plots of the wicked,
from mobs of evil people.
3They sharpen their tongues like swords
and aim cruel words like arrows.
4They are quick to spread their shameless lies;
they destroy good people with cowardly slander.
5They encourage each other in their evil plots;
they talk about where they will place their traps.
“No one can see them,” they say.
6They make evil plans and say,
“We have planned a perfect crime.”
The human heart and mind are a mystery.
7But God shoots his arrows at them,
and suddenly they are wounded.
8He will destroy them because of those words;
all who see them will shake their heads.
9They will all be afraid;
they will think about what God has done
and tell about his deeds.
10All righteous people will rejoice
because of what the Lord has done.
They will find safety in him;
all good people will praise him.
Today’s Key Verse: Psalm 64:10
All righteous people will rejoice because of what the LORD has done. They will find safety in him; all good people will praise him.
Reflect
How does the psalm writer describe those who speak cruel words? How is God’s retaliation described? Proverbs 15:4 says, “Kind words bring life, but cruel words crush your spirit.” Have you ever been hurt by someone’s words? If so, how did you react? Are kind words able to diffuse a situation that is wrought with anger?
Pray
Almighty God, you are my protector and place of safety. Whenever I may become involved in an exchange of hurtful words, teach me to forgive and to seek your forgiveness and that of those I hurt. May my words this day reflect your love and grace. Amen
Tomorrow’s Reading
Psalm 77: A prayer of one in distress.