God’s Saving Word: Prayer
Introduction
Psalm 56: In today’s reading, the psalm writer says that his trust in God is greater than his fear, and he expresses confidence in God’s protection.
Scripture Reading
A Prayer of Trust in God
56 Be merciful to me, O God,
because I am under attack;
my enemies persecute me all the time.
2 All day long my opponents attack me.
There are so many who fight against me.
3 When I am afraid, O Lord Almighty,
I put my trust in you.
4 I trust in God and am not afraid;
I praise him for what he has promised.
What can a mere human being do to me?
5 My enemies make trouble for me all day long;
they are always thinking up some way to hurt me!
6 They gather in hiding places
and watch everything I do,
hoping to kill me.
7 Punish[b] them, O God, for their evil;
defeat those people in your anger!
8 You know how troubled I am;
you have kept a record of my tears.
Aren’t they listed in your book?
9 The day I call to you,
my enemies will be turned back.
I know this: God[c] is on my side—
10 the Lord, whose promises I praise.
11 In him I trust, and I will not be afraid.
What can a mere human being do to me?
12 O God, I will offer you what I have promised;
I will give you my offering of thanksgiving,
13 because you have rescued me from death
and kept me from defeat.
And so I walk in the presence of God,
in the light that shines on the living.
Today’s Key Verse: Psalm 56:13b
I walk in the presence of God, in the light that shines on the living.
Reflect
What verses in today’s reading express the psalm writer’s trust in God? Reread verses 4, 8, and 11. What do the questions posed at the end of these verses reveal about the writer’s faith? Have you experienced times in your life when you felt God’s presence in the midst of a troublesome or fearful situation? If so, what was the circumstance and what was your prayer?
Pray
Loving and merciful God, I offer you my humble heart and place my trust in you. I know that you are on my side. Order my steps this day so that I walk in the light of your presence. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
Psalm 57: A prayer for protection from enemies.