Read
Psalm 119:113-144 (NLT)
Samekh
I hate those with divided loyalties,
but I love your instructions.
You are my refuge and my shield;
your word is my source of hope.
Get out of my life, you evil-minded people,
for I intend to obey the commands of my God.
Lord, sustain me as you promised, that I may live!
Do not let my hope be crushed.
Sustain me, and I will be rescued;
then I will meditate continually on your decrees.
But you have rejected all who stray from your decrees.
They are only fooling themselves.
You skim off the wicked of the earth like scum;
no wonder I love to obey your laws!
I tremble in fear of you;
I stand in awe of your regulations.
Ayin
Don’t leave me to the mercy of my enemies,
for I have done what is just and right.
Please guarantee a blessing for me.
Don’t let the arrogant oppress me!
My eyes strain to see your rescue,
to see the truth of your promise fulfilled.
I am your servant; deal with me in unfailing love,
and teach me your decrees.
Give discernment to me, your servant;
then I will understand your laws.
Lord, it is time for you to act,
for these evil people have violated your instructions.
Truly, I love your commands
more than gold, even the finest gold.
Each of your commandments is right.
That is why I hate every false way.
Pe
Your laws are wonderful.
No wonder I obey them!
The teaching of your word gives light,
so even the simple can understand.
I pant with expectation,
longing for your commands.
Come and show me your mercy,
as you do for all who love your name.
Guide my steps by your word,
so I will not be overcome by evil.
Ransom me from the oppression of evil people;
then I can obey your commandments.
Look upon me with love;
teach me your decrees.
Rivers of tears gush from my eyes
because people disobey your instructions.
Tsadhe
O Lord, you are righteous,
and your regulations are fair.
Your laws are perfect
and completely trustworthy.
I am overwhelmed with indignation,
for my enemies have disregarded your words.
Your promises have been thoroughly tested;
that is why I love them so much.
I am insignificant and despised,
but I don’t forget your commandments.
Your justice is eternal,
and your instructions are perfectly true.
As pressure and stress bear down on me,
I find joy in your commands.
Your laws are always right;
help me to understand them so I may live.
Jesus Storybook Bible:
He’s Here! (p.176)
Meditate
The Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son. (John 1:14)
Pray
Lord Jesus, you are the Word made flesh. We praise you for rescuing us from sin, defeating our greatest Enemy, and delivering us into your Kingdom. Forgive us for doing what is right in own eyes rather than heeding your Word written. Thank you for perfectly fulfilling the Law on our behalf and drawing us back into God’s holy presence. Enable us by Your Spirit to live as the holy people You have made us to be. In Your name we pray. Amen.
Take a moment to pray for others.
Sing
New City Catechism
Question 31: What do we believe by true faith?
Answer: Everything taught to us in the gospel. The Apostles’ Creed expresses what we believe in these words: We believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from there he will come to judge the living and the dead. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.
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