Today’s Reading: Psalm 70-71; 83; 86

We were encouraged yesterday (Sunday Apr. 22) to get into the Psalms by selecting a passage each day that is meaningful to us and with which we can identify. Take that passage and either rewrite it as though God were saying it directly to you or rewrite it as a prayer and say it to God.

Here is how I’ve rewritten Psalm 86 as if God were saying it directly to me:

I hear you, Gordie, and I answer you,
for you are poor and needy.
I will guard your life, for you are devoted to Me.
I am your God; I will save you because you are My servant
who trusts in Me.
I will have mercy on you, Gordie,
for you call to Me all day long.
I will bring joy to you, My servant,
for you lift up your soul to Me.

I am forgiving and good, Gordie,
abounding in love to all who call to Me.
I hear your prayer;
I listen to your cry for mercy.
In the day of your trouble I will answer you,
for you will call to Me.

Among the gods there is none like Me;
No deeds can compare with mine.
All the nations I have made
will come and worship before Me;
they will bring glory to My name.
For I am great and do marvelous deeds; I alone am God.

I will teach you my way, Gordie,
and you will walk in My truth;
an undivided heart I will give you,
that you may fear My name.
You will praise Me, the Lord your God, with all your heart;
you will glorify My name forever.
For great is My love toward you;
I have delivered you from the depths of the grave.

I know that arrogant people are bothering you, Gordie;
a band of ruthless people seek your life-
people without regard for M.
But I, the Lord, and a compassionate and gracious God,
slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.
When you turn to Me I will have mercy on you;
I will grant you My strength because you are My servant
and save you, My faithful son.
I will give you a sign of My goodness,
that those who bother you may see it and be put to shame,
for I, the Lord, have helped you and comforted you.