Prayer For Safety and Guidance During The Pandemic From Psalm 16
God offers us life that is full of joy and pleasures forever - including during this time of disease, death, and the physical distancing restrictions. Let's pray God's own words back to Him from Psalm 16.
Daily Meditation Blog: www.pihtoday.blogspot.com
365 Day Book - Life With God in Recovery -
https://www.amazon.ca/LIFE-GOD-RECOVERY-DAILY-MEDITATIONS-ebook/dp/B081JFDM3N/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=life+with+god+in+recovery&qid=1587757322&sr=8-1
Heavenly Father, during these days where it seems unsafe to be outside and to get near others for fear of becoming infected with this virus, we thank you that we can come to you. You invite us to come close to you and it's always safe to do so, always a place of shelter and refuge. And so today we don't just want to know that but we really do want to come to you. Here we are and here you are. We're so glad we can live this moment and this day in Your care.
We're grateful that You are the Lord. You are in charge. You know what's going on and You are working for good in all things. That's your promise and no matter how much we see or don't see of what you are doing today, we know that's what you are working on non-stop - our good. At the same time we really do have all kinds of things to be thankful for today. We're grateful for technology that lets us stay in touh with people and even go to church today. I'm grateful I can sing with my mom today on the phone while we both "go to church" at her church online. The list of blessings from nature we can see and hear and smell on these spring days is long. The security of a place to live, food on the table, clothes to wear etc - simple things yet we have them in abundance compared to so many. The ability to breath and smell and taste and have some energy to do the tasks of the day. All good things - all good things that have come from you. thank you.
We have so many heroes these days - from little kids to those who are aged who are showing kindness, expressing joy, being helpful, being there for one another. We laugh. We cry. Our hearts are touched by them. We really do take pleasure in them.
Fear and worry and anger and mistrust are all other "gods" it would be easy to go after in these days and let them control our lives. We will not give in to them. Chasing after money or toilet paper other things in unnecessary supply that limits what others can have and enjoy. We're not going to go there either. We don't need to hoard. You are with us today and you will be with us every day going forward supplying what we need when we need it.
You have everything that we need and you pour out blessings into our lives. You help us protect our health, enjoy safety, use well what we've been entrusted with. You guard our hearts and minds from fear and distress and fill us with peace and joy. You give us truth with which to counter the ugly lies the evil one seeks to throw at us and send us off course. Thank you for the protection of Your precious blood Lord Jesus that washes us clean from all our sin and keeps us clean from any ways the evil one would like to grab us and lead us astray. This day is a gift for us that You guard for us. Thank you.
And Lord when we look at nature around us and the blessings of freedom we have in the country where we live how could we not give thanks. We've been blessed. But we also give thanks for the pleasant land You've brought to our hearts and minds by helping us know peace and recognize beauty and wonder in who we are and in all You have made us. All that we have comes from You and it is wonderful.
You guide us every step of the way every day. During these new and uncertain days during the pandemic we are grateful that you are constantly making wisdom available to us in practical ways and for the longer term. We'd never have enough peace to sleep if we didn't know that You were watching over us - conscious, subconscious, and unconscious. There's so much of our life that is beyond our knowing and our controlling and the night seems to remind us of that vulnerability. Thank You that we don't have to be little kids to pray as so many of us did as kid, "Now I lay me down to sleep. I pray the Lord my soul to keep. If I should die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take." Our lives are in Your care.
Even though there are emotional swings with all these things during this time of the pandemic, you are always with us and we can stand straight and strong. We don't have to be the strong one but we can lean on you and find strength and support from you. You're not someone we have to reach for but you are right beside us. You are our rock - our steady one.
And so we wonder why we get fearful and uncertain when all of these things are true about you and what you are doing for us. We thank you for rest - peace of mind and heart - and we enter into that rest. We don't just take a deep breath physically but do so also spiritually knowing that life and freshness and peace is being breathed into us by You, our God.
As I see these words, Lord, I'm reminded of other words in the Bible that are a model prayer for us: "I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die. (Philippians 1:20 NLT) That is our prayer Lord.
In these days that can seem to be pretty mundane and by times boring, we thank you that in those moments we can look to you for a way of life. You are ready to show us ways to walk even in this time of physical distancing and lockdowns that give us joy and satisfaction. Help us not to get ahead of ourselves and only look for joy when the restrictions are lifted but I pray that we will see the pleasures and the joy that are right in front of us today and to make a collection, every day, of the many blessings that are overflowing in our hearts and in our circumstances. We give you thanks that this is something we can expect and live in every day as we live with you forever - in this life and the next. Amen
Daily Meditation Blog: www.pihtoday.blogspot.com
365 Day Book - Life With God in Recovery -
https://www.amazon.ca/LIFE-GOD-RECOVERY-DAILY-MEDITATIONS-ebook/dp/B081JFDM3N/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=life+with+god+in+recovery&qid=1587757322&sr=8-1
Keep me safe, O God,
for I have come to you
for refuge.
Psalm 16:1
Heavenly Father, during these days where it seems unsafe to be outside and to get near others for fear of becoming infected with this virus, we thank you that we can come to you. You invite us to come close to you and it's always safe to do so, always a place of shelter and refuge. And so today we don't just want to know that but we really do want to come to you. Here we are and here you are. We're so glad we can live this moment and this day in Your care.
I said to the Lord,
“You are my Master!
Every good thing
I have comes from you.”
Psalm 16:2
We're grateful that You are the Lord. You are in charge. You know what's going on and You are working for good in all things. That's your promise and no matter how much we see or don't see of what you are doing today, we know that's what you are working on non-stop - our good. At the same time we really do have all kinds of things to be thankful for today. We're grateful for technology that lets us stay in touh with people and even go to church today. I'm grateful I can sing with my mom today on the phone while we both "go to church" at her church online. The list of blessings from nature we can see and hear and smell on these spring days is long. The security of a place to live, food on the table, clothes to wear etc - simple things yet we have them in abundance compared to so many. The ability to breath and smell and taste and have some energy to do the tasks of the day. All good things - all good things that have come from you. thank you.
The godly people
in the land are
my true heroes!
I take pleasure
in them!
Psalm 16:3
We have so many heroes these days - from little kids to those who are aged who are showing kindness, expressing joy, being helpful, being there for one another. We laugh. We cry. Our hearts are touched by them. We really do take pleasure in them.
Troubles multiply for those
who chase after other gods.
I will not take part in
their sacrifices of blood
or even speak the
names of their gods.
Psalm 16:4
Fear and worry and anger and mistrust are all other "gods" it would be easy to go after in these days and let them control our lives. We will not give in to them. Chasing after money or toilet paper other things in unnecessary supply that limits what others can have and enjoy. We're not going to go there either. We don't need to hoard. You are with us today and you will be with us every day going forward supplying what we need when we need it.
Lord, you alone
are my inheritance,
my cup of blessing.
You guard
all that is mine.
Psalm 16:5
You have everything that we need and you pour out blessings into our lives. You help us protect our health, enjoy safety, use well what we've been entrusted with. You guard our hearts and minds from fear and distress and fill us with peace and joy. You give us truth with which to counter the ugly lies the evil one seeks to throw at us and send us off course. Thank you for the protection of Your precious blood Lord Jesus that washes us clean from all our sin and keeps us clean from any ways the evil one would like to grab us and lead us astray. This day is a gift for us that You guard for us. Thank you.
The land you have given me
is a pleasant land.
What a wonderful inheritance!
Psalm 16:6
And Lord when we look at nature around us and the blessings of freedom we have in the country where we live how could we not give thanks. We've been blessed. But we also give thanks for the pleasant land You've brought to our hearts and minds by helping us know peace and recognize beauty and wonder in who we are and in all You have made us. All that we have comes from You and it is wonderful.
I will bless the Lord
who guides me;
even at night
my heart instructs me.
Psalm 16:7
You guide us every step of the way every day. During these new and uncertain days during the pandemic we are grateful that you are constantly making wisdom available to us in practical ways and for the longer term. We'd never have enough peace to sleep if we didn't know that You were watching over us - conscious, subconscious, and unconscious. There's so much of our life that is beyond our knowing and our controlling and the night seems to remind us of that vulnerability. Thank You that we don't have to be little kids to pray as so many of us did as kid, "Now I lay me down to sleep. I pray the Lord my soul to keep. If I should die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take." Our lives are in Your care.
I know the Lord
is always with me.
I will not be shaken,
for he is right beside me.
Psalm 16:8
Even though there are emotional swings with all these things during this time of the pandemic, you are always with us and we can stand straight and strong. We don't have to be the strong one but we can lean on you and find strength and support from you. You're not someone we have to reach for but you are right beside us. You are our rock - our steady one.
No wonder
my heart is glad,
and I rejoice.
My body rests in safety.
Psalm 16:9
And so we wonder why we get fearful and uncertain when all of these things are true about you and what you are doing for us. We thank you for rest - peace of mind and heart - and we enter into that rest. We don't just take a deep breath physically but do so also spiritually knowing that life and freshness and peace is being breathed into us by You, our God.
For you will not leave
my soul among the dead
or allow your holy one
to rot in the grave.
Psalm 16:10
As I see these words, Lord, I'm reminded of other words in the Bible that are a model prayer for us: "I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die. (Philippians 1:20 NLT) That is our prayer Lord.
You will show me
the way of life,
granting me the joy
of your presence
and the pleasures
of living with you
forever.
Psalm 16:11
In these days that can seem to be pretty mundane and by times boring, we thank you that in those moments we can look to you for a way of life. You are ready to show us ways to walk even in this time of physical distancing and lockdowns that give us joy and satisfaction. Help us not to get ahead of ourselves and only look for joy when the restrictions are lifted but I pray that we will see the pleasures and the joy that are right in front of us today and to make a collection, every day, of the many blessings that are overflowing in our hearts and in our circumstances. We give you thanks that this is something we can expect and live in every day as we live with you forever - in this life and the next. Amen
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