Expectant worship
Opening Prayer
God, let us remember that, though You extend forgiveness through Jesus, justice is coming.
Read Psalm 5:1-12
[1] For the director of music. For pipes. A psalm of David. Listen to my words, LORD, consider my lament. [2] Hear my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray. [3] In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly. [4] For you are not a God who is pleased with wickedness; with you, evil people are not welcome. [5] The arrogant cannot stand in your presence. You hate all who do wrong; [6] you destroy those who tell lies. The bloodthirsty and deceitful you, LORD, detest. [7] But I, by your great love, can come into your house; in reverence I bow down toward your holy temple. [8] Lead me, LORD, in your righteousness because of my enemies- make your way straight before me. [9] Not a word from their mouth can be trusted; their heart is filled with malice. Their throat is an open grave; with their tongues they tell lies. [10] Declare them guilty, O God! Let their intrigues be their downfall. Banish them for their many sins, for they have rebelled against you. [11] But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. [12] Surely, LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield. Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
With which part of this psalm do you identify?As David comes into the Lord’s presence, he does so with an apparent heaviness of heart (1), but also with an awareness of the majesty and power of the God he is worshipping (2). He recognizes the continuing struggle with his enemies who demonstrate arrogance, falsehood and deceit (9), but he is also aware of the ability of God to overcome such attitudes and actions (10). Yet it is important to realize that, although bearing this burden, David does not come to the house of the Lord in a negative frame of mind, but with a real sense of expectation and hope. David assumes that he will not only meet the Lord in worship, but also that he will discover afresh the joy which the Lord brings, know the right paths that he should walk and, above all, experience anew the protection and favor which the Lord promises to all who seek him (8,11). Today there will be opportunity for us to meet the same Lord and to come to him with the same sense of anticipation (3). Whatever situations we are struggling with, we can be sure of the Lord’s blessing and protection (12).
Apply
Pray that as you meet the Lord today you will discover his protection in a new way.
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