Trust in God and Fear No One (Psalm 56, Part 3)

A Promise of Thanksgiving (verses 12-13)  

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2056:12-13&version=NIV

May we accept our responsibility to fulfill the vows and promises we have made to God. He has delivered our souls from death and our feet from falling, so that we may walk before God in the light of life. We can live our lives in the light of God’s Word, trusting God in our times of difficulty. May those without God recognize that Christ lives in us by the light of our lives.

As followers of Your Son, Jesus Christ, we are under vows to You, Lord God. We therefore thank You for delivering us from death and our feet from stumbling. We walk before Your light of life.

Faith will banish every fear;

Wipe away each falling tear;

Trust Him now, for He is near,

      Look up to God!

Anonymous

Trust in God and Fear No One (Psalm 56, Part 2)

A Petition for Judgment (verses 5-11)

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2056:5-11&version=NIV

May we petition God for judgment; and then put on the whole armor of God to withstand the attacks of the enemy. When our enemies conspire and lurk, watching our steps hoping to take our lives, we can cry to God. He hears, and turns our enemies back. We then return praise to God in gratitude. Our just God will fulfill His promises and banish our fears.

Just God, people around us twist our words, conspire, lurk, and watch our steps, hoping to cause us pain. Record our misery. Give us victory and show us that You are for us. You, Lord God, whose Word we praise—in You we put our trust and are not afraid. What can people do to us? Thank You that You care for us.

Trust in God and Fear No One (Psalm 56, Part 1)

When people want to twist our words and conspire against us may we not fear but trust in God. When our trust in God is confirmed by His Word we can be confident of victory.

A Prayer for Mercy (verses 1-4)

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2056:1-4&version=NIV

When people around us attack us may we pray to God for mercy. God’s Word provides us a source of confidence and a safe haven. We can then praise God because of His mercy to us.

Be merciful to us, our God. We feel like we are constantly pursued and under attack. When we are afraid, we put our trust in You. We praise Your Word. What can mortals do to us?

www.geneva.edu/object/newsong_pop2_psalm56

A Prayer for Deliverance (Psalm 55, Part 3)

The Trust (verses 22-23)

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2055:22-23&version=NIV

May we replace our anguish and fear with trust in God. While God does not promise us prosperity, He has promised to take our burdens and carry them for us. We do Him the greatest honor by casting our burdens on Him.

Trustworthy God, we cast our cares on You. Thank You that You can and do sustain us. Do not let us be shaken. Increase our faith as we trust in You.

What a Friend we have in Jesus,

      All our sins and griefs to bear!

What a privilege to carry

      Everything to God in prayer!

Oh, what peace we often forfeit,

      O what needless pain we bear,

All because we do not carry

      Everything to God in prayer!

 Joseph Medlicott Scriven (1819-1886)

A Prayer for Deliverance (Psalm 55, Part 2)

The Anarchy (verses 9-15)

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2055:9-15&version=NIV

We pray for protection from the anarchy and lies that surround us. Like our Lord Jesus Christ many of us have experienced the betrayal of a friend. We can thank God for His faithfulness to provide the strength and resources we need. God’s love assures us of ultimate justice.

Comforting God, we see anarchy all around us. Our cities are in turmoil. Our friends betray us. Give us strength and spiritual resources to live the lives to which You have called us.

The Confidence (verses 16-21)

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2055:16-21&version=NIV

Desires that drive us, enticements that lure us, money that attracts us, losses that hinder us, and slanderers that discourage us surround us. In humility may we seek confidence from God. As he lives in us Christ will change how we relate to the world around us. In response to our prayers God will use our difficulties for His glory and our blessing. May we pray fervently and frequently.

Thank You, Saving God, that when we call on You, You save us. Thank You that You hear our cries. Make us more like Jesus. Remove our fear of those around us; give us only fear of Yourself.

A Prayer for Deliverance (Psalm 55, Part1)

Since in Christ God has provided deliverance and everlasting relief, may we pray to God for our deliverance.

The Distress (verses 1-8)   

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2055:1-8&version=NIV

May our distress drive us to God, our only source of refuge and safety. We long to escape from it all—to fly away like a bird and find a quiet place of shelter from the storm. In our fast-paced society may we stop and, like Christ, find strength in solitude with God.

Listen to our prayer, O God, do not ignore our plea; hear us and answer us. We are distraught and in fear. In our distress, answer us, God. Give us shelter and rest under Your wings.

http://genevanpsalter.com/attachments/GenPs055_vocal_homoph_BoP84.MP3

Prayer for Vindication (Psalm 54, Part 3)

Vow of Praise (verses 6-7)  

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2054:6-7&version=NIV

In the midst of our troubles may we make a vow to praise God, giving Him our joyful thanksgiving. When we leave our troubles in God’s hands we can have confidence that as God’s people we will win in the end. We can then sing this victory hymn of praise, knowing we have a future that we will share with others in God’s company.

Praiseworthy God, we sacrifice a freewill offering to You. We praise Your name, O Lord, for it is good. Thank You for delivering us from all our troubles. We keep our eyes focused on You.

Holy God, we praise your name,

Lord of all, we bow before you;

All on earth your scepter claim,

All in heaven above adore you;

Infinite your vast domain,

Everlasting is your reign.

Ignace Franz (1719-1790)

Prayer for Vindication (Psalm 54, Part 2)

Statement of Confidence (verses 4-5) 

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2054:4-5&version=NIV

When we face a difficult situation, we can call to God, knowing that He is our helper. We then shift from worry to a confident trust in God. With God’s defense we do not need to concern ourselves with the defiance of our foes. When we are on God’s side we can be sure that God is on our side; therefore we can trust that God will protect us from our adversary.

Trustworthy God, we place our confidence in You. You are the One who sustains us. We praise You for Your help and for sustaining us. In Your faithfulness protect us from those who slander us.

Prayer for Vindication (Psalm 54, Part 1)

We can use this prayer when we believe we have been maligned. God will hear our prayers and offer us vindication.

Call for Deliverance (verses 1-3)  

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2054:1-3&version=NIV

  

God’s name reveals His power and authority, signifying His covenant protection and blessing. Ruthless people insist on their rights with no empathy or mercy. In such situations we can call on God’s name to vindicate us. We call for vindication, not vengeance. Jesus did not teach us to hate our enemies. He only asks us to forgive. God will not fail us in our times of crisis. Our covenant-keeping God never lets us down.

God our Deliverer, by Your Name save us; vindicate us by Your might. Hear the words of our mouths as we pray to You. O God, give us refuge, and deliver us.

www.geneva.edu/object/newsong_by_your_name_

Judgment and Restoration, Psalm 53 Part 3

Hope for Sinners (verse 6)

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2053:6&version=NIV

  

Our sinful society needs salvation from God. Since God will restore His people, may we rejoice and be glad. As Lord over human destiny, God encourages the faithfulness of His people. Jesus Christ, God’s Savior brings us a great salvation from sin.

God our Savior, restore Your people. Bring Your salvation to Jefferson County. Help us to be faithful to live and to reflect the hope that we have in You. We rejoice in the hope and joy that we have in Jesus Christ.

Are all the foes of Zion fools,

Who thus devour her saints?

Do they not know her Savior rules

And pities her complaints?

Isaac Watts (1674-1748)

Judgment and Restoration, Psalm 53 Part 2

Judgment on Sinners (verses 4-5)

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2053:4-5&version=NIV

Our wealth often comes at the price of exploiting others. Our lifestyles exploit those who are invisible to us. As protector of the poor, God will judge the oppressive deeds of our sinful society. We also are to blame because we place human glory before God’s glory. May we call on God by drawing near to and praying to Him.

Just God, we pray that our churches will serve the needy rather than ourselves. We pray that You would give us servant hearts and attitudes. We call on You, our God. We ask for Your restoration.

Judgment and Restoration, Psalm 53, Part 1

While God deplores the universal folly of sinful humans, He longs to restore in us hope in His salvation.

Folly of Sinners (verses 1-3)

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2053:1-3&version=NIV

  

Society demonstrates its folly by assuming there is no God. Pride is the root of atheism that elevates humanity above God. In the current economic meltdown caused by our corrupt economic system, who are the ones who do good? Few in our self-sufficient society seek God. Corruption abounds as everyone seems to have turned away from God.

All observant God, thank You that You are. Forgive us for our corruption and our vile ways. We seek You. Give us understanding. Transform Your Church so that we stand out as people who do good in the midst of our corrupt society.

http://genevanpsalter.com/attachments/GenPs053_vocal_homoph_BoP84.MP3

The Deceitful Destroyed, the Righteous Flourish (Psalm 52, Part 3)

The Believer’s Trust (verses 8-9)

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2052:8-9&version=NIV

As we place our confidence in God, may He make us increasingly rooted in His love and His Word. Because we know how wonderfully God has acted in the past, we can be confident in our dark days. May we praise God for what He has done. May we hope in God’s good name.

Loving God, help us to always trust in Your unfailing love. We will praise you always for what You have done. In Your name we hope, for Your name is good. Thank You that You are greater than any power in the world. We trust in You alone.

Why should the mighty make their boast

And heavenly grace despise?

In their own arm they put their trust

And fill their mouth with lies.

C. D. Barlow

The Deceitful Destroyed, the Righteous Flourish (Psalm 52, Part 2)

The Righteous Flourish (verses 6-7)

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2052:6-7&version=NIV

We have learned to trust in our wealth and better ourselves at the expense of others. We don’t know how not to trust in wealth. May we make God our stronghold and put no trust in our wealth. May God make us righteous as we seek and fear Him. May we use our wealth to serve and build others up.

Forgive us, Lord our God,  for relying on our wealth. Help us to trust in You alone, making You our stronghold. Show us how we can use our wealth to serve and build others up. Help us, Lord God, to see and fear You.