Plea for Grace

Psalm 142:1-7 ESV - A Maskil of David, when he was in the cave. A Prayer.
1 With my voice I cry out to the LORD; with my voice I plead for mercy to the LORD. 
2 I pour out my complaint before him; I tell my trouble before him. 
3 When my spirit faints within me, you know my way! In the path where I walk they have hidden a trap for me. 
4 Look to the right and see: there is none who takes notice of me; no refuge remains to me; no one cares for my soul. 
5 I cry to you, O LORD; I say, "You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living." 
6 Attend to my cry, for I am brought very low! Deliver me from my persecutors, for they are too strong for me! 
7 Bring me out of prison, that I may give thanks to your name! The righteous will surround me, for you will deal bountifully with me.

Can a lament be encouraging? Absolutely! Psalm 119:25, 28 ESV – 25 My soul clings to the dust; give me life according to your word! … 28 My soul melts away for sorrow; strengthen me according to your word! Think of it — the Sovereign of the universe invites me to tell Him my troubles. I can’t see what is ahead; I don’t have the energy or ability to see every possibility in the future. But God, You know my way . . .You are my refuge. When I feel alone and abandoned, I am never abandoned by God. When the obstacles seem insurmountable, God is my refuge and my deliverer.

I thank You, God, for Your care for me. Thank You for hearing my plea for grace and mercy. Give me opportunity to tell of how bountiful is Your care for me.

Pray for the Persecuted Church — OpenDoorsUSA

Day 7: Pray that God will change the hearts of
influential local leaders in Egypt, to recognize and value the
contribution Christians make to society

Daily Wisdom
Psalm 22, 52, 82, 112, 142
Proverbs 22

Psalm 141:3-4, 8-9 ESV - 
3 Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips! 
4 Do not let my heart incline to any evil, to busy myself with wicked deeds in company with men who work iniquity, and let me not eat of their delicacies! ... 
8 But my eyes are toward you, O GOD, my Lord; in you I seek refuge; leave me not defenseless! 
9 Keep me from the trap that they have laid for me and from the snares of evildoers!

It’s so easy to speak without thinking, to spout off opinions and judgments before taking time to consider if it is right to do so. Temptation is near, and discipline is hard!

Lord, help me keep my eyes on You. You are the true judge and avenger. You are wise and sovereign. Help me to not sin with my tongue or my attitude. Give me the wisdom and understanding to know what to say, what not to say, to whom to say it, . . .and when. . .

Pray for the Persecuted Church — OpenDoorsUSA

Day 6: When an Egyptian Christian is martyred, they
leave behind a family and community that heals slowly.
Ask God to help these believers recover

Daily Wisdom
Psalm 21, 51, 81, 111, 141
Proverbs 21