Day 39 June 1, 2006 Day Eight—Ten Days of Constant Prayer
Read: Psalm 4
Reflection: This Psalm is titled “Evening Prayer of Trust in God” in my Bible (NASB). It begins with an appeal to “God of my righteousness” to be gracious to hear and answer this prayer of David. Then he addresses the “sons of men” with a couple of questions: “How long will my honor become a reproach? How long will you love what is worthless and aim at deception?” These should cause us to pause to ask ourselves: Do I dishonor things that God has given honor (such as the “godly man the Lord has set apart for Himself”)? Do I show affection for things of no value in light of eternity and purpose to deceive others (perhaps about my own godliness or lack of it)? Then the confident assertion: “The Lord hears when I call to Him.” Are all the barriers of unconfessed sin removed? Anger is translated for the word “tremble” (v 4) in Ephesians 4: 26, “Be angry, and do not sin.” Has any of my anger been sinful? “Meditate (literally “speak”) in your heart upon your bed, and be still.” Do I? “Offer the sacrifices of righteousness”…Romans 12:1,2 comes to mind: “…present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable (well-pleasing) to God, which is your spiritual service of worship…” “And trust (be bold, confident, secure, sure) in the Lord.” The fruit of that trust is seen in “gladness in my heart” (and not from comfort food), and “in peace I will both lie down and sleep.” The bottom line is this: “For You alone, O Lord, make me to dwell in safety.”
Adoration: Lord God, You alone are worthy of praise and honor and glory. You are holy and righteous, faithful and true. May our worship give You the honor that is due Your name.
Confession: Father, forgive us when we have dishonored You and set our affections on things on earth that are destined to perish. Cleanse us from unrighteous anger and set our hearts on You. Forgive us for any lack of trust in You.
Thanksgiving: Thank You Lord for providing the ultimate righteous sacrifice of Yourself on our behalf. Thank You for the joy and peace that being in a right relationship with You provides. Thank You for the safety of Your love.
Supplication: May the comfort of Your abiding presence, Holy Spirit, diffuse any anger that is not worthy of You. Dispel any doubt in our confidence in You that we may be bold in our prayers and witness for You.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, please be merciful to us and hear the prayers of Your people that Your name may be exalted. In the all-powerful name of Jesus our Lord we pray. Amen.
Doug Edwards
First Christian Church
Prayer Focus of Constant Prayer: The Glory of Jesus - in the faithful courage of His people. “…rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name”(Acts 5:41).
For His Church-- for those who are opposed because of the name of Jesus, that they would display the bold, gentle character of Jesus; for Christians who suffer for Christ’s name to be strong in joy and faith; for God to be glorified by His great deeds in places where He has been opposed (Acts 4:21).
For Our World—For our leaders and governments to be blessed; that some government leaders who are opposing Christ (Acts 4:25-27) would be blessed with wisdom and be found not “fighting against God” (Acts 5:39).