¹¹⁴ You are my hiding place and my shield;
    I hope in your word.
¹¹⁵ Go away from me, you evildoers,
    that I may keep the commandments of my God.
¹¹⁶ Uphold me according to your promise, that I may live,
    and let me not be put to shame in my hope.
¹¹⁷ Hold me up, that I may be safe
    and have regard for your statutes continually.

Prayer

For your grace which surrounds us today, gracious Lord, we offer thanks. For those who are fearful, we pray for courage. For those who are anxious, we pray for peace. For those who are lonely, we pray for community. For those who are grieving, we pray for comfort. For those in harm’s way, we pray for protection. For your church, we pray for unity in purpose and confidence in your calling. May your Spirit blanket us all with your love and inspire our creativity.  In Christ we pray, Amen.