Psalm 57
Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me,
for in you my soul takes refuge;
in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge,
until the destroying storms pass by.
2 I cry to God Most High,
to God who fulfills his purpose for me.
3 He will send from heaven and save me,
he will put to shame those who trample on me.Selah
God will send forth his steadfast love and his faithfulness.
4 I lie down among lions
that greedily devour[a] human prey;
their teeth are spears and arrows,
their tongues sharp swords.
5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens.
Let your glory be over all the earth.
6 They set a net for my steps;
my soul was bowed down.
They dug a pit in my path,
but they have fallen into it themselves.Selah
7 My heart is steadfast, O God,
my heart is steadfast.
I will sing and make melody.
8 Awake, my soul!
Awake, O harp and lyre!
I will awake the dawn.
9 I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples;
I will sing praises to you among the nations.
10 For your steadfast love is as high as the heavens;
your faithfulness extends to the clouds.
11 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens.
Let your glory be over all the earth.
We cry to you, O God Most High, burdened by the cares of this world. Today we pray for those who will struggle to feed themselves and their families, who will grieve the loss of loved ones, who will receive a difficult diagnosis, who will lose a friend. We pray for those who will suffer from injustice yet again and for those who perpetrate it. We pray for those seeking after you with hearts full of hope and for those whose hearts have little room for anyone but themselves. Help us to navigate this world and this life with your wisdom and your grace. Even as we take refuge in the shadow of your wings, help us also to live courageously in the light of your love. Amen.