Psalm 97
The Lord is king! Let the earth rejoice;
let the many coastlands be glad!
2 Clouds and thick darkness are all around him;
righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.
3 Fire goes before him,
and consumes his adversaries on every side.
4 His lightnings light up the world;
the earth sees and trembles.
5 The mountains melt like wax before the Lord,
before the Lord of all the earth.
6 The heavens proclaim his righteousness;
and all the peoples behold his glory.
7 All worshipers of images are put to shame,
those who make their boast in worthless idols;
all gods bow down before him.
8 Zion hears and is glad,
and the towns[a] of Judah rejoice,
because of your judgments, O God.
9 For you, O Lord, are most high over all the earth;
you are exalted far above all gods.
10 The Lord loves those who hate[b] evil;
he guards the lives of his faithful;
he rescues them from the hand of the wicked.
11 Light dawns[c] for the righteous,
and joy for the upright in heart.
12 Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous,
and give thanks to his holy name!
Prayer:
Throughout your Word we read how you lovejustice and righteousness. Help us to love them too. Help us to be guided to do justice and be righteous, not to shame others or to puff up our egos, but so that we may participate in your will. Help us to be faithful to your teachings and to worship only you. Give us courage to walk in your ways, to examine where we may need to change, and the strength to confront our own areas of growth. Help us to embrace change which needs to happen rather than be fearful or defensive. Your glory is all around us, and we can not deny you are our God. May we live today with you foremost in our minds. Amen.