Prayers From God Echoed Back To Him From Trusting Hearts

 PRAYERS FROM GOD'S HEART ECHOED BACK TO HIM FROM TRUSTING HEARTS

Sometimes the words of the Psalms are as personal and direct as any prayer we can form in our own hearts and minds. The prayers in Psalm 25 and Psalm 26 are a couple of those.  They are prayers of commitment to God; requests for help from enemies; a call out for compassion and guidance and what for me is always a prayer that brings a smile to my lips – the one about God not remembering the sins of my youth but remembering me in His love. 

We’ll change pronouns here and there so we can speak directly to God rather than just about him but otherwise we’ll leave the rest just as it is.

O Lord, I give my life to you.  I trust in you, my God! Do not let me be disgraced, or let my enemies rejoice in my defeat. No one who trusts in you will ever be disgraced, but disgrace comes to those who try to deceive others.

Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you.

Remember, O Lord, your compassion and unfailing love,  which you have shown from long ages past. Do not remember the rebellious sins of my youth. Remember me in the light of your unfailing love, for you are merciful, O Lord.

Lord, You are good and do what is right; You show the proper path to those who go astray. You lead the humble in doing right,     teaching them Your way. You lead with unfailing love and faithfulness all who keep his covenant and obey Your demands.

For the honor of your name, O Lord, forgive my many, many sins.

Who are those who fear the Lord?  You will show us the path we should choose.  We will live in prosperity, and our children will inherit the land.

Lord, You are a friend to those of us who fear You.   You teach us Your covenant. Our eyes are always on You Lord, for You rescue us from the traps of our enemies.

Turn to me and have mercy,  for I am alone and in deep distress. My problems go from bad to worse.  Oh, save me from them all! Feel my pain and see my trouble. Forgive all my sins. See how many enemies I have and how viciously they hate me!

Protect me! Rescue my life from them!  Do not let me be disgraced, for in you I take refuge. May integrity and honesty protect me, for I put my hope in you.  O God, ransom Your people from all their troubles.

Declare me innocent, O Lord, for I have acted with integrity; I have trusted in the Lord without wavering. Put me on trial, Lord, and cross-examine me.  Test my motives and my heart.

For I am always aware of your unfailing love, and I have lived according to your truth. I do not spend time with liars or go along with hypocrites.  I hate the gatherings of those who do evil, and I refuse to join in with the wicked. I wash my hands to declare my innocence.

I come to your altar, O Lord, singing a song of thanksgiving and telling of all your wonders. I love your sanctuary, Lord, the place where your glorious presence dwells.

Don’t let me suffer the fate of sinners. Don’t condemn me along with murderers. Their hands are dirty with evil schemes, and they constantly take bribes.

But I am not like that; I live with integrity.  So redeem me and show me mercy. Now I stand on solid ground, and I will publicly praise the Lord.

Let’s live today as conscious of the Lord’s healing presence with us as we can.  As Step 11 from Alcoholics Anonymous encourages us:  sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him.  Praying only for knowledge of His will and the power to carry it out.