Ancient But Reliably Up To Date

What makes a person feel ancient on any given day?  A photo on Facebook or Instagram? The aches and pains? The speed with which one day turns into another, one season to the next? 

Well, whatever gives you a sense of “being ancient” let’s enjoy today some prayers based on these ancient but very much up to date words from Psalm 67. 

May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine on us so that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations. Psalm 67:1-2

We certainly long for that God.  We long to have our hearts touched as we reflect on the truth that Your face is turned towards us.  You are smiling with love and joy as we come to You and engage our hearts and minds with You.  You love to make Your ways known to us so we can in turn tell others and Your saving help be known across the nations. 

The world is in a mess and only You can save us from ourselves, from the forces of destruction that get unleashed with the poor and sinful choices made by individuals and governments.  Oh Lord, be gracious to us.  Have mercy on us. Save us.

May the peoples praise you, God; may all the peoples praise you. May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you rule the peoples with equity and guide the nations of the earth. May the peoples praise you, God; may all the peoples praise you. Psalm 57:3-5

We pray to be joyful, focused people who every day wholeheartedly give thanks to You and praise You for all You are and all You do. 

Help us to live in such a way that your blessing turns hearts towards You. We want all that we do and how we do it to demonstrate that You are the Lord who is to be respected and honoured. Give us wisdom and generous hearts to do that today we pray.  Amen

Let’s be a blessing today to as many people as we can as we praise God and care for others around us.