Author Archives: StainedGlassRebel

Praying the Psalms Psalm 31 (v1-8) I can handle it all because you are my shelter, O God. Change the hearts of those who would shame me. Change my heart when I seek to shame others. Save us from my anger and guilt. I know you hear me when I cry out to you. IContinue reading “Praying the Psalms – Psalm 31”

Praying the Psalms Psalm 22 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Jesus uttered these words from the cross. In his time of greatest fear and pain, he wondered at your absence. If even he had to wonder, then surely, I am okay to have doubt. Please do not leave me and forsakeContinue reading “Praying the Psalms – Psalm 22”

God, the only safety I know is found in the moments I seek you. May there be more of those moments. Sometimes, it feels like the only good found in this world is in those moments. But I know that the world has good in it. You made it so. The beauty of faith-filled peopleContinue reading “Praying the Psalms – Psalm 16”

Praying the Psalms – Psalm 38 “This is one of a group of psalms known in later tradition as the penitential psalms, namely, psalms that confess sins and express confidence in God’s mercy. In this psalm a serious illness threatens the life of the worshiper.” – Notes from the Compass Study Bible God, I prayContinue reading “Praying the Psalms – Psalm 38”

Psalm 1 (1-3) God of unwavering grace, guide me in your loving way. Close my ears to wicked advice. I want to follow your road of mercy and forgiveness. When I am disrespectful to others, please forgive me and reveal to me the way of reconciliation. Teach me your way. Inscribe love on my heartContinue reading “Praying the Psalms – Psalm 1”

I love you, God, and I know that you love me. When I need strength, my heart dwells on your presence and I have it. When everything seems so uncertain, be my solid rock. Protect me from the forces that want to harm me. Let your Holy Spirit run through me so I am notContinue reading “Praying the Psalms – 18”

Psalm 11 I take shelter in you, God. When all around me is scary and tumultuous, you are my refuge. Speak to me today. Speak words of both comfort and conviction. Sometimes courage looks like running away to confront the powers another day. Sometimes it looks like standing in harm’s way. Speak to me soContinue reading “Praying the Psalms – 11”

Psalm 4 (1-2) Answer my prayers, God. You know the true nature of my requests. Continue to make me right in your sight. You love me regardless, but I want to be better for you. Rescue me from the relentless feeling of anxiety and despair that threatens to consume me when I feel surrounded byContinue reading “Praying the Psalms – Psalm 4”

O Eternal, you are strong. Through your patience, you reveal your strength. Give me some of that patient strength today. I feel at the very edge of everything. I am glad because of you and you not leaving me to myself. Glad am I for you, but I cannot sing your name today. I canContinue reading “Praying the Psalms – Psalm 21 (vs 1-2)”

Praying the Psalms Psalm 14 Lord, I pray for those who do not believe you exist. I pray for those of us that do believe you exist but live as though you don’t. Help me see the ways in which I behave wickedly and foolishly. Stir in me a desire for wisdom and goodness. ItContinue reading “Praying the Psalms – Psalm 14”