A Study of Psalms - Day 13
Day 13 - Wednesday, June 05
Read Psalm 17
In the Shadow of Your Wings
A Prayer of David.
1 Hear a just cause, O Lord; attend to my cry! Give ear to my prayer from lips free of deceit!
2 From your presence let my vindication come! Let your eyes behold the right!
3 You have tried my heart, you have visited me by night, you have tested me, and you will find nothing; I have purposed that my mouth will not transgress.
4 With regard to the works of man, by the word of your lips I have avoided the ways of the violent.
5 My steps have held fast to your paths; my feet have not slipped.
6 I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God; incline your ear to me; hear my words.
7 Wondrously show[a] your steadfast love, O Savior of those who seek refuge from their adversaries at your right hand.
8 Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings,
9 from the wicked who do me violence, my deadly enemies who surround me.
10 They close their hearts to pity; with their mouths they speak arrogantly.
11 They have now surrounded our steps; they set their eyes to cast us to the ground.
12 He is like a lion eager to tear, as a young lion lurking in ambush.
13 Arise, O Lord! Confront him, subdue him! Deliver my soul from the wicked by your sword,
14 from men by your hand, O Lord, from men of the world whose portion is in this life.[b]
You fill their womb with treasure;[c] they are satisfied with children, and they leave their abundance to their infants.
15 As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness; when I awake, I shall be satisfied with your likeness.
Lectio Divina
Read Psalm 17
In the Shadow of Your Wings
A Prayer of David.
1 Hear a just cause, O Lord; attend to my cry! Give ear to my prayer from lips free of deceit!
2 From your presence let my vindication come! Let your eyes behold the right!
3 You have tried my heart, you have visited me by night, you have tested me, and you will find nothing; I have purposed that my mouth will not transgress.
4 With regard to the works of man, by the word of your lips I have avoided the ways of the violent.
5 My steps have held fast to your paths; my feet have not slipped.
6 I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God; incline your ear to me; hear my words.
7 Wondrously show[a] your steadfast love, O Savior of those who seek refuge from their adversaries at your right hand.
8 Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings,
9 from the wicked who do me violence, my deadly enemies who surround me.
10 They close their hearts to pity; with their mouths they speak arrogantly.
11 They have now surrounded our steps; they set their eyes to cast us to the ground.
12 He is like a lion eager to tear, as a young lion lurking in ambush.
13 Arise, O Lord! Confront him, subdue him! Deliver my soul from the wicked by your sword,
14 from men by your hand, O Lord, from men of the world whose portion is in this life.[b]
You fill their womb with treasure;[c] they are satisfied with children, and they leave their abundance to their infants.
15 As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness; when I awake, I shall be satisfied with your likeness.
Lectio Divina
- Preparation (Silencio) - find your space to be with God. Take a moment to quiet your mind, heart and body. Come to God fully open to be in His presence.
- Read (Lectio) - Slowly and out loud, read the passage. Pausing after sentences where it feels natural. Listen for the word or the phrase that God may want to speak to you about.
- Reflect (Meditatio) - Ask yourself a few of these questions: What is it in my life right now that needs to hear this? Where am I in this passage? What is God saying to me in this passage? What longing does this passage stir in me? How is my life touched by this passage?
- Respond (Oratio) - Read the passage again, then talk to God about what has come to your mind as you’ve reflected. Allow yourself to be open with God about your needs, your emotions and your reactions to what the Holy Spirit stirs in you.
- Rest (Contemplatio) - Rest in the Word of God. Read the passage one more time, and rest with God in it. Whether that is in silence or in prayer.
- Resolve (Incarnatio) - Incarnate (live out) the Word of God. As you leave your personal space with God, remember that His Spirit lives in you and goes with you. Therefore, carry your encounter with God for others to receive their own experience with God through you.
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