Psalm 18:30-50 Prayer

Stong God,

We praise you for your perfection and flawlessness.  You are our shield and refuge, our rock and security.  You prepare us, your Church, with strength and skill for battle and you sustain us in this life.    Give us hearts that hunger in prayer to war for your Church and her people.  Give us courage to stand up to this world's evil.  Give us victory as we fight forces of fear, hatred, division, destruction, violence, and anger.  Help us to use mightily the weapons of war you have given us in the Helmet of Salvation, Breastplate of Righteousness, Belt of TRUTH, Shoes of Peace, Shield of Faith, and Sword of the Spirit, the Word of God.  Let us not grow weary in this war with the enemy of our souls, but let us courageously fight on, knowing you have won the ultimate victory and our call is to be faithful and obedient to you, our Rock.  We praise you who rescues us from our enemies.  We praise you among the nations as our Victor, our Strength, and our Avenger.

In Jesus name we pray for victory over our - and your - enemies.  Amen!

30 

As for God, his way is perfect:

    The Lord’s word is flawless;

    he shields all who take refuge in him.

31 

For who is God besides the Lord?

    And who is the Rock except our God?

32 

It is God who arms me with strength

    and keeps my way secure.

33 

He makes my feet like the feet of a deer;

    he causes me to stand on the heights.

34 

He trains my hands for battle;

    my arms can bend a bow of bronze.

35 

You make your saving help my shield,

    and your right hand sustains me;

    your help has made me great.

36 

You provide a broad path for my feet,

    so that my ankles do not give way.

37 

I pursued my enemies and overtook them;

    I did not turn back till they were destroyed.

38 

I crushed them so that they could not rise;

    they fell beneath my feet.

39 

You armed me with strength for battle;

    you humbled my adversaries before me.

40 

You made my enemies turn their backs in flight,

    and I destroyed my foes.

41 

They cried for help, but there was no one to save them—

    to the Lord, but he did not answer.

42 

I beat them as fine as windblown dust;

    I trampled them like mud in the streets.

43 

You have delivered me from the attacks of the people;

    you have made me the head of nations.

People I did not know now serve me,

44 

    foreigners cower before me;

    as soon as they hear of me, they obey me.

45 

They all lose heart;

    they come trembling from their strongholds.

46 

The Lord lives! Praise be to my Rock!

    Exalted be God my Savior!

47 

He is the God who avenges me,

    who subdues nations under me,

48 

    who saves me from my enemies.

You exalted me above my foes;

    from a violent man you rescued me.

49 

Therefore I will praise you, Lord, among the nations;

    I will sing the praises of your name.

50 

He gives his king great victories;

    he shows unfailing love to his anointed,

    to David and to his descendants forever.

Psalm 18:1-29 Prayer

O Lord, Our Rock, Fortress and Deliverer,

We praise you for being our refuge, our shield, and our stronghold.  Thank you for saving us from the physical and spiritual enemies of this world, especially in circumstances where we felt like death and destruction were about to overwhelm us.  Thank you for hearing us when we call and for showing yourself our Strong Deliverer in times of trial.  As much as you have rescued us individually, now we cry out for you to awaken and rescue your Church.  You delight in your people and your Church, but we know we have not always delighted in your ways and your law.  Forgive us for not loving You, ourselves, and our neighbors with our whole heart, soul, mind, and strength.  Forgive us for not doing justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly with You, our God.  Forgive us as a Church when we have turned a blind eye to widows, orphans, the unborn, the broken, the needy, and the oppressed.  Forgive us for not strongly praying and speaking and acting against human-induced suffering, trafficking, and violence.  Forgive your Church and renew her in this day.  Pour out a fresh fire of your Holy Spirit; renew and cleanse her of her unrighteousness so she can fulfill the calling and ministry you have for her in this world.  Help her (us!) to be faithful, blameless, pure, and humble.  Keep our lamps burning so we may be salt and light in this world that so desperately needs your Light.  

We pray all of this is in the strong name of Christ, Amen. 

Psalm 18 NIV

1 

I love you, Lord, my strength.

2 

The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;

    my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,

    my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

3 

I called to the Lord, who is worthy of praise,

    and I have been saved from my enemies.

4 

The cords of death entangled me;

    the torrents of destruction overwhelmed me.

5 

The cords of the grave coiled around me;

    the snares of death confronted me.

6 

In my distress I called to the Lord;

    I cried to my God for help.

From his temple he heard my voice;

    my cry came before him, into his ears.

7 

The earth trembled and quaked,

    and the foundations of the mountains shook;

    they trembled because he was angry.

8 

Smoke rose from his nostrils;

    consuming fire came from his mouth,

    burning coals blazed out of it.

9 

He parted the heavens and came down;

    dark clouds were under his feet.

10 

He mounted the cherubim and flew;

    he soared on the wings of the wind.

11 

He made darkness his covering, his canopy around him—

    the dark rain clouds of the sky.

12 

Out of the brightness of his presence clouds advanced,

    with hailstones and bolts of lightning.

13 

The Lord thundered from heaven;

    the voice of the Most High resounded.

14 

He shot his arrows and scattered the enemy,

    with great bolts of lightning he routed them.

15 

The valleys of the sea were exposed

    and the foundations of the earth laid bare

at your rebuke, Lord,

    at the blast of breath from your nostrils.

16 

He reached down from on high and took hold of me;

    he drew me out of deep waters.

17 

He rescued me from my powerful enemy,

    from my foes, who were too strong for me.

18 

They confronted me in the day of my disaster,

    but the Lord was my support.

19 

He brought me out into a spacious place;

    he rescued me because he delighted in me.

20 

The Lord has dealt with me according to my righteousness;

    according to the cleanness of my hands he has rewarded me.

21 

For I have kept the ways of the Lord;

    I am not guilty of turning from my God.

22 

All his laws are before me;

    I have not turned away from his decrees.

23 

I have been blameless before him

    and have kept myself from sin.

24 

The Lord has rewarded me according to my righteousness,

    according to the cleanness of my hands in his sight.

25 

To the faithful you show yourself faithful,

    to the blameless you show yourself blameless,

26 

to the pure you show yourself pure,

    but to the devious you show yourself shrewd.

27 

You save the humble

    but bring low those whose eyes are haughty.

28 

You, Lord, keep my lamp burning;

    my God turns my darkness into light.

29 

With your help I can advance against a troop;

    with my God I can scale a wall.

Psalm 17 Prayer

Warrior God, 

Your Church is under attack, both from without and within, by the prowling lion, the enemy of our souls.  Your beloved children meet opposition each day from spiritual and natural forces that cause them to be frightened, confused, seemingly weak, and ineffective at Kingdom ministry.  Purify our hearts so we can be more fruitful for you.  Hide us in the shadow of your wings; hear what we say. Protect your Church from the forces of evil that have come against her in the culture and within her own walls. Cleanse her and give her boldness to stand for Truth in today's world.  In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit we pray, Amen. 

Lord, consider my just cause.

Pay attention to my cry for help.

Listen to the prayer

I sincerely offer.

2 

Make a just decision on my behalf.

Decide what is right.

3 

You have scrutinized my inner motives;

you have examined me during the night.

You have carefully evaluated me, but you find no sin.

I am determined I will say nothing sinful.

4 

As for the actions of people—

just as you have commanded,

I have not followed in the footsteps of violent men.

5 

I carefully obey your commands;

I do not deviate from them.

6 

I call to you because you will answer me, O God.

Listen to me!

Hear what I say!

7 

Accomplish awesome, faithful deeds,

you who powerfully deliver those who look to you for protection from their enemies.

8 

Protect me as you would protect the pupil of your eye.

Hide me in the shadow of your wings.

9 

Protect me from the wicked men who attack me,

my enemies who crowd around me for the kill.

10 

They are calloused;

they speak arrogantly.

11 

They attack me, now they surround me;

they intend to throw me to the ground.

12 

He is like a lion that wants to tear its prey to bits,

like a young lion crouching in hidden places.

13 

Rise up, Lord!

Confront him. Knock him down.

Use your sword to rescue me from the wicked man.

14 

Lord, use your power to deliver me from these murderers.

from the murderers of this world.

They enjoy prosperity;

you overwhelm them with the riches they desire.

They have many children,

and leave their wealth to their offspring.

15 

As for me, because I am innocent I will see your face;

when I awake you will reveal yourself to me.

Psalm 17 NIV

Psalm 16 Prayer

Protecting God,

You offer us joy in your presence as you lead us in the path of Life.  Thank you that when we trust you our lives are safe because you will not abandon us.  Thank you for all the blessings you pour into our lives and for the beauty and prosperity you give to each of us.  Help us to trust you more, to deepen our sheltering in you, and to be careful not to be sucked into the evil and sin of this world.  Protect us who take shelter in you, who seek you as our Source.  We pray for stability and prosperity for ourselves, our communities, and our nation as we seek You.  We pray in the name of Jesus against the spirits of fear, hatred, division, and destruction that are trying to destroy our nation, our communities, and our families.  Instead we pray you will unleash your Holy Spirit and its Fruits so that we are known for love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, goodness, and self control.  Make our future secure in you, we pray in Jesus's name.  Amen.

1

Protect me, O God, for I have taken shelter in you.

2 

I say to the Lord, “You are the Lord, my only source of well-being.”

3 

As for God’s chosen people who are in the land,

and the leading officials I admired so much—

4 

their troubles multiply; they desire other gods.

I will not pour out drink offerings of blood to their gods,

nor will I make vows in the name of their gods.

5 

Lord, you give me stability and prosperity; you make my future secure.

6 

It is as if I have been given fertile fields or received a beautiful tract of land.

7 

I will praise the Lord who guides me; yes, during the night I reflect and learn.

8 

I constantly trust in the Lord; because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

9 

So my heart rejoices and I am happy; my life is safe.

10 

You will not abandon me to Sheol; you will not allow your faithful follower to see the Pit.

11 

You lead me in the path of life.

I experience absolute joy in your presence; you always give me sheer delight.

Psalm 16 NET

Psalm 15 Prayer

Holy God,

We cry out to you for mercy for the ways we have sinned.  Our nation has sinned against First Peoples, African slaves, and other people groups in ways that do not recognize them as created in your image, precious and loved.  Forgive us as a nation for these sins.  Forgive us as a nation for the current sins of judging others by their skin color or ethnicity, murdering babies in the womb, not protecting children, the infirm, old, or handicapped, and not taking good care of the earth you have created.  Forgive us for the ways in which we are distracted by the latest fads, news reports, money-making schemes, and so many other things that keep us distracted from your real presence.  Create in us clean hearts, renew a right spirit within us as a nation, so that we may dwell in your sacred tent and live on your holy mountain.  Help us to claim the reality that when we confess our sins you are faithful to forgive us and then cast those sins as far as the East is from the West so that we are completely forgiven. May we fear the Lord, drawing near to you, so that we will never be shaken but live the joyful, abundant life you call us to live.

In the great name of Christ,
Amen.

1

Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent?

    Who may live on your holy mountain?

2 

The one whose walk is blameless,

    who does what is righteous,

    who speaks the truth from their heart;

3 

whose tongue utters no slander,

    who does no wrong to a neighbor,

    and casts no slur on others;

4 

who despises a vile person

    but honors those who fear the Lord;

who keeps an oath even when it hurts,

    and does not change their mind;

5 

who lends money to the poor without interest;

    who does not accept a bribe against the innocent.

Whoever does these things

    will never be shaken.

Psalm 15 NIV

Psalm 14 Prayer

God,

In this world it seems there are many who refuse you - who say, "There is no God."  The power of darkness and evil seems to strong; so many are corrupt and evildoers.  From our perspective it seems that there are more that have turned away from you than those that do good.  But, we know that your eyes wander to and fro over all the earth and you seek and save the Lost.  We know that you search for those who seek you and you are present in the company of the righteous.  Help us to hope in you - to trust that you will work all things for good for your people.  Protect your Church from the evil of these days and purify her for greater Kingdom Fruitfulness. Lord Jesus, come with Holy Spirit power and might to revive and renew your Church and send a Great Awakening on this earth.  

In the strong name of Christ we pray,
AMEN!

1

The fool says in his heart,

    “There is no God.”

They are corrupt, their deeds are vile;

    there is no one who does good.

2 

The Lord looks down from heaven

    on all mankind

to see if there are any who understand,

    any who seek God.

3 

All have turned away, all have become corrupt;

    there is no one who does good,

    not even one.

4 

Do all these evildoers know nothing?

They devour my people as though eating bread;

    they never call on the Lord.

5 

But there they are, overwhelmed with dread,

    for God is present in the company of the righteous.

6 

You evildoers frustrate the plans of the poor,

    but the Lord is their refuge.

7 

Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion!

    When the Lord restores his people,

    let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad!

Psalm 14

Still Enough

Still Enough

Have you ever been still enough to hear the buzz of a majestic hummingbird's wings? 
Have you ever been still enough to watch a cotton ball cloud drift?
Have you ever been still enough to wonder where the butterfly spent the winter?
Have you ever been still enough to smell the breeze's energy?
Have you ever been still enough to taste and see the Lord is good? 

Psalm 13 Prayer

Most High God,

The circumstances of this day look very dark, as if you have largely hidden your face from your people and the enemy triumphs over us.  We ask you to give light to our eyes so we can see how you have planned to further your Kingdom through this day and time.  As we trust in you - and maybe before we even have total trust - may we rejoice in you.  Help us to remember to sing your praise for you have been good to us.  Help us to praise you even if the victory hasn't been fully manifested.  All honor and glory, power and praise belong to you, O Lord, our Rock, our Redeemer, our Comforter, and our Shield.  We praise you for the victory you have over the forces of evil!  

In Jesus's name, Amen and Amen!

1

How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever?

    How long will you hide your face from me?

2 

How long must I wrestle with my thoughts

    and day after day have sorrow in my heart?

    How long will my enemy triumph over me?

3 

Look on me and answer, Lord my God.

    Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death,

4 

and my enemy will say, “I have overcome him,”

    and my foes will rejoice when I fall.

5 

But I trust in your unfailing love;

    my heart rejoices in your salvation.

6 

I will sing the Lord’s praise,

    for he has been good to me.

Psalm 13 NIV

Psalm 12 Prayer

God of Power and Might,

We thank you that no matter our circumstances, you are in control of this world.  We know that you hear the cries of the oppressed and that your Church is called to minister to the hungry, homeless, brokenhearted, and needy.  Today we pray against those in positions of political, economic, or ecclesiastical power who use their power not to serve, but to oppress.  We pray against those who use power, greed, or influence to promote vile ungodliness and to sin against others.  Arise, Lord, and protect those who have been plundered and oppressed - protect your Church and her people - from evil in this world.

In the strong name of Christ we pray.

Amen

1

Help, Lord, for no one is faithful anymore;

    those who are loyal have vanished from the human race.

2 

Everyone lies to their neighbor;

    they flatter with their lips

    but harbor deception in their hearts.

3 

May the Lord silence all flattering lips

    and every boastful tongue—

4 

those who say,

    “By our tongues we will prevail;

    our own lips will defend us—who is lord over us?”

5 

“Because the poor are plundered and the needy groan,

    I will now arise,” says the Lord.

    “I will protect them from those who malign them.”

6 

And the words of the Lord are flawless,

    like silver purified in a crucible,

    like gold refined seven times.

7 

You, Lord, will keep the needy safe

    and will protect us forever from the wicked,

8 

who freely strut about

    when what is vile is honored by the human race.

Psalm 12

Psalm 11 Prayer

God of Power and Might,

We thank you for being the God in whom we can take refuge, the one who is in your holy temple - the hearts of your children.  Thank you for being in control of all circumstances and being the God who works all things out for the good of those who love you.  You are righteous and love justice; help us to not only emulate you but to show others the grace and joy of seeking justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly with our God.  We pray today for protection for your Children and for your Church.  We know that wickedness tries to use darkness and shoot evil arrows at the upright in heart, so in the name of Jesus we plead the Blood of Christ over your Children and your Church.  Protect us and charge your angels to watch over us so that we may continue to fulfill the mission you have for us - to make disciples of all nations.  May we be upright followers of the Light of Christ.  In Jesus's name we pray.  Amen. 

1

In the Lord I take refuge.

    How then can you say to me:

    “Flee like a bird to your mountain.

2 

For look, the wicked bend their bows;

    they set their arrows against the strings

to shoot from the shadows

    at the upright in heart.

3 

When the foundations are being destroyed,

    what can the righteous do?”

4 

The Lord is in his holy temple;

    the Lord is on his heavenly throne.

He observes everyone on earth;

    his eyes examine them.

5 

The Lord examines the righteous,

    but the wicked, those who love violence,

    he hates with a passion.

6 

On the wicked he will rain

    fiery coals and burning sulfur;

    a scorching wind will be their lot.

7 

For the Lord is righteous,

    he loves justice;

    the upright will see his face.

Psalm 11

Psalm 10 Prayer

Why, Lord, do you seem to stand far off? 

Why do you seem hide yourself when the wicked seem to be prevailing?

The arrogant and wicked hunt down the weak, who are caught in the schemes the wicked devise.

The wicked boast about the cravings of their hearts and bless the greedy while reviling the Lord.

In their pride the wicked do not seek God; in all his ways there is no room for God.

Their mouths are full of lies and threats; trouble and evil are under their tongue.

Their victims are crushed, they collapse; they fall under the strength of this wickedness.

God, in this world there seems to be so many layers of wickedness and genuine evil.  Move against these forces, in Jesus's name!  Break the spirit of the enemy and stop the spirits of fear, hatred, destruction, division, anger, dishonesty, and distrust that have pervaded our nation.  Proclaim, "NO MORE" to these dark forces.  Instead, may the Light of your Truth, Hope, Joy, Peace, and Love be poured out on people who are trapped in every variety of darkness and hopelessness.  

Arise, Lord! Lift up your hand, O God. Do not forget the helpless.

God, you see the trouble of the afflicted; you consider their grief and take it in hand.

The victims commit themselves to you; you are the helper of the fatherless.

Break the strength of the wicked ones in this world; 

call the evildoers to account for their wickedness that would otherwise be hidden.

For those who are trapped in criminal lifestyles, in pornography, in addiction, in trafficking, in debt, in lack of skills or opportunity, in oppressive systems, in their own doubts, hopelessness, and despair, we pray you would arise, Lord!  May you and your Church help bring Light into this darkness so the darkness will not overtake these precious ones. 

You, Lord, hear the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry,

defending the fatherless and the oppressed, so that mere earthly mortals will never again strike terror.

  

Take mercy on your downtrodden ones so they can be rescued from the wicked and see the Glory of Your Abundant Life for them.  In Jesus's Name, Amen. 

(Adapted from Psalm 10 NIV)