Psalm 4 Prayer

Psalm 4 NIV

"Answer me when I call to you, my righteous God.
Give me relief from my distress; have mercy on me and hear my prayer.

How long will you people turn my glory into shame?
How long will you love delusions and seek false gods?

Know that the Lord has set apart his faithful servant for himself;
the Lord hears when I call to him.

Tremble and do not sin; 
    when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent. 
Offer the sacrifices of the righteous and trust in the Lord.

Many, Lord, are asking, “Who will bring us prosperity?

Let the light of your face shine on us.
Fill my heart with joy when their grain and new wine abound.

In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety."


Answer us when we call to you, our righteous God.  Give us relief from our distress; have mercy on us and hear our prayers.

We confess we have turned your glory into shame.  
We do not esteem you as you deserve.  
We do not recognize you as Lord of Creation and Lord of our lives.  
We confess that we love delusions of wealth, power, success, personal achievement, even spiritualism.  
We confess that we seek false gods of wealth, security, power, privilege, relationships, etc.

We know that you set apart Jesus for yourself to be an intercessor for us.  
We know you hear when we call to you.  
Teach us to tremble and not sin.  
Teach us to search our hearts and be silent.  
Teach us to offer righteous sacrifices and trust in the Lord.  

Let the light of your face shine upon us.
Fill our hearts with joy when our life abounds in goodness.

In peace we lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make us dwell in safety.  Amen.