I Will Believe Now and in the Future - Psalm 37

 Adapted from Psalm 37

I will not fret because of those who are evil, for like green plants they will soon wither and die away.

I will trust in the Lord and do good, dwelling in God and his safety.

I will take delight in the Lord and he will give me the desires of my heart.

I will commit my way to the Lord.

I will trust him and he will make my righteous reward and my vindication shine like the dawning light that turns to midday sun.

I will be still and I will wait patiently for God.  

I will not fret when the wicked succeed in carrying out their wicked schemes.

I will refrain from anger and turn from wrath. 

I will not fret - it only leads to evil.

I will believe that evil people will be destroyed and I will hope in the Lord and inherit the land.

I will believe that in a little while the wicked will not be found because they are no more.

I will believe that those who humbly depend on the grace and goodness of God and are not arrogant toward others will inherit the land. 

I will believe - in the future and for my future - that I will enjoy peace and prosperity.

I will believe that the Lord laughs at the wicked who plot against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them because he knows the day of vengeance is coming. 

I will believe that when the wicked draw the sword and bend the bow to bring down the poor and needy and slay the upright, their swords will pierce their own hearts and their bows will be broken.

I will believe the righteous are better with little than the wicked are with wealth. 

I will believe - now and in the future - that the power of the wicked will be broken.

I will believe - now and in the future - that the Lord my God, strong and mighty, invincible in battle, will uphold the righteous. 

I will believe the blamelsss will be under the Lord's care, will not wither in times of disaster, will enjoy plenty in days of famine, and forever will have their inheritance.

I will believe the Lord's enemies - as common as flowers in the field - will be consumed like in smoke and will perish.

I will believe those the Lord blesses will inherit the land, but those he curses will be destroyed. 

I will believe the Lord firms up the steps of the ones who delight in him. They may stumble but will not fall because the Lord upholds them with his hand.

I will believe the righteous will never be forsaken or their children begging bread.

I will believe that when we turn from evil and do good we will dwell in the land - God's land - forever.  

I will believe that the Lord loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones. 

I will believe wrongdoers will be completely destroyed and the offspring of the wicked will perish.  But the righteous will inherit the land and dwell in it forever.

I will believe the mouths of the righteous speak wisdom and justice, because the law of their God is in their hearts. 

I will believe that although the wicked be in wait for the righteous, intent on destroying them, the Lord will not leave the righteous in the power of the wicked or let them be condemned. 

I will hope in the Lord and keep his way. He will exalt me to inherit the land and I will see the flourishing wicked and ruthless people destroyed.

I will believe that the blameless and upright who seek peace will have a bright future, but sinners and the wicked will be destroyed and have no future.

I will believe the salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord, their stronghold in times of trouble. 

I will believe the Lord helps the righteous and delivers them from the wicked.  He saves them because they take refuge in him. 

God of Justice and Mercy,

Thank you for your righteousness and justice and that all you do is good.  Thank you for the promises that you will break the power of the wicked and uphold the righteous.  Thank you that you love the just and will not forsake your faithful people.  Strengthen our courage and our faith in these days of trial and strife.  For your children, be the protection and peace in the midst of the demonic storms that swirl around us.  But destroy the power of the enemy of our souls and destroy all those who will not turn from their wickedness, injustice, and evil. We pray in the strong name of Jesus Christ our Savior, AMEN and AMEN. 

Day 12 - Intense Treatment - The Spirit who measures us and moves mountains of sin, leading to peace

Spirit of the Lord,

Thank you that you measure out the places for your people to be - in your presence and your blessing.  You promise to be a wall of fire around us and that your glory will be found within us.  Thank you that you want to live within and among us and that we can know Jesus who came to be with us.  Thank you for replacing our sinful garments with new ones.  Open our eyes to see the angelic activity around us and to move as your Spirit calls us to. We pray that this nation would replace sinfulness with righteousness; we would depart from evil, do good, seek peace, and pursue it.   Thank you that you can remove the sin of this land  - that mountains of evil can be turned into righteous level ground - in a single day, resulting in neighbors sharing peace, prosperity, and security.  Confirm in us that every mountain can move, if we are given a new measure of your Spirit.  We know that is not by might or by power but by the Spirit of the Lord Almighty that these things will happen.  Extend a new measuring line over our lives so new joy can be released.  We will not despise things that seem like small things, but look forward to the day when our King-Priest Jesus returns for his children.  In the powerful name of Christ we pray, Amen!

Depart from evil, and do good;
    seek peace, and pursue it.  (Psalm 34:14 NRSV)

Third Vision: The Man with a Measuring Line

2 [a] I looked up and saw a man with a measuring line in his hand. 2 Then I asked, “Where are you going?” He answered me, “To measure Jerusalem, to see what is its width and what is its length.” 3 Then the angel who talked with me came forward, and another angel came forward to meet him, 4 and said to him, “Run, say to that young man: Jerusalem shall be inhabited like villages without walls, because of the multitude of people and animals in it. 5 For I will be a wall of fire all around it, says the Lord, and I will be the glory within it.”

Interlude: An Appeal to the Exiles

6 Up, up! Flee from the land of the north, says the Lord; for I have spread you abroad like the four winds of heaven, says the Lord. 7 Up! Escape to Zion, you that live with daughter Babylon. 8 For thus said the Lord of hosts (after his glory[b] sent me) regarding the nations that plundered you: Truly, one who touches you touches the apple of my eye.[c] 9 See now, I am going to raise[d] my hand against them, and they shall become plunder for their own slaves. Then you will know that the Lord of hosts has sent me. 10 Sing and rejoice, O daughter Zion! For lo, I will come and dwell in your midst, says the Lord. 11 Many nations shall join themselves to the Lord on that day, and shall be my people; and I will dwell in your midst. And you shall know that the Lord of hosts has sent me to you. 12 The Lord will inherit Judah as his portion in the holy land, and will again choose Jerusalem.

13 Be silent, all people, before the Lord; for he has roused himself from his holy dwelling.

Fourth Vision: Joshua and Satan

3 Then he showed me the high priest Joshua standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan[e] standing at his right hand to accuse him. 2 And the Lord said to Satan,[f] “The Lord rebuke you, O Satan![g] The Lord who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Is not this man a brand plucked from the fire?” 3 Now Joshua was dressed with filthy clothes as he stood before the angel. 4 The angel said to those who were standing before him, “Take off his filthy clothes.” And to him he said, “See, I have taken your guilt away from you, and I will clothe you with festal apparel.” 5 And I said, “Let them put a clean turban on his head.” So they put a clean turban on his head and clothed him with the apparel; and the angel of the Lord was standing by.

6 Then the angel of the Lord assured Joshua, saying 7 “Thus says the Lord of hosts: If you will walk in my ways and keep my requirements, then you shall rule my house and have charge of my courts, and I will give you the right of access among those who are standing here. 8 Now listen, Joshua, high priest, you and your colleagues who sit before you! For they are an omen of things to come: I am going to bring my servant the Branch. 9 For on the stone that I have set before Joshua, on a single stone with seven facets, I will engrave its inscription, says the Lord of hosts, and I will remove the guilt of this land in a single day. 10 On that day, says the Lord of hosts, you shall invite each other to come under your vine and fig tree.”

Fifth Vision: The Lampstand and Olive Trees

4 The angel who talked with me came again, and wakened me, as one is wakened from sleep. 2 He said to me, “What do you see?” And I said, “I see a lampstand all of gold, with a bowl on the top of it; there are seven lamps on it, with seven lips on each of the lamps that are on the top of it. 3 And by it there are two olive trees, one on the right of the bowl and the other on its left.” 4 I said to the angel who talked with me, “What are these, my lord?” 5 Then the angel who talked with me answered me, “Do you not know what these are?” I said, “No, my lord.” 6 He said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, says the Lord of hosts. 7 What are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain; and he shall bring out the top stone amid shouts of ‘Grace, grace to it!’”

8 Moreover the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 9 “The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also complete it. Then you will know that the Lord of hosts has sent me to you. 10 For whoever has despised the day of small things shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel.

“These seven are the eyes of the Lord, which range through the whole earth.” 11 Then I said to him, “What are these two olive trees on the right and the left of the lampstand?” 12 And a second time I said to him, “What are these two branches of the olive trees, which pour out the oil[h] through the two golden pipes?” 13 He said to me, “Do you not know what these are?” I said, “No, my lord.” 14 Then he said, “These are the two anointed ones who stand by the Lord of the whole earth.” (Zechariah 2-4 NRSV)

Idea from:  https://www.elijahlist.com/words/display_word_pf.html?ID=25704 

Some notes from:   NIV Study Bible (c) Zondervan, 2011

Day 8 - Intense Treatment - Pure Hearts Produce Good Seeds that Produce Good Fruit for a Huge Harvest

Sowing-God,

Thank you that your heart is to see us prosper and create a harvest that honors you.  Thank you that each of us is valuable to you!  Your Word tells us that every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined and every city or household divided against itself will not stand.  Your Word teaches that whoever is not with you is against you and whoever does not gather with you scatters.  God, help me to be a person that keep your Kingdom united against the forces around it and gathers up the harvest of righteousness you have for me.  Help me to remember that if a tree is good its fruit will be good, and if it's bad it's fruit will be bad.  God, may I be recognized by the good fruit I produce.    

May my mouth speak what my heart is full of - and may it be the good things that are stored up in me.  Help me remember that on the day of judgement I will give an account for every empty word I have spoken; may my words not be empty but be full of your Abundant Life.  Help me live in such a way that once I am delivered of my sins, fear, worries, anger, hurt, etc., I fill those places with your Word and your Spirit and do not allow evil things to overtake me again.  

Help me to sow your Word in the places in this world where it will grow a huge crop.  I declare that my seeds will prosper.  My children - spiritual and physical - will prosper.  The ideas, plans, and purposes you have for me will not be choked by weeds or have shallow roots.  They will not be eaten by pests.  Instead, they will produce a harvest of righteousness. The seeds do and will sprout and grow  - even if we do not understand how - and do and will produce a huge harvest.  Fill me with Holy Spirit so I can secure any victory in you.  Give me courage, boldness, and authority to plunder the enemy's camp and have seven-fold restoration, knowing my deliverance is secure and no other forces can overtake you.  I am NOT turning back to my old self, so, Sowing God, give me my next measure of faith.  In Jesus's name and by the power of Holy Spirit I pray - AMEN!

How much more valuable is a person than a sheep! (Matthew 12:12 NIV)

Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand.  (Matthew 12:25 NIV)

Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. (Matthew 12:30 NIV)

Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit. You brood of vipers,how can you who are evil say anything good? For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned. (Matthew 12:33-37 NIV)

When an impure spirit comes out of a person, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean and put in order. Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that person is worse than the first. That is how it will be with this wicked generation. (Matthew 12:43-45 NIV)

Again Jesus began to teach by the lake. The crowd that gathered around him was so large that he got into a boat and sat in it out on the lake, while all the people were along the shore at the water’s edge. He taught them many things by parables, and in his teaching said: “Listen! A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants, so that they did not bear grain. Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up, grew and produced a crop, some multiplying thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times.” Then Jesus said, “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.”  (Mark 4:1-9 NIV)

But if he’s caught, he still has to pay back what he stole sevenfold;
    his punishment and fine will cost him greatly. (Proverbs 6:31 TPT)

Idea from:  https://www.elijahlist.com/words/display_word_pf.html?ID=25704 

Some notes from:   NIV Study Bible (c) Zondervan, 2011

Day 5 - Intense Treatment - Deliverance from law of sin within my Holy Spirit-filled Temple

 Law-Giving God,

Thank you that, even though my body is the lowest part of my being, Holy Spirit has chosen to live within this Temple I received from God.  I am not my own, but was bought at a price and I am called to honor you with my body.  Thank you that I live in the tent of this body and will soon put it aside; my body is yours.  I do not offer any part of myself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but I offer myself to God as one who has been brought from death to life. I ask you to heal and cleanse the portions of my body that aren't working properly. I offer every part of my body/myself to you as an instrument of righteousness.  

Thank you that I am no longer in the realm of the flesh, bearing fruit for death, but I am released from the law so I serve in the new way of the Spirit and bear good fruit for God.  I know I do not want to sin; the law is holy, righteous, and good.  But the sin living within me does what I do not want to do.  In my inner being I delight in God's law, but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me.  Deliver me through Jesus Christ, our Lord.  I declare that the pull of my old, sinful nature is eradicated, in Jesus's name. Amen!

Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NIV)

I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body, because I know that I will soon put it aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. (2 Peter 1:13-14 NIV)

Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness,but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness...I am using an example from everyday life because of your human limitations. Just as you used to offer yourselves as slaves to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer yourselves as slaves to righteousness leading to holiness. (Romans 6:13,19 NIV)

4 So, my brothers and sisters, you also died to the law through the body of Christ, that you might belong to another, to him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God. 5 For when we were in the realm of the flesh, the sinful passions aroused by the law were at work in us, so that we bore fruit for death. 6 But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code.

7 What shall we say, then? Is the law sinful? Certainly not! Nevertheless, I would not have known what sin was had it not been for the law. For I would not have known what coveting really was if the law had not said, “You shall not covet.” 8 But sin, seizing the opportunity afforded by the commandment, produced in me every kind of coveting. For apart from the law, sin was dead. 9 Once I was alive apart from the law; but when the commandment came, sin sprang to life and I died. 10 I found that the very commandment that was intended to bring life actually brought death. 11 For sin, seizing the opportunity afforded by the commandment, deceived me, and through the commandment put me to death. 12 So then, the law is holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous and good. 

Did that which is good, then, become death to me? By no means! Nevertheless, in order that sin might be recognized as sin, it used what is good to bring about my death, so that through the commandment sin might become utterly sinful.

14 We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. 15 I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. 16 And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. 17 As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. 18 For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. 20 Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.

21 So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. 22 For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; 23 but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. 24 What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? 25 Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!

So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God’s law, but in my sinful nature a slave to the law of sin.

 (Romans 7:4-26 NIV)

Idea from:  https://www.elijahlist.com/words/display_word_pf.html?ID=25704 

Some notes from:   NIV Study Bible (c) Zondervan, 2011

Day 3 - Intense Treatment - Purity in Heart so I can SEE God

"BLESSED" = the ultimate well-being, and distinctive spiritual joy of those who share in the salvation of the Kingdom of God.

Jesus, Rabbi, Teacher,

You taught your disciples/followers/learners that...

I am blessed if I am poor in spirit, not spiritually proud, and self-sufficient, for I will inherit the kingdom of heaven as a gift and reward.

I am blessed when I mourn over personal and corporate sins, for I will be comforted.

I am blessed when I am meek and humble before God, for I will inherit the new promised land.

I am blessed when I have a deep longing for personal righteousness and justice for the oppressed, for this hunger will be filled.

I am blessed when I am merciful, for I will be shown mercy.

I am blessed when my heart - the center of my being, my mind, will, and emotions - is pure, for I shall see God.

I am blessed when I promote peace, as far as it depends on me, because it reflects the character of God and I am called a child of God.

I am blessed when I am persecuted because of righteousness, when I have to prove my fitness for the Kingdom, for you will bless me in your Kingdom.

I am blessed when people insult me, persecute me, and falsely say all kinds of evil against me because of God. Even in that I will rejoice, because my reward in heaven is great.  In the same way, the prophets before me were persecuted.  I am blessed. 

What you are doing will seem like nothing I have seen before.  I will be strong and work.  For you are with me and your Spirit remains within me.  I will not fear.  

In a little while you will shake all the nations in judgement. What is desired by all nations - what is highly esteemed - will come.  You will fill your house, your people, your nations with your GLORY - your material splendor and presence.  All riches are yours.  The glory of today and tomorrow's Church will be greater than that of yesterday's Church.  God almighty will grant peace.

I will seek to live in obedience to God and righteousness and you will bless me.  You will overturn royal thrones and shatter foreign kingdoms. You will overthrow those who try to fight against me, as one of God's people, for you have chosen me. 

I pray that I will enjoy good health and all will go well with me, even as my soul is getting well.  I am receiving the end result of my faith, the salvation of my soul. I get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and I humbly accept the Word planted in me, which can save me.  I ask you to create a pure and clean heart because I know that the pure in heart will SEE God.  I ask you to send help and aid to my soul so I can attain my highest end. 

I declare that my feelings, desires, affections, and aversions will come under the alignment of the Holy Spirit.  I declare that my end will be greater than my beginning, in Jesus's name.  I declare that I will seek a clean and pure heart so I can SEE God.  

Amen. 

Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them.

The Beatitudes

He said:

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,

    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.  (Matthew 5:1-12 NIV)

1 On the twenty-first day of the seventh month, the word of the Lord came through the prophet Haggai: 2 “Speak to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, to Joshua son of Jozadak, the high priest, and to the remnant of the people. Ask them, 3 ‘Who of you is left who saw this house in its former glory? How does it look to you now? Does it not seem to you like nothing? 4 But now be strong, Zerubbabel,’ declares the Lord. ‘Be strong, Joshua son of Jozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land,’ declares the Lord, ‘and work. For I am with you,’ declares the Lord Almighty. 5 ‘This is what I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt. And my Spirit remains among you. Do not fear.’

6 “This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘In a little while I will once more shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land. 7 I will shake all nations, and what is desired by all nations will come, and I will fill this house with glory,’ says the Lord Almighty. 8 ‘The silver is mine and the gold is mine,’ declares the Lord Almighty. 9 ‘The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house,’ says the Lord Almighty. ‘And in this place I will grant peace,’ declares the Lord Almighty.”

Blessings for a Defiled People

10 On the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month, in the second year of Darius, the word of the Lord came to the prophet Haggai: 11 “This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘Ask the priests what the law says: 12 If someone carries consecrated meat in the fold of their garment, and that fold touches some bread or stew, some wine, olive oil or other food, does it become consecrated?’”

The priests answered, “No.”

13 Then Haggai said, “If a person defiled by contact with a dead body touches one of these things, does it become defiled?”

“Yes,” the priests replied, “it becomes defiled.”

14 Then Haggai said, “‘So it is with this people and this nation in my sight,’ declares the Lord. ‘Whatever they do and whatever they offer there is defiled.

15 “‘Now give careful thought to this from this day on—consider how things were before one stone was laid on another in the Lord’s temple. 16 When anyone came to a heap of twenty measures, there were only ten. When anyone went to a wine vat to draw fifty measures, there were only twenty. 17 I struck all the work of your hands with blight, mildew and hail, yet you did not return to me,’ declares the Lord. 18 ‘From this day on, from this twenty-fourth day of the ninth month, give careful thought to the day when the foundation of the Lord’s temple was laid. Give careful thought: 19 Is there yet any seed left in the barn? Until now, the vine and the fig tree, the pomegranate and the olive tree have not borne fruit.

“‘From this day on I will bless you.’”

Zerubbabel the Lord’s Signet Ring

20 The word of the Lord came to Haggai a second time on the twenty-fourth day of the month: 21 “Tell Zerubbabel governor of Judah that I am going to shake the heavens and the earth. 22 I will overturn royal thrones and shatter the power of the foreign kingdoms. I will overthrow chariots and their drivers; horses and their riders will fall, each by the sword of his brother.

23 “‘On that day,’ declares the Lord Almighty, ‘I will take you, my servant Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel,’ declares the Lord, ‘and I will make you like my signet ring, for I have chosen you,’ declares the Lord Almighty.”  (Haggai 2)

Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.  (3 John 2 NIV)

You are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.  (1 Peter 1:9 NIV)

Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. (James 1:21 NIV)

Idea from:  https://www.elijahlist.com/words/display_word_pf.html?ID=25704 

Some notes from:   NIV Study Bible (c) Zondervan, 2011

Psalm 86 Prayer for the nation

 
Saving God,

Among the gods there is none like you, Lord; your works and your miracles are incomparable. All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, bringing glory to your name.  You are great and do marvelous deeds; you alone are God.   Lord, hear and answer your people in this nation in this hour.  We are in deep trouble, broken, humbled, and desperately needing your help.  Arrogant foes attack your people, your Church and this nation.  Ruthless people who have no regard for you are trying to destroy us. Their deceptive and evil ideas have permeated this society so that its institutions, people, and even your Church are attacked, misled, and degraded.  Hear our prayers, Lord, and protect and save those who serve you and trust in you.  You are our God; have mercy on us and answer us as we put our trust in you.   May your strength become our strength and save us.  Give us a sign of your goodness so our those who hate us will be put to shame, for you, Lord have helped and comforted us.  You are forgiving and good, abounding in love, to all who call on you.  You are compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and faithful.  Bring us deeply into a fuller knowledge of your ways, Lord, so we may rely on your truth and faithfulness.  Give us undivided hearts so we fear your name.  We will praise you, Lord, our God, with all our hearts and glorify your name forever. You have delivered us from the deepest place of darkness and you love us so much Jesus died for our sins and you have placed your Spirit within us.  Rescue your people, your Church, and this nation from the wickedness that has infiltrated it. Break the power of the wicked and protect your righteous ones.  We claim in the name of Jesus that no weapon formed against your people, your Church, or this nation will prevail.  We are servants of the Lord and his vindication is ours.  In Jesus's name, Amen. 


No weapon forged against you will prevail,
    and you will refute every tongue that accuses you.
This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord,
    and this is their vindication from me,”
declares the Lord. (Isaiah 54:17 NIV)

The power of the wicked will be broken,
    but the Lord upholds the righteous. (Psalm 37:17 NIV)

1 Hear me, Lord, and answer me,
    for I am poor and needy.
2 Guard my life, for I am faithful to you;
    save your servant who trusts in you.
You are my God; 
3 have mercy on me, Lord,
    for I call to you all day long.
4 Bring joy to your servant, Lord,
    for I put my trust in you.
5 You, Lord, are forgiving and good,
    abounding in love to all who call to you.
6 Hear my prayer, Lord;
    listen to my cry for mercy.
7 When I am in distress, I call to you,
    because you answer me.
8 Among the gods there is none like you, Lord;
    no deeds can compare with yours.
9 All the nations you have made
    will come and worship before you, Lord;
    they will bring glory to your name.
10 For you are great and do marvelous deeds;
    you alone are God.
11 Teach me your way, Lord,
    that I may rely on your faithfulness;
give me an undivided heart,
    that I may fear your name.
12 I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart;
    I will glorify your name forever.
13 For great is your love toward me;
    you have delivered me from the depths,
    from the realm of the dead.
14 Arrogant foes are attacking me, O God;
    ruthless people are trying to kill me—
    they have no regard for you.
15 But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God,
    slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.
16 Turn to me and have mercy on me;
    show your strength in behalf of your servant;
save me, because I serve you
    just as my mother did.
17 Give me a sign of your goodness,
    that my enemies may see it and be put to shame,
    for you, Lord, have helped me and comforted me. (Psalm 86 NIV)

1 Lord, bend down to listen to my prayer.
    I am in deep trouble. I’m broken and humbled,
    and I desperately need your help.
2 Guard my life, for I’m your faithful friend, your loyal servant for life.
    I turn to you in faith, my God, my hero; come and rescue me!
3 Lord God, hear my constant cry for help;
    show me your favor and bring me to your fountain of grace!
4 Restore joy to your loving servant once again,
    for all I am is yours, O God.
5 Lord, you are so good to me, so kind in every way
    and ready to forgive,
    for your grace-fountain keeps overflowing,
    drenching all your devoted lovers who pray to you.
6 God, won’t you pay attention to this urgent cry?
    Lord, bend down to listen to my prayer.
7 Whenever trouble strikes, I will keep crying out to you,
    for I know your help is on the way.
8 God, there’s no one like you;
    there’s no other god as famous as you.
    You outshine all others, and your miracles make it easy to know you.
9 Lord Almighty, you are the one who created all the nations.
    Look at them—they’re all on their way!
    Yes, the day will come when they all will worship you
    and put your glory on display.
10 You are the one and only God.
    What miracles! What wonders! What greatness belongs to you!
11 Teach me more about you, how you work and how you move,
    so that I can walk onward in your truth
    until everything within me brings honor to your name.
12 With all my heart and passion I will thank you, my God!
    I will give glory to your name, always and forever!
13 You love me so much, and you have placed your greatness upon me.
    You rescued me from the deepest place of darkness,
    and you have delivered me from a certain death.
14 God, look at how these arrogant ones have defied me.
    Like a vicious band of violent men, they have tried to kill me.
    They wouldn’t worry for a moment that they were sinning against you!
15 But Lord, your nurturing love is tender and gentle.
    You are slow to get angry yet so swift to show your faithful love.
    You are full of abounding grace and truth.
16 Bring me to your grace-fountain
    so that your strength becomes mine.
    Be my hero and come rescue your servant once again!
17 Send me a miraculous sign to show me how much you love me,
    so that those who hate me will see it and be ashamed.
    Don’t they know that you, Lord, are my comforter,
    the one who comes to help me? (Psalm 86 TPT)

Psalm 77 Prayer for our nation

El Shaddai and Adonai, 

We hear the soul of this nation crying out.  The blood of those who died to begin and preserve her now cries out to you, All-Powerful God, for help.  The spirits of Christians all over this land cry out to you to hear us as we seek our Lord, stretching out untiring hands in the face of the attacks and darkness around us.  We remember, God, how you have guided men and women in the past; we remember and groan because the circumstances of today look so dark.  We think about the days and years of long ago, remembering the songs sung to you at night, and ask:  Will the Lord reject us today or will you show your favor again?  Has your unfailing love vanished from this nation and have you withdrawn your promises?  Have you forgotten to be merciful or, in your righteous anger, are you withholding your compassion upon this nation?  We remember your deeds in the past, your miracles of long ago.  Your ways, God are holy; there is no god as great as you.  You perform miracles and display your power among the people.  With your mighty arm you have redeemed your people and rescued them from storms of conflict, strife, and even war.  Just like you led the Israelites through the Red Sea, we cry out to you to create a safe path through this current storm of circumstances and chaos.  We beg you to lead your people deeply into your presence, into your holiness, and teach us your will and ways.  Instill in us a desire to live out your righteousness and speak your Truth into our circumstances.  Guard us as we cast off nonchalant and mediocre Christianity and religiosity and, instead, chase after you with full fervency.  Guard our faith, our finances, and our future.  Give us wisdom as to how to steward this nation that is divided and hurting so badly right now.  Break the power of the wickedness that is on our nation and uphold your righteous children.  We remember the many ways in which you provided good and godly leaders in our past, and we pray you will rise up a generation of good and godly leaders for such a time as now.  May there be Moseses, Joshuas, Esthers, Deborahs, Peters, Pauls, and many others who hear your voice and follow your leading as they boldly stand against the demonic forces at play today. May godly leaders and average people boldly stand for your Truth, Justice, and Righteousness.  By your Grace, may we remember our past, and may this nation be saved so it can be a beacon of Light for generations to come.  In the powerful name of Christ we pray, Amen.  

The power of the wicked will be broken,
    but the Lord upholds the righteous. (Psalm 37:17 NIV)

1 I cried out to God for help;

    I cried out to God to hear me.

2 When I was in distress, I sought the Lord;

    at night I stretched out untiring hands,

    and I would not be comforted.

3 I remembered you, God, and I groaned;

    I meditated, and my spirit grew faint.[b]

4 You kept my eyes from closing;

    I was too troubled to speak.

5 I thought about the former days,

    the years of long ago;

6 I remembered my songs in the night.

    My heart meditated and my spirit asked:

7 “Will the Lord reject forever?

    Will he never show his favor again?

8 Has his unfailing love vanished forever?

    Has his promise failed for all time?

9 Has God forgotten to be merciful?

    Has he in anger withheld his compassion?”

10 Then I thought, “To this I will appeal:

    the years when the Most High stretched out his right hand.

11 I will remember the deeds of the Lord;

    yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.

12 I will consider all your works

    and meditate on all your mighty deeds.”

13 Your ways, God, are holy.

    What god is as great as our God?

14 You are the God who performs miracles;

    you display your power among the peoples.

15 With your mighty arm you redeemed your people,

    the descendants of Jacob and Joseph.

16 The waters saw you, God,

    the waters saw you and writhed;

    the very depths were convulsed.

17 The clouds poured down water,

    the heavens resounded with thunder;

    your arrows flashed back and forth.

18 Your thunder was heard in the whirlwind,

    your lightning lit up the world;

    the earth trembled and quaked.

19 Your path led through the sea,

    your way through the mighty waters,

    though your footprints were not seen.

20 You led your people like a flock

    by the hand of Moses and Aaron. (Psalm 77 NIV)

1 I poured out my complaint to you, God.

    I lifted up my voice, shouting out for your help.

2 When I was in deep distress, in my day of trouble,

    I reached out for you with hands stretched out to heaven.

    Over and over I kept looking for you, God,

    but your comforting grace was nowhere to be found.

3 As I thought of you I moaned, “God, where are you?”

    I’m overwhelmed with despair as I wait for your help to arrive.

Pause in his presence

4 I can’t get a wink of sleep until you come and comfort me.

    Now I’m too burdened to even pray!

5 My mind wandered, thinking of days gone by—

    the years long since passed.

6 Then I remembered the worship songs I used to sing

    in the night seasons,

    and my heart began to fill again with thoughts of you.

    So my spirit went out once more in search of you.

7 Would you really walk off and leave me forever, my Lord God?

    Won’t you show me your kind favor, delighting in me again?

8 Has your well of sweet mercy dried up?

    Will your promises never come true?

9 Have you somehow forgotten to show me love?

    Are you so angry that you’ve closed

    your heart of compassion toward me?

Pause in his presence

10 Lord, what wounds me most is that it’s somehow my fault that

    you’ve changed your heart toward me

    and I no longer see the years of the Mighty One

    or your right hand of power.

11 Yet I could never forget all your miracles, my God,

    as I remember all your wonders of old.

12 I ponder all you’ve done, Lord, musing on all your miracles.

13 It’s here in your presence, in your sanctuary,

    where I learn more of your ways,

    for holiness is revealed in everything you do.

    Lord, you’re the one and only, the great and glorious God!

14 Your display of wonders, miracles, and power

    makes the nations acknowledge you.

15 By your glory-bursts you’ve rescued us over and over.

    Just ask the sons of Jacob or

    the sons of Joseph, and they will tell you!

    And all of us, your beloved ones, know that it’s true!

Pause in his presence

16 When the many waters of the Red Sea took one look at you,

    they were afraid and ran away to hide—

    trembling to its depths!

17 Storm clouds filled with water high in the skies;

    cloudbursts and thunderclaps announced your approach.

    Lightning-flashes lit up the landscape.

18 Rolling whirlwinds exploded with sonic booms of thunder,

    rumbling as the skies shouted out your story

    with light and sound and wind.

    Everything on earth shook and trembled as you drew near.

19 Your steps formed a highway through the seas

    with footprints on a pathway no one even knew was there.

20 You led your people forward by your loving hand,

    blessed by the leadership of Moses and Aaron. (Psalm 77 TPT)

Psalm 75 - God Will Judge Wickedness

True Judge,

We praise you, God, for your Name is near; we overflow with thanks.  Our hearts spill over with praise to you!  We tell of your wonderful deeds.  Your love reaches to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies.  Your righteousness is higher than mountains and your justice deeper than the great deep.  We take shadow in your wings and you are the Light for our lives.  God, your Word says that you choose the appointed time to judge the world with fairness and impartiality and perfect righteousness.  You, who set the earth firmly on its pillars, say you will cause peoples' hearts to tremble as you shake the earth with your judgement. Your warnings to the arrogant and wicked seem to go unheeded; they resist and speak with stubborn pride, raising their fists against you.  Yet, we know that it is you who judge; you bring down one and exalt another because you are the True Judge. God, in these tumultuous times, we pray that the wicked will drink your foaming cup of judgement and fury to the last drop.  In these tumultuous times, when it seems like much of the earth and its inhabitants are melting, steady our foundations. Steady us in your Word, your Grace, and your Truth.  Empower us by Holy Spirit to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ and his Love and Justice. We will declare your victory and sing praise to make you known.  May our praises break the powers of wickedness and may the righteous be promoted and become powerful because they are led by Holy Spirit!  In Jesus's name we pray, Amen!

1 We praise you, God,

    we praise you, for your Name is near;

    people tell of your wonderful deeds.

2 You say, “I choose the appointed time;

    it is I who judge with equity.

3 When the earth and all its people quake,

    it is I who hold its pillars firm.

4 To the arrogant I say, ‘Boast no more,’

    and to the wicked, ‘Do not lift up your horns.

5 Do not lift your horns against heaven;

    do not speak so defiantly.’”

6 No one from the east or the west

    or from the desert can exalt themselves.

7 It is God who judges:

    He brings one down, he exalts another.

8 In the hand of the Lord is a cup

    full of foaming wine mixed with spices;

he pours it out, and all the wicked of the earth

    drink it down to its very dregs.

9 As for me, I will declare this forever;

    I will sing praise to the God of Jacob,

10 who says, “I will cut off the horns of all the wicked,

    but the horns of the righteous will be lifted up.”  (Psalm 75 NIV)

5 Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens,

    your faithfulness to the skies.

6 Your righteousness is like the highest mountains,

    your justice like the great deep.

    You, Lord, preserve both people and animals.

7 How priceless is your unfailing love, O God!

    People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.

8 They feast on the abundance of your house;

    you give them drink from your river of delights.

9 For with you is the fountain of life;

    in your light we see light.  (Psalm 36 NIV)

“The earth and all the inhabitants of it melt [in tumultuous times].

It is I who will steady its pillars." (Psalm 75:3 AMP)

1 God, our hearts spill over with praise to you!

    We overflow with thanks, for your name is the “Near One.”

    All we want to talk about is your wonderful works!

    And we hear your reply:

2 “When the time is ripe I will arise,

    and I will judge the world with perfect righteousness.

3 Though I have set the earth firmly on its pillars,

    I will shake it until it totters, and everyone’s hearts will tremble.”

Pause in his presence

4 God warns the proud, “Stop your arrogant boasting!”

    And he warns the wicked,

    “Don’t think for a moment you can resist me!

5 Why would you speak with such stubborn pride?

    Don’t you dare raise your fist against me!”

6–7 This I know:

    the favor that brings promotion and power

    doesn’t come from anywhere on earth,

    for no one exalts a person but God, the true judge of all.

    He alone determines where favor rests.

    He anoints one for greatness

    and brings another down to his knees.

8 A foaming cup filled with judgment mixed with fury

    is in the hands of the Lord Yahweh,

    full to the brim and ready to run over.

    He filled it up for the wicked, and they will drink it

    down to the very last drop!

9 But I will proclaim the victory of the God of Jacob.

    My melodies of praise will make him known.

10 My praises will break the powers of wickedness,

while the righteous will be promoted and become powerful!  (Psalm 75 TPT)

Break the Power of the Wicked and Uphold the Righteous

Righteous God,

You are our salvation and stronghold, our deliverer and refuge.  Today we pray that you will break the power of the wicked around us.  Destroy wrongdoers and their ideological offspring; destroy the future of sinners and the corrupt.  Uphold the righteous by your merciful hand and do not forsake your faithful ones.  We pray in the powerful name of Christ, Amen!

"Do not fret because of those who are evil

    or be envious of those who do wrong;

for like the grass they will soon wither,

    like green plants they will soon die away.

    for those who are evil will be destroyed,

    but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land.

The wicked plot against the righteous

    and gnash their teeth at them;

but the Lord laughs at the wicked,

    for he knows their day is coming.   

The wicked draw the sword

    and bend the bow

to bring down the poor and needy,

    to slay those whose ways are upright.

But their swords will pierce their own hearts,

    and their bows will be broken.

The power of the wicked will be broken,

    but the Lord upholds the righteous.

the wicked will perish:

    They will be consumed, they will go up in smoke.

Wrongdoers will be completely destroyed;

    the offspring of the wicked will perish.

The Lord will not leave [the righteous] in the power of the wicked.

Sinners will be destroyed;

    there will be no future for the wicked.

"The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord;

    he is their stronghold in time of trouble.

The Lord helps them and delivers them;

    he delivers them from the wicked and saves them,

    because they take refuge in him.

Turn from evil and do good;

    then you will dwell in the land forever.

For the Lord loves the just

    and will not forsake his faithful ones.

The righteous will inherit the land

    and dwell in it forever.

Hope in the Lord

    and keep his way.

Consider the blameless, observe the upright;

    a future awaits those who seek peace.

The blameless spend their days under the Lord’s care,

    and their inheritance will endure forever.

In times of disaster they will not wither;

    in days of famine they will enjoy plenty.

The Lord makes firm the steps

    of the one who delights in him;

though he may stumble, he will not fall,

    for the Lord upholds him with his hand.

I was young and now I am old,

    yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken

    or their children begging bread.

"Trust in the Lord and do good;

    dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.

Take delight in the Lord,

    and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Commit your way to the Lord;

    trust in him and he will do this:

He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn,

    your vindication like the noonday sun.

Be still before the Lord

    and wait patiently for him;

do not fret when people succeed in their ways,

    when they carry out their wicked schemes.

The power of the wicked will be broken,

    but the Lord upholds the righteous."

(adapted from Psalm 37 NIV)