Praying the Power of the Psalms – Psalm 36

Day 26 – Psalm 36

¹Transgression speaks to the wicked deep in his heart; there is no fear of God before his eyes.
²For he flatters himself in his own eyes that his iniquity cannot be found out and hated.
³The words of his mouth are trouble and deceit; he has ceased to act wisely and do good.
⁴He plots trouble while on his bed; he sets himself in a way that is not good; he does not reject evil.

⁵Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens, Your faithfulness to the clouds.
⁶Your righteousness is like the mountains of God; Your judgments are like the great deep; man and beast You save, O Lord.

⁷How precious is Your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of Your wings.
⁸They feast on the abundance of Your house, and You give them drink from the river of Your delights.
⁹For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light do we see light.

¹⁰Oh, continue Your steadfast love to those who know You, and Your righteousness to the upright of heart!
¹¹Let not the foot of arrogance come upon me, nor the hand of the wicked drive me away.
¹²There the evildoers lie fallen; they are thrust down, unable to rise.

Prayer of Reflection:

“Father God, You alone are worthy of praise, honor, and glory. Your love, faithfulness, and righteousness are beyond measure. You are just in all Your ways, and even though I may not understand why You do what You do, it is always right. Lord, the wicked have no fear of You. They are filled with pride, doing what is right in their own eyes. They are deceived and do not understand who You are or believe You will judge all sin. May the Holy Spirit open their eyes to the Truth, because their only hope is Jesus.

“You are righteous and just and filled with unfailing love. You are a covenant keeping God, who is always there; Your love is everywhere! You are Light and Life and You abundantly bless those who seek You.  In the shadow of Your wings I am protected and find refuge from the storm.

“Thank you for Your steadfast love, grace and mercy and I pray that You will continue to bring them into my life. There is evil all around and I ask that You protect me and keep my heart and thoughts pure and keep me free from pride. You alone are to be praised, for you are the one true living eternal God. Amen.”

by Nancy Claiborne