Psalm 50
December 14, 2025 Holy and mighty God, we stand in awe of You.
You are the One who speaks with authority,
bringing life into existence and sovereignly orchestrating the affairs of the entire universe.
We confess that too often we have lived as though You were like us.
But You are wholly other—a righteous Judge
and at the same time a relational God
who knows us and has compassion on humanity.
We come before You at the close of this week weary—
weary from striving to make a living,
weary from navigating the personal concerns of our daily life,
and burdened by the unsettling global tensions
we encounter through news and social media.
Cultivate in us a quiet, inward space.
Still the competing voices within us,
so that we may hear You speak through the words of psalm 50:
“Listen, My people—I am ready to speak.
Hear My heart as I name two common failures:
those who act without gratitude, forgetting to thank Me as they should;
and those who speak but do not live according to My ways.”
Forgive us, Lord. Restore us. Teach us the way that leads to life.
Nourish our souls. Make us open and attentive.
Draw us near when our strength is low and our spirits feel dry.
Teach us to seek You—not from our own limited resources,
but from the abundance you enjoy as the self-sufficient “I am.”
Teach us the gratitude, obedience, and intimacy You desire.
We thank You for the witness of Enoch,
who walked in continual fellowship with You.
Like Enoch, shape us into people who keep frequent communion with You,
so that our hearts are drawn into Your greater purposes.
Let praise flow freely from our lips.
Let gratitude rise within our hearts
until we recognize that every good and perfect gift comes from You.
For You are God,
and to You we offer our thanksgiving—
the sacrifice that truly honors You.
Amen.