Psalm 61
March 1, 2026 Father, like David, when we are faint hearted we call out to you. In this broken world we face trouble and fear of all kinds, perhaps intractable family issues, or the degradation of public and private morality, or the raging conflict among nations. And like David may we call out to you for help. Lead us to the rock, Christ, the corner stone, the solid rock of our hope, the rock of ages, a shelter in the time of storm, the “smitten rock” of life-giving water. Lead us to the rock that is, as David says, “higher than I,” Messiah Jesus who is “far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come,” embodying steadfast love and faithfulness.
Father, you have been our refuge, a strong fortress against the enemy. Like the servant who saw the army of Elisha’s enemy surrounding the city, we are likely to ask, “Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?” And we hear Elisha saying to his servant, “Don’t be afraid. Those who are with us are more than those who are with them. And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” And the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. Open our eyes, Lord, that we may see the army of God encamped around us, and see you, “high, and lifted up,” King over all.
Father, not only are you our refuge, our hiding place, but you have given us a heritage encompassing all who have believed, from the ancient past to the present. You have given us the unique and mysterious fellowship of all who trust you as Lord and Savior and all who have ever trusted you, the communion of saints, the great cloud of witnesses. May this encourage and inspire us and prompt us to throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily puts us off course. And may we run with perseverance the race marked out for us with the encouragement and help of all who fellowship at Centennial Church and are miraculously entwined with one another, who take their place in this great communion of faith in unity and love by the power of your indwelling Spirit.
Through Christ our Lord, we pray
And together we say, AMEN