Psalm 69
April 26, 2026 Lord we thank you for not only the encouraging optimistic parts of the Bible, we thank you for these raw and bold passages that pour out deep anguish, pain, and anger. Following God sometimes means following our parents and siblings in following God. We pray that our children are trained up to know your good news. Bless and encourage our adults that labor in training up our children. Thank you for our church family that becomes a new family to us through the bond of Christ.
But, not all of our immediate or extended biological families know and worship you. And our hearts break at being cut off from our biological family when we chose to worship you. King David followed God, built a strong and loyal army, and ruled the nation of Israel, and simultaneously suffered estrangement from his brothers, and threats from numerous directions. The king of the nation was mocked by his own family. When we are shamed, remind us of the future glory we will share with you. When our hearts are broken by others, comfort us in sadness, and fill us with your love. When we are angry, help us to not sin. Vindicate us from our enemies, give us courage and restraint to trust that you will judge, and you will bring justice. Oh God, your justice is powerful, and it will come. Mend our hearts. Fill us with love and hope. Refute the doubts that plague us.
Forgive our sins of pride and independence. Forgive us for relying on our own strength. Forgive us for building our own kingdoms and fortresses, and putting our hope in these idols that will fail us. Help us to release our grip on these things and put our hope and trust in you. Help us meditate on how you are the true and better “fill-in-the-blank” that rescues us and fills us with true joy.
We lift up our brothers and sister in Christ around the world who suffer the same shame, and threats of being estranged from family and friends. Some do not have a larger church family. Help them find and build friendships with others that will sustain them.
We pray for those who struggle to find food or clean water. We pray for people enslaved to work for unjust masters. We pray for those living in and conscripted to fight in wars. We pray for our leaders fighting for power and control, because they don’t know that they can actually trust that you, Oh God, are completely in control. We earnestly pray your kingdom come, and your will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven. Father, Son, Holy Spirit, Amen