Psalm 77
June 21, 2026 O Lord, maybe today—and if not today, maybe next week or next month or next year—maybe today this is the anguish we feel. The circumstances of our lives have us praying, even during the night, but to no apparent avail. Our soul refuses to be comforted. Even at the remembrance of you we moan. Our spirit faints. You keep us awake. We cannot find words to convey our inner turmoil.
Our faith wobbles, our hope sinks, our fears and anxieties mount. In anger, terror, or numbness we wonder: have you rejected me? Do you no longer show me favor? Has your dependable love ceased? Can I no longer count on your promises? Have you forgotten to be gracious? Has your compassion been permanently replaced by anger?
In such anguish may we remember your deeds of old, your miracles of long ago, the wonders you performed in a specific place at a specific time that remain solid and true no matter the turmoil of our hearts. Your miracles are unique. What god is like you? Who has power and love like you? Truly your way is holy, unique, one of a kind. With astounding strength you delivered ancient Israel from bondage by parting the waters, ruling over the raging storm and the turbulent waters, setting your people free. You were their shepherd. Amid our soulish anguish, may we remember.
And you have given us an even greater wonder to remember. You have worked an even greater deliverance from bondage. You raised your Son Jesus from the dead, sealing victory over sin and death and the devil. He is the greater Moses, the greater Aaron, his the greater miracle of old. May we remember, Lord, may we remember. Though our souls may be sinking, Jesus is risen. Our shepherd still leads his flock. May our faith be anchored in this reality of old.
May our brothers and sisters in Christ who live in Nigeria and are being severely persecuted keep trusting in you and your miracles of old. May they call out to you amid their anguish. May their faith in the resurrection hold. Deliver them, Lord, give them relief. Turn the hearts of their persecutors to the very Messiah they presently reject.
We pray for our own congregation, Father. Give us guidance and perspective as we explore the future, as we face challenges with our physical facility and as we seek to steward well the ministry opportunities that are before us. And show us how to live out, day by day, the teachings of Jesus that we are learning in the Sermon on the Mount.
On this Father’s Day we lift our hearts to you amid the exquisite joys and the profound agonies and all the many other complexities, perplexities, and struggles that accompany this amazing reality of fatherhood. We give you thanks for blessings; we cry for healing of wounds; increase honor where needed; give grace to forgive where needed; pour out wisdom for present responsibilities where needed. Bless the influence of the fathers in our congregation. And over everything, keep teaching us to know you as perfect Father, resting in your love, trusting your protection, grateful for your provision, and drawing continually closer to you with the Holy Spirit’s heart-cry, “Abba, Father.”
In the name of the Son we pray, and all God’s people said, “Amen!”