Psalm 17
April 28, 2025 O God who hears prayers, thank You that we do not need to wonder whether our requests reach Your throne. You know our every need before we ask it. You probe our hearts and know all that is in it—even what we do not see clearly.
We do our best, like the psalmist, to keep to Your paths, to stay far from evil, deceit, and violence. But we know—and You know better—that our hearts are prone to sin. Truly, our vindication comes from You because Your Son paid our penalty and because You have clothed us with Your holiness. Keep us, Lord, in You, close to Your heart and far from evil, so that our lives can point others to the goodness found in You.
There are so many temptations to make our lives about this world, to find our reward in this life: in our work and accomplishments, in our children, in the many good blessings You give us each day. Father, don’t let us be satisfied with that, or so caught up in the goods of the world that it chokes out our single-minded devotion to You. We confess how easily our affections are swayed and our time is wasted. But You are our portion; You alone satisfy. Satisfy us, then, with Your presence throughout this week, so that in all our decisions and schedules and efforts we may find our treasure in You.
We lift up those around the world who do not have the treasures that we do—those in poverty and slavery and war and disease. We pray that You keep them, protect them from evil, and satisfy them with the joy of Your presence. Show us ways that we can be generous with those in need just as You have been generous with us.
We ask this in Jesus’ name, and all God’s people said, Amen.