Psalm 44:1-8

To the leader. Of the Korahites. A Maskil.

Here is an extract from a Psalm that can be helpful in both personal and corporate prayer. It begins with remembering the stories of old, and then moves on to a personal testimony of faith. You can read this alone, or with other people.

 

1 We have heard with our ears, O God, our ancestors have told us,

     what deeds you performed in their days, in the days of old:

 

2  you with your own hand drove out the nations, but them you planted; you afflicted the peoples, but them you set free;

 

3  for not by their own sword did they win the land, nor did their own arm give them victory;

     but your right hand, and your arm, and the light of your
    countenance, for you delighted in them.

 

4  You are my King and my God;

     you command victories for Jacob.

 

5  Through you we push down our foes;
     through your name we tread down our assailants.

 

6  For not in my bow do I trust,
     nor can my sword save me.
 

7  But you have saved us from our foes,

     and have put to confusion those who hate us.
 

8  In God we have boasted continually,

     and we will give thanks to your name forever. [Selah]

 

Fourth Sunday after Trinity

35 The Cost of Servanthood
The Scripture passage for the day is drawn from Reuben Job and Norman Shawchuck, A Guide to Prayer for Ministers and other Servants, (Nashville, The Upper Room 1983), 219.
This reflection is from my own devotional exercises for the day.