American Bible Society Daily Bible Reading and Daily Prayer for Monday, 12 March 2012

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March 12, 2012 Psalm 7 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Pray for One Another Introduction Psalm 7: In this psalm, the writer appeals to God for justice as a result of being falsely accused. The writer expresses confidence in God’s righteousness, and the psalm concludes with an affirmation that the wicked will be punished and that God’s justice will triumph. Today’s Scripture: Psalm 7:17 I thank the LORD for his justice; I sing praises to the LORD, the Most High. Today’s Reading 1 O LORD, my God, I come to you for protection; rescue me and save me from all who pursue me, 2 or else like a lion they will carry me off where no one can save me, and there they will tear me to pieces. 3-4 O LORD, my God, if I have wronged anyone, if I have betrayed a friend or without cause done violence to my enemy — if I have done any of these things— 5 then let my enemies pursue me and catch me, let them cut me down and kill me and leave me lifeless on the ground! 6 Rise in your anger, O LORD! Stand up against the fury of my enemies; rouse yourself and help me! Justice is what you demand, 7 so bring together all the peoples around you, and rule over them from above. 8 You are the judge of all people. Judge in my favor, OLORD; you know that I am innocent. 9 You are a righteous God and judge our thoughts and desires. Stop the wickedness of evildoers and reward those who are good. 10 God is my protector; he saves those who obey him. 11 God is a righteous judge and always condemns the wicked. 12 If they do not change their ways, God will sharpen his sword. He bends his bow and makes it ready; 13 he takes up his deadly weapons and aims his burning arrows. 14 See how wicked people think up evil; they plan trouble and practice deception. 15 But in the traps they set for others, they themselves get caught. 16 So they are punished by their own evil and are hurt by their own violence. 17 I thank the LORD for his justice; I sing praises to the LORD, the Most High.  Reflect What does the psalm writer ask of God? Is the writer seeking revenge or justice? Or both? Have you ever experienced a time when you needed to rely on God’s justice? Pray Righteous God, you are the judge of all people. You know my thoughts and desires. Forgive me when I stray and act in ways that are displeasing to you. Order my steps this day and guide me in the way of truth. I praise you, Lord Most High, for your mercy and steadfast love. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who are being falsely accused Tomorrow's Reading Psalm 8: A psalm glorifying God.

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