American Bible Society Daily Bible Reading and Daily Prayer for Friday, 9 March 2012

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March 9, 2012 Psalm 62 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Pray for One Another Introduction Psalm 62: Today’s psalm begins with the writer expressing complete trust in God, even when experiencing adversity. The writer warns against depending on violence and riches; salvation is dependent on God alone. Today’s Scripture: Psalm 62:5 I depend on God alone; I put my hope in him. Today’s Reading 1 I wait patiently for God to save me; I depend on him alone. 2 He alone protects and saves me;he is my defender, and I shall never be defeated. 3 How much longer will all of you attack someone who is no stronger than a broken-down fence? 4 You only want to bring him down from his place of honor; you take pleasure in lies. You speak words of blessing, but in your heart you curse him. 5 I depend on God alone; I put my hope in him. 6 He alone protects and saves me;he is my defender, and I shall never be defeated. 7 My salvation and honor depend on God; he is my strong protector; he is my shelter. 8 Trust in God at all times, my people. Tell him all your troubles, for he is our refuge. 9 Human beings are all like a puff of breath; great and small alike are worthless. Put them on the scales, and they weigh nothing; they are lighter than a mere breath. 10 Don't put your trust in violence; don't hope to gain anything by robbery; even if your riches increase, don't depend on them. 11 More than once I have heard God say that power belongs to him 12 and that his love is constant. You yourself, O Lord, reward everyone according to their deeds.  Reflect The psalm writer refers to God as defender (verses 2, 6), protector (verse 7), shelter (verse 7), and refuge (verse 8). What are your thoughts about these images for God? What do verses 3 and 4 tell you about the psalm writer’s situation? The writer urges us to tell God all our troubles (verse 8). Is there anything that you need to tell God about today? Pray Lord God, you are my defender, protector, shelter, and refuge. I depend on you alone, O God, and place my hope and trust in you. When I am troubled and burdened with worry, I can turn to you, gracious God, trusting in your care and constant love. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who are troubled Tomorrow's Reading Psalm 63: Longing for God.

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