Read
(By David.)
A Prayer for Guidance
1I offer you my heart, Lord God,
2and I trust you.
Don't make me ashamed
or let enemies defeat me.
3Don't disappoint any
of your worshipers,
but disappoint all
deceitful liars.
4Show me your paths
and teach me to follow;
5guide me by your truth
and instruct me.
You keep me safe,
and I always trust you.
6Please, Lord, remember,
you have always
been patient and kind.
7Forget each wrong I did
when I was young.
Show how truly kind you are
and remember me.
8You are honest and merciful,
and you teach sinners
how to follow your path.
9You lead humble people
to do what is right
and to stay on your path.
10In everything you do,
you are kind and faithful
to everyone who keeps
our agreement with you.
11Be true to your name, Lord,
by forgiving each one
of my terrible sins.
12You will show the right path
to all who worship you.
13Then they will have plenty,
and their children
will receive the land.
14Our Lord, you are the friend
of your worshipers,
and you make an agreement
with all of us.
15I always look to you,
because you rescue me
from every trap.
16I am lonely and troubled.
Show that you care
and have pity on me.
17My awful worries keep growing.
Rescue me from sadness.
18See my troubles and misery
and forgive my sins.
19Look at all my enemies!
See how much they hate me.
20I come to you for shelter.
Protect me, keep me safe,
and don't disappoint me.
21I obey you with all my heart,
and I trust you, knowing
that you will save me.
22Our God, please save Israel
from all its troubles.
Reflect
It can be quite painful to face hardship of any kind on our own. As much as the people who care about us would like to help, sometimes they simply do not hold the solution to our difficult circumstances. So, to whom do we turn?
Psalm 25 offers us a most helpful way to pray when troubles come. This Psalm is one of a number of lamentations recorded in this beautiful book of the Bible. It is an individual lament. Written by King David, this poetic prayer tells us that he was often afflicted by turmoil and fear, much as we also experience. Most importantly we see in the verses of this Psalm the fragility of our own humanness and our propensity to sin. David knew that in these instances the answer would not be found on the battlefield but in prayer for forgiveness, protection and guidance.
His language is strong. There is no timidity, no apology. It is time to turn to God with everything he’s got. “I offer you my heart, Lord God… Forget each wrong I did… Show how truly kind you are and remember me. … Show that you care and have pity on me…”. The moment we pray such words, we cease to be alone with our circumstances and experience the Lord’s transforming presence. We taste and see that our God is a friend to his worshippers.
There is a long tradition of crying out to God in anguish throughout Scripture and we should never shy away from such prayers. Life runs deep and the wounds and troubles we endure have profound impact on us. But thanks be to God, we are not alone. Let’s go to him quickly and ask for his forgiveness, protection and guidance.
Respond
Dear Lord, merciful and dependable; no one who comes to you in sincerity and humility is ever disappointed. When I feel overwhelmed, fearful or confused, draw me to yourself! Fill my whole being with a deep trust. Forgive my sins, protect my life and guide my steps. Through Jesus my saviour and friend. Amen.
Jacqueline Dugas
Jacqueline Dugas is Vice President and Director of Ministries at Every Home for Christ International/Canada (EHC), where she has served on the executive leadership team for more than two decades. Her ministry work involves speaking and writing for a trans-denominational and international audience on the broad topic of knowing God and making Jesus known everywhere. Jacqueline has authored 7 Days with Jesus, written as a follow up resource for Finding the Hope, EHC’s evangelism outreach in Canada and abroad. She has co-authored the widely used evangelism booklet, Finding the Hope, and the Finding the Hope Personal Kit, both published in multiple languages. She is co-producer of EHC’s monthly publication, Harvest Partner.