Thoughts for the Day

The Lord answer you in the day of trouble!
The name of the God of Jacob protect you!
May he send you help from the sanctuary,
and give you support from Zion.
May he remember all your offerings,
and regard with favour your burnt sacrifices.

May he grant you your heart's desire,
and fulfil all your plans.
May we shout for joy over your victory,
and in the name of our God set up our banners.
May the Lord fulfil all your petitions.

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

Psalm 20 is attributed to King David who appears to be praying on behalf of all his people, probably before a battle. It's a memorable psalm because of his awareness that life-and-death issues are about to be faced for everyone. Jesus would have known these words intimately, brought up as all boys were to know the Hebrew scriptures. We can also imagine that this was a psalm in his mind in the weeks before his crucifixion, for it was at that point that he would face not just his death but also the greatest battle of all time, the one against sin, death, and the power of evil.

At its simplest, this psalm might also be seen as a prayer from a pastor for their congregation, and I sometimes use it for all those who receive these 'Thoughts'. But it might just as well be used for those we know who are in trouble.

Remembering that 'The name of God' is Yahweh, and that Jesus called Him 'Father', we say:

• Father-God,
  I pray for ................ (People or countries).
  May You answer them in their day of trouble!
  May Your name protect them!
  And may You fulfill all their petitions,
  as may be best for them
  Amen."

Hundreds of Christians praying consistently for those around them, and for world issues will have a big effect. I still remember the years and years we prayed every Sunday for the cessation of Apartheid in South Africa and the Troubles in Northern Ireland, as well as the removal of the Berlin wall, and how in the space of a couple of years changes began which led to peaceful solutions in each case. So keep on praying!

Heavenly Father,
we remember today all those in trouble,
all who have no hope,
and all who need our prayers.
We ask You to hear our prayer,
and fulfil their petitions
as is best for them,
Amen.