6.3.15

Pray with JOY

March 6, 2015
Opening Hymns:
688 God that Madest Earth and Heaven
http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh688.sht

Scripture Reading:
Psalm 19
19:1 The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.
19:2 Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge.
19:3 There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard;
19:4 yet their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In the heavens he has set a tent for the sun,
19:5 which comes out like a bridegroom from his wedding canopy, and like a strong man runs its course with joy.
19:6 Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them; and nothing is hid from its heat.
19:7 The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the decrees of the LORD are sure, making wise the simple;
19:8 the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is clear, enlightening the eyes;
19:9 the fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
19:10 More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey, and drippings of the honeycomb.
19:11 Moreover by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
19:12 But who can detect their errors? Clear me from hidden faults.
19:13 Keep back your servant also from the insolent; do not let them have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression.
19:14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.


Message:
The Psalms are such beautiful scripture to read. Whenever life gets hard, or stress seems overwhelming, the Psalms can be there to comfort us. There can be great meditation in these words. Many of the Psalms are written like a prayer that we can pray to the Lord. They remind us to praise the Lord with our being, and they remind us of God’s steadfast love.

The Psalms remind me that our prayers shouldn’t only be focused on ourselves, and loved ones… but we should also pray prayers of praise to God. Sometimes we can get caught up in the stress of day to day. Our prayers can reflect that. There are so many tragedies in the world that I wouldn’t have enough time in one day to pray for them all… but there are countless blessings that we have been given too.

Back in Sunday school I learned different ways to pray. One was called praying with JOY. You pray for Jesus, others, and then yourself…. Sometimes I think I flip that one around… and other times I can even forget to say “thank you” when a prayer has been answered. The Psalms, and the Lord’s Prayer that Jesus taught us, can help us remember.

Time of Prayer
Dear Lord, thank You for all the countless blessings that You have given us. Thank You for Your gift of Your Son Jesus Christ. For His teaching, love, and sacrifice. Lord be with those in the world today that struggle with sickness, poverty, hunger, or loss. Guide them through all the trials in their life. Be with each of us as we seek to serve You and do Your will. Forgive us when we forget to say “thank you”. Let us always remember to love You with all our hearts. Amen.  


The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, Who art in Heaven, Hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.

Closing Hymn
671 Lord, Dismiss Us with Thy Blessing
http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh671.sht

The blessing of God Almighty, the wisdom and power of Christ Jesus, and the light of the Holy Spirit be among you and remain with you always. Amen.

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