April 13, 2019
Psalm 31:6-8, 14-16 The Message (MSG)
Today is the thirty-fourth day of our 40-Day Lenten Series, “Praying for a Kingdom Heart.” Lent should be a time of prayerful reflection, repentance, and restoration as we draw closer to the heart of God. Because we live in a world where we fight spiritual battles that try to distance us from the Father’s heart, the Lord becomes our Shield of love and protection when we call upon him. The Lord advances us and causes us to be victorious. King David sings, “We put our hope in the Lord, He is our help and our Shield (Ps 33:20). Behind this Shield we can experience the unfailing and limitless love of God. Behind this Shield we can experience healing and rest from torment. Behind this Shield we can breathe and sort through the many messages that bombard us from our souls—mind, will, and emotions. It is our faith in this Shield that protects us from the fiery darts of the enemy. This Shield is Jesus Messiah and he wants to protect you by placing you in the center of his love. Do you know the Lord wants to be your Shield in the time of evil?
During Lent, we will be using the acronym P.R.A.Y. as we pray for a Kingdom Heart. P=praise, R=repent, A=ask, and Y=yield. May God bless you as you spend time in God’s Word and in prayer today.
Psalm 31:6-8, 14-16
I hate all this silly religion,
but you, God, I trust.
I’m leaping and singing in the circle of your love;
you saw my pain,
you disarmed my tormentors,
You didn’t leave me in their clutches
but gave me room to breathe.
Be kind to me, God—
I’m in deep, deep trouble again.
Desperate, I throw myself on you:
you are my God!
Hour by hour I place my days in your hand,
safe from the hands out to get me.
Warm me, your servant, with a smile;
save me because you love me.
Prayer: Lord, I praise you for being my Shield; I place my hope in you. Thank you for giving me rest, as well as room to breathe. I repent for misplacing my trust at times and I ask for an abundance of wisdom to know the difference. I will yield to stay behind my Shield. In Jesus’ name. Amen.