Monday, August 10, 2020

August 10 —Monday prior to Pentecost 11 – Proper 15



Psalm 28:1–2, 6–7; Antiphon, Psalm 28:8—This psalm of David was probably written during the rebellion of his son, Absalom. Recognizing that he is unable to protect and redeem himself, David cries to the Lord, his Rock, to hear the voice of his pleas for mercy, and then gives thanks to the Lord for having heard and delivered him. Verse 8, used as the antiphon, shows that God’s blessings extend to all His people.

David begs the Lord to not be silent in response to his prayer. David uses two different words that communicate basically the same message.

The meaning of that first use of silent can emphasize deafness – the inability of a person to hear. While the second use of the word silent emphasizes the inability to speak.

David asks the Lord to not be closed off to him – both when it comes to the Lord hearing and responding to David’s desperate cry for help. David needs God to both hear and respond to his request. This our Lord has promised to do every time we approach Him.

In the explanation to the introduction to the Lord’s Prayer Luther reminds us, “With these words God tenderly invites us to believe that He is our true Father and that we are His true children, so that with all boldness and confidence we may ask Him as dear children ask their dear father.”

As we prepare to begin another school year we enter with some uncertainty. It is important for each of us to pray daily. With the coronavirus affecting and impacting so many people we can be tempted to fall into uncertainty, fear, worry, or anxiety about the future.

Prayer is effective…it can literally change everything – especially ourselves when we pray and petition God. As you meditate on these words of Psalm 28 Reach out to God as He has promise to come to you. 

Merciful and everlasting God the Father, You did not spare your own Son but delivered Him up for us all that He might bear our sin on the cross. Grant that our hearts may be so fixed with steadfast faith in our Savior that we that we may not fear the power of an adversaries; through Jesus Christ our Lord who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. [1]

Strong Shepherd of your people, when your Son stretched out his hands on the cross, you heard him and he did not become life those who go down into the pit. By his resurrection straighten your people to offer you thanks for the mighty works that you have done and made our hearts dance for you; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. [2]


[1]A prayer for continued protection, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis  
[2] A prayer for Psalm 28, For All the Saints A Prayer Book For and by the Church © 1995 American Lutheran Publicity Bureau Delhi, NY
Luther’s Seal copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things




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