Today's bible teaching: Though they plot evil against you and devise wicked schemes, they cannot succeed

Psalm 21

1

Psalm 21 For the director of music. A psalm of David.

1

O LORD, the king rejoices in your strength. How great is his joy in the victories you give!

2

You have granted him the desire of his heart and have not withheld the request of his lips. Selah

3

You welcomed him with rich blessings and placed a crown of pure gold on his head.

4

He asked you for life, and you gave it to him-- length of days, for ever and ever.

5

Through the victories you gave, his glory is great; you have bestowed on him splendor and majesty.

6

Surely you have granted him eternal blessings and made him glad with the joy of your presence.

7

For the king trusts in the LORD; through the unfailing love of the Most High he will not be shaken.

8

Your hand will lay hold on all your enemies; your right hand will seize your foes.

9

At the time of your appearing you will make them like a fiery furnace. In his wrath the LORD will swallow them up, and his fire will consume them.

10

You will destroy their descendants from the earth, their posterity from mankind.

11

Though they plot evil against you and devise wicked schemes, they cannot succeed;

12

for you will make them turn their backs when you aim at them with drawn bow.

13

Be exalted, O LORD, in your strength; we will sing and praise your might.

Today's bible teaching: You are the most excellent of men and your lips have been anointed with grace, since God has blessed you forever

Psalm 45

1

Psalm 45 For the director of music. To [the tune of] "Lilies." Of the Sons of Korah. A maskil. ^[1] A wedding song.

1

My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses for the king; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer.

2

You are the most excellent of men and your lips have been anointed with grace, since God has blessed you forever.

3

Gird your sword upon your side, O mighty one; clothe yourself with splendor and majesty.

4

In your majesty ride forth victoriously in behalf of truth, humility and righteousness; let your right hand display awesome deeds.

5

Let your sharp arrows pierce the hearts of the king's enemies; let the nations fall beneath your feet.

6

Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom.

7

You love righteousness and hate wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.

8

All your robes are fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia; from palaces adorned with ivory the music of the strings makes you glad.

9

Daughters of kings are among your honored women; at your right hand is the royal bride in gold of Ophir.

10

Listen, O daughter, consider and give ear: Forget your people and your father's house.

11

The king is enthralled by your beauty; honor him, for he is your lord.

12

The Daughter of Tyre will come with a gift, ^[2] men of wealth will seek your favor.

13

All glorious is the princess within [her chamber]; her gown is interwoven with gold.

14

In embroidered garments she is led to the king; her virgin companions follow her and are brought to you.

15

They are led in with joy and gladness; they enter the palace of the king.

16

Your sons will take the place of your fathers; you will make them princes throughout the land.

17

I will perpetuate your memory through all generations; therefore the nations will praise you for ever and ever.

Today's prayer: Into your hands I commit my spirit; redeem me, O LORD, the God of truth

Psalm 31

1

Psalm 31 For the director of music. A psalm of David.

1

In you, O LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness.

2

Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me.

3

Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me.

4

Free me from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge.

5

Into your hands I commit my spirit; redeem me, O LORD, the God of truth.

6

I hate those who cling to worthless idols; I trust in the LORD.

7

I will be glad and rejoice in your love, for you saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul.

8

You have not handed me over to the enemy but have set my feet in a spacious place.

9

Be merciful to me, O LORD, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and my body with grief.

10

My life is consumed by anguish and my years by groaning; my strength fails because of my affliction, ^[1] and my bones grow weak.

11

Because of all my enemies, I am the utter contempt of my neighbors; I am a dread to my friends-- those who see me on the street flee from me.

12

I am forgotten by them as though I were dead; I have become like broken pottery.

13

For I hear the slander of many; there is terror on every side; they conspire against me and plot to take my life.

14

But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, "You are my God."

15

My times are in your hands; deliver me from my enemies and from those who pursue me.

16

Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love.

17

Let me not be put to shame, O LORD, for I have cried out to you; but let the wicked be put to shame and lie silent in the grave. ^[2]

18

Let their lying lips be silenced, for with pride and contempt they speak arrogantly against the righteous.

19

How great is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you, which you bestow in the sight of men on those who take refuge in you.

20

In the shelter of your presence you hide them from the intrigues of men; in your dwelling you keep them safe from accusing tongues.

21

Praise be to the LORD, for he showed his wonderful love to me when I was in a besieged city.

22

In my alarm I said, "I am cut off from your sight!" Yet you heard my cry for mercy when I called to you for help.

23

Love the LORD, all his saints! The LORD preserves the faithful, but the proud he pays back in full.

24

Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.

Today's praises: Praise be to the LORD, for he has heard my cry for mercy

Psalm 28

1

Psalm 28 Of David.

1

To you I call, O LORD my Rock; do not turn a deaf ear to me. For if you remain silent, I will be like those who have gone down to the pit.

2

Hear my cry for mercy as I call to you for help, as I lift up my hands toward your Most Holy Place.

3

Do not drag me away with the wicked, with those who do evil, who speak cordially with their neighbors but harbor malice in their hearts.

4

Repay them for their deeds and for their evil work; repay them for what their hands have done and bring back upon them what they deserve.

5

Since they show no regard for the works of the LORD and what his hands have done, he will tear them down and never build them up again.

6

Praise be to the LORD, for he has heard my cry for mercy.

7

The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.

8

The LORD is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one.

9

Save your people and bless your inheritance; be their shepherd and carry them forever.

Today's praises: O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!

Psalm 8

1

Psalm 8 For the director of music. According to gittith. ^[1] A psalm of David.

1

O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens.

2

From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise ^[2] because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.

3

When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,

4

what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?

5

You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings ^[3] and crowned him with glory and honor.

6

You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet:

7

all flocks and herds, and the beasts of the field,

8

the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas.

9

O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!

Today's bible teaching: He has revealed his word to Jacob, his laws and decrees to Israel.

Psalm 147

1

Psalm 147

1

Praise the LORD. ^[1] How good it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and fitting to praise him!

2

The LORD builds up Jerusalem; he gathers the exiles of Israel.

3

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

4

He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name.

5

Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit.

6

The LORD sustains the humble but casts the wicked to the ground.

7

Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving; make music to our God on the harp.

8

He covers the sky with clouds; he supplies the earth with rain and makes grass grow on the hills.

9

He provides food for the cattle and for the young ravens when they call.

10

His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor his delight in the legs of a man;

11

the LORD delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.

12

Extol the LORD, O Jerusalem; praise your God, O Zion,

13

for he strengthens the bars of your gates and blesses your people within you.

14

He grants peace to your borders and satisfies you with the finest of wheat.

15

He sends his command to the earth; his word runs swiftly.

16

He spreads the snow like wool and scatters the frost like ashes.

17

He hurls down his hail like pebbles. Who can withstand his icy blast?

18

He sends his word and melts them; he stirs up his breezes, and the waters flow.

19

He has revealed his word to Jacob, his laws and decrees to Israel.

20

He has done this for no other nation; they do not know his laws. Praise the LORD.

Today's praises: Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs

Psalm 100

1

Psalm 100 A psalm. For giving thanks.

1

Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.

2

Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.

3

Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his ^[1] ; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

4

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.

5

For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Today's prayer: May my cry come before you, O LORD; give me understanding according to your word

Psalm 119

1

Psalm 119 ^[1] Aleph

1

Blessed are they whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the LORD.

2

Blessed are they who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart.

3

They do nothing wrong; they walk in his ways.

4

You have laid down precepts that are to be fully obeyed.

5

Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees!

6

Then I would not be put to shame when I consider all your commands.

7

I will praise you with an upright heart as I learn your righteous laws.

8

I will obey your decrees; do not utterly forsake me. Beth

9

How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word.

10

I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands.

11

I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

12

Praise be to you, O LORD; teach me your decrees.

13

With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth.

14

I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches.

15

I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways.

16

I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word. Gimel

17

Do good to your servant, and I will live; I will obey your word.

18

Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.

19

I am a stranger on earth; do not hide your commands from me.

20

My soul is consumed with longing for your laws at all times.

21

You rebuke the arrogant, who are cursed and who stray from your commands.

22

Remove from me scorn and contempt, for I keep your statutes.

23

Though rulers sit together and slander me, your servant will meditate on your decrees.

24

Your statutes are my delight; they are my counselors. Daleth

25

I am laid low in the dust; preserve my life according to your word.

26

I recounted my ways and you answered me; teach me your decrees.

27

Let me understand the teaching of your precepts; then I will meditate on your wonders.

28

My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word.

29

Keep me from deceitful ways; be gracious to me through your law.

30

I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on your laws.

31

I hold fast to your statutes, O LORD; do not let me be put to shame.

32

I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free. He

33

Teach me, O LORD, to follow your decrees; then I will keep them to the end.

34

Give me understanding, and I will keep your law and obey it with all my heart.

35

Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight.

36

Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain.

37

Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word. ^[2]

38

Fulfill your promise to your servant, so that you may be feared.

39

Take away the disgrace I dread, for your laws are good.

40

How I long for your precepts! Preserve my life in your righteousness. Waw

41

May your unfailing love come to me, O LORD, your salvation according to your promise;

42

then I will answer the one who taunts me, for I trust in your word.

43

Do not snatch the word of truth from my mouth, for I have put my hope in your laws.

44

I will always obey your law, for ever and ever.

45

I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts.

46

I will speak of your statutes before kings and will not be put to shame,

47

for I delight in your commands because I love them.

48

I lift up my hands to ^[3] your commands, which I love, and I meditate on your decrees. Zayin

49

Remember your word to your servant, for you have given me hope.

50

My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.

51

The arrogant mock me without restraint, but I do not turn from your law.

52

I remember your ancient laws, O LORD, and I find comfort in them.

53

Indignation grips me because of the wicked, who have forsaken your law.

54

Your decrees are the theme of my song wherever I lodge.

55

In the night I remember your name, O LORD, and I will keep your law.

56

This has been my practice: I obey your precepts. Heth

57

You are my portion, O LORD; I have promised to obey your words.

58

I have sought your face with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise.

59

I have considered my ways and have turned my steps to your statutes.

60

I will hasten and not delay to obey your commands.

61

Though the wicked bind me with ropes, I will not forget your law.

62

At midnight I rise to give you thanks for your righteous laws.

63

I am a friend to all who fear you, to all who follow your precepts.

64

The earth is filled with your love, O LORD; teach me your decrees. Teth

65

Do good to your servant according to your word, O LORD.

66

Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I believe in your commands.

67

Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word.

68

You are good, and what you do is good; teach me your decrees.

69

Though the arrogant have smeared me with lies, I keep your precepts with all my heart.

70

Their hearts are callous and unfeeling, but I delight in your law.

71

It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees.

72

The law from your mouth is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of silver and gold. Yodh

73

Your hands made me and formed me; give me understanding to learn your commands.

74

May those who fear you rejoice when they see me, for I have put my hope in your word.

75

I know, O LORD, that your laws are righteous, and in faithfulness you have afflicted me.

76

May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant.

77

Let your compassion come to me that I may live, for your law is my delight.

78

May the arrogant be put to shame for wronging me without cause; but I will meditate on your precepts.

79

May those who fear you turn to me, those who understand your statutes.

80

May my heart be blameless toward your decrees, that I may not be put to shame. Kaph

81

My soul faints with longing for your salvation, but I have put my hope in your word.

82

My eyes fail, looking for your promise; I say, "When will you comfort me?"

83

Though I am like a wineskin in the smoke, I do not forget your decrees.

84

How long must your servant wait? When will you punish my persecutors?

85

The arrogant dig pitfalls for me, contrary to your law.

86

All your commands are trustworthy; help me, for men persecute me without cause.

87

They almost wiped me from the earth, but I have not forsaken your precepts.

88

Preserve my life according to your love, and I will obey the statutes of your mouth. Lamedh

89

Your word, O LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.

90

Your faithfulness continues through all generations; you established the earth, and it endures.

91

Your laws endure to this day, for all things serve you.

92

If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction.

93

I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have preserved my life.

94

Save me, for I am yours; I have sought out your precepts.

95

The wicked are waiting to destroy me, but I will ponder your statutes.

96

To all perfection I see a limit; but your commands are boundless. Mem

97

Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long.

98

Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for they are ever with me.

99

I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes.

100

I have more understanding than the elders, for I obey your precepts.

101

I have kept my feet from every evil path so that I might obey your word.

102

I have not departed from your laws, for you yourself have taught me.

103

How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!

104

I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path. Nun

105

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.

106

I have taken an oath and confirmed it, that I will follow your righteous laws.

107

I have suffered much; preserve my life, O LORD, according to your word.

108

Accept, O LORD, the willing praise of my mouth, and teach me your laws.

109

Though I constantly take my life in my hands, I will not forget your law.

110

The wicked have set a snare for me, but I have not strayed from your precepts.

111

Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart.

112

My heart is set on keeping your decrees to the very end. Samekh

113

I hate double-minded men, but I love your law.

114

You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word.

115

Away from me, you evildoers, that I may keep the commands of my God!

116

Sustain me according to your promise, and I will live; do not let my hopes be dashed.

117

Uphold me, and I will be delivered; I will always have regard for your decrees.

118

You reject all who stray from your decrees, for their deceitfulness is in vain.

119

All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross; therefore I love your statutes.

120

My flesh trembles in fear of you; I stand in awe of your laws. Ayin

121

I have done what is righteous and just; do not leave me to my oppressors.

122

Ensure your servant's well-being; let not the arrogant oppress me.

123

My eyes fail, looking for your salvation, looking for your righteous promise.

124

Deal with your servant according to your love and teach me your decrees.

125

I am your servant; give me discernment that I may understand your statutes.

126

It is time for you to act, O LORD; your law is being broken.

127

Because I love your commands more than gold, more than pure gold,

128

and because I consider all your precepts right, I hate every wrong path. Pe

129

Your statutes are wonderful; therefore I obey them.

130

The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.

131

I open my mouth and pant, longing for your commands.

132

Turn to me and have mercy on me, as you always do to those who love your name.

133

Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me.

134

Redeem me from the oppression of men, that I may obey your precepts.

135

Make your face shine upon your servant and teach me your decrees.

136

Streams of tears flow from my eyes, for your law is not obeyed. Tsadhe

137

Righteous are you, O LORD, and your laws are right.

138

The statutes you have laid down are righteous; they are fully trustworthy.

139

My zeal wears me out, for my enemies ignore your words.

140

Your promises have been thoroughly tested, and your servant loves them.

141

Though I am lowly and despised, I do not forget your precepts.

142

Your righteousness is everlasting and your law is true.

143

Trouble and distress have come upon me, but your commands are my delight.

144

Your statutes are forever right; give me understanding that I may live. Qoph

145

I call with all my heart; answer me, O LORD, and I will obey your decrees.

146

I call out to you; save me and I will keep your statutes.

147

I rise before dawn and cry for help; I have put my hope in your word.

148

My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises.

149

Hear my voice in accordance with your love; preserve my life, O LORD, according to your laws.

150

Those who devise wicked schemes are near, but they are far from your law.

151

Yet you are near, O LORD, and all your commands are true.

152

Long ago I learned from your statutes that you established them to last forever. Resh

153

Look upon my suffering and deliver me, for I have not forgotten your law.

154

Defend my cause and redeem me; preserve my life according to your promise.

155

Salvation is far from the wicked, for they do not seek out your decrees.

156

Your compassion is great, O LORD; preserve my life according to your laws.

157

Many are the foes who persecute me, but I have not turned from your statutes.

158

I look on the faithless with loathing, for they do not obey your word.

159

See how I love your precepts; preserve my life, O LORD, according to your love.

160

All your words are true; all your righteous laws are eternal. Sin and Shin

161

Rulers persecute me without cause, but my heart trembles at your word.

162

I rejoice in your promise like one who finds great spoil.

163

I hate and abhor falsehood but I love your law.

164

Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous laws.

165

Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.

166

I wait for your salvation, O LORD, and I follow your commands.

167

I obey your statutes, for I love them greatly.

168

I obey your precepts and your statutes, for all my ways are known to you. Taw

169

May my cry come before you, O LORD; give me understanding according to your word.

170

May my supplication come before you; deliver me according to your promise.

171

May my lips overflow with praise, for you teach me your decrees.

172

May my tongue sing of your word, for all your commands are righteous.

173

May your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts.

174

I long for your salvation, O LORD, and your law is my delight.

175

Let me live that I may praise you, and may your laws sustain me.

176

I have strayed like a lost sheep. Seek your servant, for I have not forgotten your commands.

Today's prayer: Arise, O LORD, in your anger; rise up against the rage of my enemies. Awake, my God; decree justice.¹

Psalm 7

1

Psalm 7 A shiggaion ^[1] of David, which he sang to the LORD concerning Cush, a Benjamite.

1

O LORD my God, I take refuge in you; save and deliver me from all who pursue me,

2

or they will tear me like a lion and rip me to pieces with no one to rescue me.

3

O LORD my God, if I have done this and there is guilt on my hands--

4

if I have done evil to him who is at peace with me or without cause have robbed my foe--

5

then let my enemy pursue and overtake me; let him trample my life to the ground and make me sleep in the dust. Selah

6

Arise, O LORD, in your anger; rise up against the rage of my enemies. Awake, my God; decree justice.

7

Let the assembled peoples gather around you. Rule over them from on high;

8

let the LORD judge the peoples. Judge me, O LORD, according to my righteousness, according to my integrity, O Most High.

9

O righteous God, who searches minds and hearts, bring to an end the violence of the wicked and make the righteous secure.

10

My shield ^[2] is God Most High, who saves the upright in heart.

11

God is a righteous judge, a God who expresses his wrath every day.

12

If he does not relent, he ^[3] will sharpen his sword; he will bend and string his bow.

13

He has prepared his deadly weapons; he makes ready his flaming arrows.

14

He who is pregnant with evil and conceives trouble gives birth to disillusionment.

15

He who digs a hole and scoops it out falls into the pit he has made.

16

The trouble he causes recoils on himself; his violence comes down on his own head.

17

I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High.

Today's bible teaching: Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely, who conducts his affairs with justice.

Psalm 112

1

Psalm 112 ^[1]

1

Praise the LORD. ^[2] Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who finds great delight in his commands.

2

His children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed.

3

Wealth and riches are in his house, and his righteousness endures forever.

4

Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man. ^[3]

5

Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely, who conducts his affairs with justice.

6

Surely he will never be shaken; a righteous man will be remembered forever.

7

He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.

8

His heart is secure, he will have no fear; in the end he will look in triumph on his foes.

9

He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor, his righteousness endures forever; his horn ^[4] will be lifted high in honor.

10

The wicked man will see and be vexed, he will gnash his teeth and waste away; the longings of the wicked will come to nothing.

Today's praises: Praise the LORD, all his heavenly hosts, you his servants who do his will.

Psalm 103

1

Psalm 103 Of David.

1

Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.

2

Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits--

3

who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases,

4

who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion,

5

who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

6

The LORD works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed.

7

He made known his ways to Moses, his deeds to the people of Israel:

8

The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.

9

He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever;

10

he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.

11

For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him;

12

as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

13

As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him;

14

for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.

15

As for man, his days are like grass, he flourishes like a flower of the field;

16

the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more.

17

But from everlasting to everlasting the LORD's love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children's children--

18

with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts.

19

The LORD has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all.

20

Praise the LORD, you his angels, you mighty ones who do his bidding, who obey his word.

21

Praise the LORD, all his heavenly hosts, you his servants who do his will.

22

Praise the LORD, all his works everywhere in his dominion. Praise the LORD, O my soul.

Today's bible teaching: Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the LORD has been good to you

Psalm 116

1

Psalm 116

1

I love the LORD, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy.

2

Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live.

3

The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave ^[1] came upon me; I was overcome by trouble and sorrow.

4

Then I called on the name of the LORD: "O LORD, save me!"

5

The LORD is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion.

6

The LORD protects the simplehearted; when I was in great need, he saved me.

7

Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the LORD has been good to you.

8

For you, O LORD, have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling,

9

that I may walk before the LORD in the land of the living.

10

I believed; therefore ^[2] I said, "I am greatly afflicted."

11

And in my dismay I said, "All men are liars."

12

How can I repay the LORD for all his goodness to me?

13

I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD.

14

I will fulfill my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people.

15

Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.

16

O LORD, truly I am your servant; I am your servant, the son of your maidservant ^[3] ; you have freed me from my chains.

17

I will sacrifice a thank offering to you and call on the name of the LORD.

18

I will fulfill my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people,

19

in the courts of the house of the LORD-- in your midst, O Jerusalem. Praise the LORD. 

Today's bible teaching: Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in his ways

Psalm 128

1

Psalm 128 A song of ascents.

1

Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in his ways.

2

You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours.

3

Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your sons will be like olive shoots around your table.

4

Thus is the man blessed who fears the LORD.

5

May the LORD bless you from Zion all the days of your life; may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem,

6

and may you live to see your children's children. Peace be upon Israel.

Today's bible teaching: For the sake of David your servant, do not reject your anointed one

Psalm 132

1

Psalm 132 A song of ascents.

1

O LORD, remember David and all the hardships he endured.

2

He swore an oath to the LORD and made a vow to the Mighty One of Jacob:

3

"I will not enter my house or go to my bed--

4

I will allow no sleep to my eyes, no slumber to my eyelids,

5

till I find a place for the LORD, a dwelling for the Mighty One of Jacob."

6

We heard it in Ephrathah, we came upon it in the fields of Jaar ^[1] : ^[2]

7

"Let us go to his dwelling place; let us worship at his footstool--

8

arise, O LORD, and come to your resting place, you and the ark of your might.

9

May your priests be clothed with righteousness; may your saints sing for joy."

10

For the sake of David your servant, do not reject your anointed one.

11

The LORD swore an oath to David, a sure oath that he will not revoke: "One of your own descendants I will place on your throne--

12

if your sons keep my covenant and the statutes I teach them, then their sons will sit on your throne for ever and ever."

13

For the LORD has chosen Zion, he has desired it for his dwelling:

14

"This is my resting place for ever and ever; here I will sit enthroned, for I have desired it--

15

I will bless her with abundant provisions; her poor will I satisfy with food.

16

I will clothe her priests with salvation, and her saints will ever sing for joy.

17

"Here I will make a horn ^[3] grow for David and set up a lamp for my anointed one.

18

I will clothe his enemies with shame, but the crown on his head will be resplendent."

Today's bible teaching: O Israel, put your hope in the LORD, for with the LORD is unfailing love and with him is full redemption.

Psalm 130

1

Psalm 130 A song of ascents.

1

Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD;

2

O Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy.

3

If you, O LORD, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand?

4

But with you there is forgiveness; therefore you are feared.

5

I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope.

6

My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning.

7

O Israel, put your hope in the LORD, for with the LORD is unfailing love and with him is full redemption.

8

He himself will redeem Israel from all their sins.

Today's bible teaching: Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy

Psalm 126

1

Psalm 126 A song of ascents.

1

When the LORD brought back the captives to ^[1] Zion, we were like men who dreamed. ^[2]

2

Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them."

3

The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.

4

Restore our fortunes, ^[3] O LORD, like streams in the Negev.

5

Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy.

6

He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him.

Today's prayer: Do good, O LORD, to those who are good, to those who are upright in heart¹

Psalm 125

1

Psalm 125 A song of ascents.

1

Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever.

2

As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds his people both now and forevermore.

3

The scepter of the wicked will not remain over the land allotted to the righteous, for then the righteous might use their hands to do evil.

4

Do good, O LORD, to those who are good, to those who are upright in heart.

5

But those who turn to crooked ways the LORD will banish with the evildoers. Peace be upon Israel.

Today's prayer: I lift up my eyes to you, to you whose throne is in heaven.

Psalm 123

1

Psalm 123 A song of ascents.

1

I lift up my eyes to you, to you whose throne is in heaven.

2

As the eyes of slaves look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maid look to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the LORD our God, till he shows us his mercy.

3

Have mercy on us, O LORD, have mercy on us, for we have endured much contempt.

4

We have endured much ridicule from the proud, much contempt from the arrogant.

Today's prayer: Save me, O LORD, from lying lips and from deceitful tongues

Psalm 120

1

Psalm 120 A song of ascents.

1

I call on the LORD in my distress, and he answers me.

2

Save me, O LORD, from lying lips and from deceitful tongues.

3

What will he do to you, and what more besides, O deceitful tongue?

4

He will punish you with a warrior's sharp arrows, with burning coals of the broom tree.

5

Woe to me that I dwell in Meshech, that I live among the tents of Kedar!

6

Too long have I lived among those who hate peace.

7

I am a man of peace; but when I speak, they are for war.

Kidnapped Catholic Priest Dies In Captivity(Photos)

Rev Fr. Joseph Aketeh Bako, has died in the hands of his abductors eight weeks after he was abducted.

Late Rev. Fr Bako was kidnapped from his parish house in Kudenda community of Chikun local government area of Kaduna State-Nigeria, on 8th March, 2022. Fr. Bako (aged 48) was kidnapped from his residence, in St John's Catholic Church Kudenda, where he was serving as Parish Priest, on the 8th March, 2022.

 

Fr. Bako was ill before the abduction and his abductors didn’t allow him to go alone with his medicine. Kindly pray for his soul to rest in peace, and for the conversation of his abductors. 

Today's praise: Praise the Lord

Psalm 117

¹ Praise the Lord, all you nations!
   Extol him, all you peoples!
² For great is his steadfast love towards us,
   and the faithfulness of the Lord endures for ever.
Praise the Lord!

Today's bible teaching: Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob

Psalm 114

1

Psalm 114

1

When Israel came out of Egypt, the house of Jacob from a people of foreign tongue,

2

Judah became God's sanctuary, Israel his dominion.

3

The sea looked and fled, the Jordan turned back;

4

the mountains skipped like rams, the hills like lambs.

5

Why was it, O sea, that you fled, O Jordan, that you turned back,

6

you mountains, that you skipped like rams, you hills, like lambs?

7

Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob,

8

who turned the rock into a pool, the hard rock into springs of water.

Today's bible teaching: O Israel, put your hope in the LORD, for with the LORD is unfailing love and with him is full redemption.

Psalm 130

1

Psalm 130 A song of ascents.

1

Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD;

2

O Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy.

3

If you, O LORD, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand?

4

But with you there is forgiveness; therefore you are feared.

5

I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope.

6

My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning.

7

O Israel, put your hope in the LORD, for with the LORD is unfailing love and with him is full redemption.

8

He himself will redeem Israel from all their sins.

Today's prayer: Hear my prayer, O LORD; let my cry for help come to you.

Psalm 102

1

Psalm 102 A prayer of an afflicted man. When he is faint and pours out his lament before the LORD.

1

Hear my prayer, O LORD; let my cry for help come to you.

2

Do not hide your face from me when I am in distress. Turn your ear to me; when I call, answer me quickly.

3

For my days vanish like smoke; my bones burn like glowing embers.

4

My heart is blighted and withered like grass; I forget to eat my food.

5

Because of my loud groaning I am reduced to skin and bones.

6

I am like a desert owl, like an owl among the ruins.

7

I lie awake; I have become like a bird alone on a roof.

8

All day long my enemies taunt me; those who rail against me use my name as a curse.

9

For I eat ashes as my food and mingle my drink with tears

10

because of your great wrath, for you have taken me up and thrown me aside.

11

My days are like the evening shadow; I wither away like grass.

12

But you, O LORD, sit enthroned forever; your renown endures through all generations.

13

You will arise and have compassion on Zion, for it is time to show favor to her; the appointed time has come.

14

For her stones are dear to your servants; her very dust moves them to pity.

15

The nations will fear the name of the LORD, all the kings of the earth will revere your glory.

16

For the LORD will rebuild Zion and appear in his glory.

17

He will respond to the prayer of the destitute; he will not despise their plea.

18

Let this be written for a future generation, that a people not yet created may praise the LORD:

19

"The LORD looked down from his sanctuary on high, from heaven he viewed the earth,

20

to hear the groans of the prisoners and release those condemned to death."

21

So the name of the LORD will be declared in Zion and his praise in Jerusalem

22

when the peoples and the kingdoms assemble to worship the LORD.

23

In the course of my life ^[1] he broke my strength; he cut short my days.

24

So I said: "Do not take me away, O my God, in the midst of my days; your years go on through all generations.

25

In the beginning you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands.

26

They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment. Like clothing you will change them and they will be discarded.

27

But you remain the same, and your years will never end.

28

The children of your servants will live in your presence; their descendants will be established before you."

Today's bible teaching: They spread a net for my feet-- I was bowed down in distress. They dug a pit in my path-- but they have fallen into it themselves.

Psalm 57

1

Psalm 57 For the director of music. [To the tune of] "Do Not Destroy." Of David. A miktam. ^[1] When he had fled from Saul into the cave.

1

Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, for in you my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed.

2

I cry out to God Most High, to God, who fulfills [his purpose] for me.

3

He sends from heaven and saves me, rebuking those who hotly pursue me; Selah God sends his love and his faithfulness.

4

I am in the midst of lions; I lie among ravenous beasts-- men whose teeth are spears and arrows, whose tongues are sharp swords.

5

Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth.

6

They spread a net for my feet-- I was bowed down in distress. They dug a pit in my path-- but they have fallen into it themselves. Selah

7

My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music.

8

Awake, my soul! Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn.

9

I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples.

10

For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies.

11

Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth.

Today's bible teaching: Whoever slanders his neighbor in secret, him will I put to silence; whoever has haughty eyes and a proud heart, him will I not endure.

Psalm 101

1

Psalm 101 Of David. A psalm.

1

I will sing of your love and justice; to you, O LORD, I will sing praise.

2

I will be careful to lead a blameless life-- when will you come to me? I will walk in my house with blameless heart.

3

I will set before my eyes no vile thing. The deeds of faithless men I hate; they will not cling to me.

4

Men of perverse heart shall be far from me; I will have nothing to do with evil.

5

Whoever slanders his neighbor in secret, him will I put to silence; whoever has haughty eyes and a proud heart, him will I not endure.

6

My eyes will be on the faithful in the land, that they may dwell with me; he whose walk is blameless will minister to me.

7

No one who practices deceit will dwell in my house; no one who speaks falsely will stand in my presence.

8

Every morning I will put to silence all the wicked in the land; I will cut off every evildoer from the city of the LORD.

Today's bible teaching: Surely he will never be shaken; a righteous man will be remembered forever.

Psalm 112

1

Psalm 112 ^[1]

1

Praise the LORD. ^[2] Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who finds great delight in his commands.

2

His children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed.

3

Wealth and riches are in his house, and his righteousness endures forever.

4

Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man. ^[3]

5

Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely, who conducts his affairs with justice.

6

Surely he will never be shaken; a righteous man will be remembered forever.

7

He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.

8

His heart is secure, he will have no fear; in the end he will look in triumph on his foes.

9

He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor, his righteousness endures forever; his horn ^[4] will be lifted high in honor.

10

The wicked man will see and be vexed, he will gnash his teeth and waste away; the longings of the wicked will come to nothing.

Today's praises: Praise God in the great congregation; praise the LORD in the assembly of Israel.

Psalm 68

1

Psalm 68 For the director of music. Of David. A psalm. A song.

1

May God arise, may his enemies be scattered; may his foes flee before him.

2

As smoke is blown away by the wind, may you blow them away; as wax melts before the fire, may the wicked perish before God.

3

But may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful.

4

Sing to God, sing praise to his name, extol him who rides on the clouds ^[1] -- his name is the LORD-- and rejoice before him.

5

A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.

6

God sets the lonely in families, ^[2] he leads forth the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.

7

When you went out before your people, O God, when you marched through the wasteland, Selah

8

the earth shook, the heavens poured down rain, before God, the One of Sinai, before God, the God of Israel.

9

You gave abundant showers, O God; you refreshed your weary inheritance.

10

Your people settled in it, and from your bounty, O God, you provided for the poor.

11

The Lord announced the word, and great was the company of those who proclaimed it:

12

"Kings and armies flee in haste; in the camps men divide the plunder.

13

Even while you sleep among the campfires, ^[3] the wings of [my] dove are sheathed with silver, its feathers with shining gold."

14

When the Almighty ^[4] scattered the kings in the land, it was like snow fallen on Zalmon.

15

The mountains of Bashan are majestic mountains; rugged are the mountains of Bashan.

16

Why gaze in envy, O rugged mountains, at the mountain where God chooses to reign, where the LORD himself will dwell forever?

17

The chariots of God are tens of thousands and thousands of thousands; the Lord [has come] from Sinai into his sanctuary.

18

When you ascended on high, you led captives in your train; you received gifts from men, even from ^[5] the rebellious-- that you, ^[6] O LORD God, might dwell there.

19

Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens. Selah

20

Our God is a God who saves; from the Sovereign LORD comes escape from death.

21

Surely God will crush the heads of his enemies, the hairy crowns of those who go on in their sins.

22

The Lord says, "I will bring them from Bashan; I will bring them from the depths of the sea,

23

that you may plunge your feet in the blood of your foes, while the tongues of your dogs have their share."

24

Your procession has come into view, O God, the procession of my God and King into the sanctuary.

25

In front are the singers, after them the musicians; with them are the maidens playing tambourines.

26

Praise God in the great congregation; praise the LORD in the assembly of Israel.

27

There is the little tribe of Benjamin, leading them, there the great throng of Judah's princes, and there the princes of Zebulun and of Naphtali.

28

Summon your power, O God ^[7] ; show us your strength, O God, as you have done before.

29

Because of your temple at Jerusalem kings will bring you gifts.

30

Rebuke the beast among the reeds, the herd of bulls among the calves of the nations. Humbled, may it bring bars of silver. Scatter the nations who delight in war.

31

Envoys will come from Egypt; Cush ^[8] will submit herself to God.

32

Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth, sing praise to the Lord, Selah

33

to him who rides the ancient skies above, who thunders with mighty voice.

34

Proclaim the power of God, whose majesty is over Israel, whose power is in the skies.

35

You are awesome, O God, in your sanctuary; the God of Israel gives power and strength to his people. Praise be to God!

Today's prayer: Save me, O God, for the waters have come up to my neck

Psalm 69

1

Psalm 69 For the director of music. To [the tune of] "Lilies." Of David.

1

Save me, O God, for the waters have come up to my neck.

2

I sink in the miry depths, where there is no foothold. I have come into the deep waters; the floods engulf me.

3

I am worn out calling for help; my throat is parched. My eyes fail, looking for my God.

4

Those who hate me without reason outnumber the hairs of my head; many are my enemies without cause, those who seek to destroy me. I am forced to restore what I did not steal.

5

You know my folly, O God; my guilt is not hidden from you.

6

May those who hope in you not be disgraced because of me, O Lord, the LORD Almighty; may those who seek you not be put to shame because of me, O God of Israel.

7

For I endure scorn for your sake, and shame covers my face.

8

I am a stranger to my brothers, an alien to my own mother's sons;

9

for zeal for your house consumes me, and the insults of those who insult you fall on me.

10

When I weep and fast, I must endure scorn;

11

when I put on sackcloth, people make sport of me.

12

Those who sit at the gate mock me, and I am the song of the drunkards.

13

But I pray to you, O LORD, in the time of your favor; in your great love, O God, answer me with your sure salvation.

14

Rescue me from the mire, do not let me sink; deliver me from those who hate me, from the deep waters.

15

Do not let the floodwaters engulf me or the depths swallow me up or the pit close its mouth over me.

16

Answer me, O LORD, out of the goodness of your love; in your great mercy turn to me.

17

Do not hide your face from your servant; answer me quickly, for I am in trouble.

18

Come near and rescue me; redeem me because of my foes.

19

You know how I am scorned, disgraced and shamed; all my enemies are before you.

20

Scorn has broken my heart and has left me helpless; I looked for sympathy, but there was none, for comforters, but I found none.

21

They put gall in my food and gave me vinegar for my thirst.

22

May the table set before them become a snare; may it become retribution and ^[1] a trap.

23

May their eyes be darkened so they cannot see, and their backs be bent forever.

24

Pour out your wrath on them; let your fierce anger overtake them.

25

May their place be deserted; let there be no one to dwell in their tents.

26

For they persecute those you wound and talk about the pain of those you hurt.

27

Charge them with crime upon crime; do not let them share in your salvation.

28

May they be blotted out of the book of life and not be listed with the righteous.

29

I am in pain and distress; may your salvation, O God, protect me.

30

I will praise God's name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving.

31

This will please the LORD more than an ox, more than a bull with its horns and hoofs.

32

The poor will see and be glad-- you who seek God, may your hearts live!

33

The LORD hears the needy and does not despise his captive people.

34

Let heaven and earth praise him, the seas and all that move in them,

35

for God will save Zion and rebuild the cities of Judah. Then people will settle there and possess it;

36

the children of his servants will inherit it, and those who love his name will dwell there.

Today's bible teaching: Blessed are those you choose and bring near to live in your courts! We are filled with the good things of your house, of your holy temple.

Psalm 65

1

Psalm 65 For the director of music. A psalm of David. A song.

1

Praise awaits ^[1] you, O God, in Zion; to you our vows will be fulfilled.

2

O you who hear prayer, to you all men will come.

3

When we were overwhelmed by sins, you forgave ^[2] our transgressions.

4

Blessed are those you choose and bring near to live in your courts! We are filled with the good things of your house, of your holy temple.

5

You answer us with awesome deeds of righteousness, O God our Savior, the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas,

6

who formed the mountains by your power, having armed yourself with strength,

7

who stilled the roaring of the seas, the roaring of their waves, and the turmoil of the nations.

8

Those living far away fear your wonders; where morning dawns and evening fades you call forth songs of joy.

9

You care for the land and water it; you enrich it abundantly. The streams of God are filled with water to provide the people with grain, for so you have ordained it. ^[3]

10

You drench its furrows and level its ridges; you soften it with showers and bless its crops.

11

You crown the year with your bounty, and your carts overflow with abundance.

12

The grasslands of the desert overflow; the hills are clothed with gladness.

13

The meadows are covered with flocks and the valleys are mantled with grain; they shout for joy and sing.

Today's prayer: May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine upon us

Psalm 67

1

Psalm 67 For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A psalm. A song.

1

May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine upon us, Selah

2

that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations.

3

May the peoples praise you, O God; may all the peoples praise you.

4

May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you rule the peoples justly and guide the nations of the earth. Selah

5

May the peoples praise you, O God; may all the peoples praise you.

6

Then the land will yield its harvest, and God, our God, will bless us.

7

God will bless us, and all the ends of the earth will fear him.

Today's praises: Be exalted in your strength, LORD; we will sing and praise your might

Psalm chapter 21

1 For the director of music. A psalm of David. The king rejoices in your strength, LORD. How great is his joy in the victories you give! 2 You have granted him his heart's desire and have not withheld the request of his lips. 3 You came to greet him with rich blessings and placed a crown of pure gold on his head. 4 He asked you for life, and you gave it to him-- length of days, for ever and ever. 5 Through the victories you gave, his glory is great; you have bestowed on him splendor and majesty. 6 Surely you have granted him unending blessings and made him glad with the joy of your presence.

7 For the king trusts in the LORD; through the unfailing love of the Most High he will not be shaken. 8 Your hand will lay hold on all your enemies; your right hand will seize your foes. 9 When you appear for battle, you will burn them up as in a blazing furnace. The LORD will swallow them up in his wrath, and his fire will consume them. 10 You will destroy their descendants from the earth, their posterity from mankind. 11 Though they plot evil against you and devise wicked schemes, they cannot succeed.

12 You will make them turn their backs when you aim at them with drawn bow. 13 Be exalted in your strength, LORD; we will sing and praise your might.