A psalm of Asaph.
God is indeed good to Israel,
to the pure in heart.
But as for me, my feet almost slipped;
my steps nearly went astray.
For I envied the arrogant;
I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
They have an easy time until they die,
and their bodies are well fed.
They are not in trouble like others;
they are not afflicted like most people.
Therefore, pride is their necklace,
and violence covers them like a garment.
Their eyes bulge out from fatness;
the imaginations of their hearts run wild.
They mock, and they speak maliciously;
they arrogantly threaten oppression.
They set their mouths against heaven,
and their tongues strut across the earth.
Therefore his people turn to them
and drink in their overflowing words.
The wicked say, “How can God know?
Does the Most High know everything?”
Look at them—the wicked!
They are always at ease,
and they increase their wealth.
Did I purify my heart
and wash my hands in innocence for nothing?
For I am afflicted all day long
and punished every morning.
If I had decided to say these things aloud,
I would have betrayed your people.
When I tried to understand all this,
it seemed hopeless
until I entered God’s sanctuary.
Then I understood their destiny.
Indeed, you put them in slippery places;
you make them fall into ruin.
How suddenly they become a desolation!
They come to an end, swept away by terrors.
Like one waking from a dream,
Lord, when arising, you will despise their image.
When I became embittered
and my innermost being was wounded,
I was stupid and didn’t understand;
I was an unthinking animal toward you.
Yet I am always with you;
you hold my right hand.
You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will take me up in glory.
Who do I have in heaven but you?
And I desire nothing on earth but you.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart,
my portion forever.
Those far from you will certainly perish;
you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.
But as for me, God’s presence is my good.
I have made the Lord GOD my refuge,
so I can tell about all you do.
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Pray out loud using this prewritten prayer based on today’s Scripture. Use it as a model for using Scripture in your own prayers.
Based on Psalm 73 - by Caleb Jenkins, Executive Pastor – Leawood Campus
God, I know you are good to (your people),
to the pure in heart.
But as for me, my feet almost slipped;
my steps nearly went astray.
Lord, I confess that I envy those who don’t follow you.
I see pleasure, riches, and other good things come to those who don’t live by your commands.
I say now specifically things I secretly wish I experienced…
(name things you want that you see others have).
Did I purify my heart
and wash my hands in innocence for nothing?
Father, I am afraid that I am receiving no benefit for doing the right thing.
This life does not feel fair and just.
I feel awful as this turmoil rages within me.
I don’t feel like I can be honest with others about my envy and bitterness, lest they judge me for these feelings.
When I tried to understand all this,
it seemed hopeless,
until I entered God’s sanctuary.
Then I understood their destiny.
Jesus, I recognize now as I reflect on your sacrifice on the cross,
that opened by path into the sanctuary presence of God, the true cost of sin.
Without your atoning sacrifice on my behalf, I would be nothing.
I know now that while life seems unjust and unfair now, one day when you return it won’t be that way.
When I became embittered
and my innermost being was wounded,
I was stupid and didn’t understand;
I was an unthinking animal toward you
God, I am sorry that I became envious and bitter as I longed for the things of others.
Forgive me for wanting what is not good for me.
Remind me that you are always with me and right beside me.
Guide and direct me to desire as you do all the days of my life.
Who do I have in heaven but you?
And I desire nothing on earth but you.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart,
my portion forever.
Those far from you will certainly perish;
you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.
But as for me, God’s presence is my good.
I have made the Lord GOD my refuge,
so I can tell about all you do.
Spirit, help me to experience and feel this to the depth of my being.
May my longings direct me back to Jesus,
The one who loved me and gave himself up for me.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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