for Adults – Week 1

Psalms is a collection of poems in the that help us learn to pray and to praise . The Book of Psalms is sometimes called the , especially when it is published apart from any other book of the Bible. There are 150 psalms in the Psalter. Each of these 150 psalms, just like each person, is unique. Still, there are types of psalms, just as there are types of people. The psalms below all belong to the genre (type) called psalms of lament or complaint. You could also call them “Help me!” .

I encourage you to read one of these psalms each day this week. After you read it once, you may want to try reading it aloud to see if it feels any different. There are only five psalms, so if you read one a day, you will have to repeat some of them. That is intentional. I’ve chosen to use the Contemporary English Version for its simplicity and power. Enjoy! - Pastor Mike

Psalm 3 - An Early Morning Now have pity and listen as I pray. 1 I have a lot of enemies, LORD. 2 Many fight against 2 me and say, How long will you people “God won’t rescue you!” refuse to respect me? You love foolish things, 3 But you are my shield, and you run after and you give me victory what is worthless.

and great honor. 3 4 I pray to you, and you answer The LORD has chosen from your sacred hill. everyone who is faithful to be his very own, 5 I sleep and wake up refreshed and he answers my prayers. 4 But each of you because you, LORD, protect me. had better tremble 6 Ten thousand enemies attack and turn from your sins. from every side, Silently search your heart but I am not afraid. as you lie in bed. 5 Offer the proper sacrifices and trust the LORD. 7 Come and save me, LORD God!

Break my enemies' jaws 6 and shatter their teeth, There are some who ask, 8 because you protect “Who will be good to us?” and bless your people. Let your kindness, LORD, shine brightly on us. 7 You brought me more happiness - An Evening Prayer than a rich harvest

1 of grain and grapes. You are my God and protector. 8 I can lie down Please answer my prayer. and sleep soundly I was in terrible distress, because you, LORD, but you set me free. will keep me safe.

1 Psalms for Adults – Week 1

Psalm 10 - A Prayer for Help to help those in need. 13 The wicked don’t respect you. 1 Why are you far away, LORD? In their hearts they say, Why do you hide yourself “God won’t punish us!” when I am in trouble? 2 Proud and brutal people 14 But you see the trouble hunt down the poor. and the distress, But let them get caught and you will do something. by their own evil plans! The poor can count on you, and so can orphans. 3 The wicked brag about 15 Now break the arms their deepest desires. of all merciless people. Those greedy people hate Punish them for doing wrong and curse you, LORD. and make them stop. 4 The wicked are too proud to turn to you 16 Our LORD, you will always rule, or even think about you. but nations will vanish 5 They are always successful, from the earth. though they can’t understand 17 You listen to the longings your teachings, of those who suffer. and they keep sneering You offer them hope, at their enemies. and you pay attention to their cries for help. 6 In their hearts they say, 18 You defend orphans “Nothing can hurt us! and everyone else in need, We’ll always be happy so that no one on earth and free from trouble.” can terrify others again. 7 They curse and tell lies, and all they talk about - A Prayer for Help is how to be cruel or how to do wrong. 1 Only you, LORD, are a mighty rock! 8 They hide outside villages, Don’t refuse to help me waiting to strike and murder when I pray. some innocent victim. If you don’t answer me, 9 They are hungry lions I will soon be dead. hiding in the bushes, 2 Please listen to my prayer hoping to catch and my cry for help, some helpless passerby. as I lift my hands They trap the poor in nets toward your holy temple. and drag them away. 10 They crouch down and wait 3 Don’t drag me away, LORD, to grab a victim. with those cruel people, 11 They say, “God can’t see! who speak kind words, He’s got on a blindfold.” while planning trouble. 4 Treat them as they deserve! 12 Do something, LORD God, Punish them for their sins. and use your powerful arm 5 They don’t pay any attention 2 Psalms for Adults – Week 1

to your wonderful deeds. Do you refuse to show mercy Now you will destroy them because of your anger?” and leave them in ruin. 10 Then I said, “God Most High, what hurts me most 6 I praise you, LORD, is that you no longer help us for answering my prayers. with your mighty arm.” 7 You are my strong shield, and I trust you completely. 11 Our LORD, I will remember You have helped me, the things you have done, and I will celebrate your miracles of long ago. and thank you in song. 12 I will think about each one of your mighty deeds. 8 You give strength 13 Everything you do is right, to your people, LORD, and no other god and you save and protect compares with you. your chosen ones. 14 You alone work miracles, 9 Come save us and bless us. and you have let nations Be our shepherd and always see your mighty power. carry us in your arms. 15 With your own arm you rescued your people, - In Times of Trouble God Is the descendants with His People of Jacob and Joseph.

16 1 I pray to you, Lord God, The ocean looked at you, God, and I beg you to listen. and it trembled deep down 2 In days filled with trouble, with fear. 17 I search for you. Water flowed from the clouds. And at night I tirelessly Thunder was heard above lift my hands in prayer, as your arrows of lightning refusing comfort. flashed about. 18 3 When I think of you, Your thunder roared I feel restless and weak. like chariot wheels. The world was made bright 4 Because of you, Lord God, by lightning, I can’t sleep. and all the earth trembled. I am restless 19 and can’t even talk. You walked through the water 5 I think of times gone by, of the mighty sea, of those years long ago. but your footprints 6 Each night my mind were never seen. 20 is flooded with questions: You guided your people 7 “Have you rejected me forever? like a flock of sheep, Won’t you be kind again? and you chose Moses and Aaron 8 Is this the end of your love to be their leaders. and your promises? 9 Have you forgotten how to have pity?

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