
Marsh blossoms, Petrie Island, Ottawa, ON — photo by David Kitz
Lead me, LORD, in your righteousness
because of my enemies—
make your way straight before me.
Not a word from their mouth can be trusted;
their heart is filled with malice.
Their throat is an open grave;
with their tongues they tell lies.
Declare them guilty, O God!
Let their intrigues be their downfall.
Banish them for their many sins,
for they have rebelled against you.
But let all who take refuge in you be glad;
let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them,
that those who love your name may rejoice in you.
Surely, LORD, you bless the righteous;
you surround them with your favor as with a shield.
(Psalm 5:8-12, NIV)
I believe that God wants me to pray for his mercy and compassion to touch us all. We need to understand our sorry state and ask God for his love, compassion, and his righteousness to come to us all. Amen.