Ps. 139-141
Psalm 139 and 141 contain more verses that I used to use in my confession to God back when I journaled my prayers. Psalm 139:23-24, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; and see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way.” And Psalm 141:3-4a, “Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips. Do not incline my heart to any evil thing.”
These verses really helped me to search what I was thinking and feeling, to keep me honest and open before God and myself. Far too often I just drift through my days without really giving conscious thought to how or if my thoughts and actions are keeping me moving toward God or are pulling me away. It is so easy to drift slowly away, thinking that you still belong to God but not realizing that you are no longer abiding in Him. Let us live our lives consciously! And let us pray without ceasing that God will keep us far from evil and close to His heart.
John 17
When Jesus gets done coaching His apostles, He prays for them. He prays for us. The prayer makes me feel loved. Think of it – we are God’s gift to Christ, and He paid dearly to be able to keep us. And it makes me feel encouraged, because Jesus Himself prayed – even now prays – for my protection and for my joy. And it reminds me that I am meant to be a reflection of God’s own glory. This is a somber responsibility, but one that I am not left to take on alone. How glorious it is, and how grateful I am, to be part of God’s own family!