God calls us to face challenges with courage, not fear. Our strength is not in ourselves but in the Lord who goes before us. When we feel weak, His presence gives us boldness to stand firm.
Our Father (The Lord’s Prayer)
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
A Psalm of Praise and Thanks
Psalm 27
When the wicked came against me to devour my flesh, my enemies and my foes, they stumbled and fell.
Though an army encamps against me, my heart will not fear; though a war breaks out against me, I will keep my trust.
One thing I have asked of the LORD; this is what I desire: to dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and seek Him in His temple.
For in the day of trouble He will hide me in His shelter; He will conceal me under the cover of His tent; He will set me high upon a rock.
Then my head will be held high above my enemies around me. At His tent I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD.
Hear me, O LORD, when I cry aloud; be merciful and answer me. My heart says of You, “Seek His face!” Your face, O LORD, I will seek.
Do not hide Your face from me, do not turn Your servant away in anger; You have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, O God of my salvation.
Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will take me in. Teach me Your way, O LORD, and lead me on a level path, because of my oppressors.
Do not surrender me to the will of my foes, for false witnesses have risen against me, and they breathe out violence.
I am confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.
Wait for the LORD; be strong and courageous. Wait for the LORD.
A Psalm for Mercy and Help
Psalm 31
Incline Your ear to me; come quickly to my rescue. Be my rock of refuge, the stronghold of my deliverance.
For You are my rock and my fortress; lead me and guide me for the sake of Your name.
You free me from the net laid out for me, for You are my refuge. Into Your hands I commit my spirit; You have redeemed me, O LORD, God of truth.
I hate those who cling to worthless idols, but in the LORD I trust. I will be glad and rejoice in Your loving devotion, for You have seen my affliction; You have known the anguish of my soul.
You have not delivered me to the enemy; You have set my feet in the open.
Be merciful to me, O LORD, for I am in distress; my eyes fail from sorrow, my soul and body as well.
For my life is consumed with grief and my years with groaning; my iniquity has drained my strength, and my bones are wasting away.
Among all my enemies I am a disgrace, and among my neighbors even more. I am dreaded by my friends—they flee when they see me on the street.
I am forgotten like a dead man, out of mind. I am like a broken vessel.
For I hear the slander of many; there is terror on every side. They conspire against me and plot to take my life.
But I trust in You, O LORD; I say, “You are my God.” My times are in Your hands; deliver me from my enemies and from those who pursue me.
Make Your face shine on Your servant; save me by Your loving devotion. O LORD, let me not be ashamed, for I have called on You.
Let the wicked be put to shame; let them lie silent in Sheol. May lying lips be silenced—lips that speak with arrogance against the righteous, full of pride and contempt.
How great is Your goodness which You have laid up for those who fear You, which You have bestowed before the sons of men on those who take refuge in You!
You hide them in the secret place of Your presence from the schemes of men. You conceal them in Your shelter from accusing tongues.
Blessed be the LORD, for He has shown me His loving devotion in a city under siege.
In my alarm I said, “I am cut off from Your sight!” But You heard my plea for mercy when I called to You for help.
Love the LORD, all His saints. The LORD preserves the faithful, but fully repays the arrogant.
Be strong and courageous, all you who hope in the LORD.
Brief Prayer
Lord, when fear whispers that I am not enough, remind me of Your strength.
Fill my heart with courage that comes from Your promises.
Teach me to step forward in faith, even when I feel weak.
Help me to trust that You go before me in every battle.
Strengthen my spirit to stand firm against the enemy.
Let me find bravery not in myself but in Your presence.
Keep me bold in living out the calling You’ve given me.
Amen.
