Whether you’re talking about ISIS, Ferguson or the latest act of terror, people are searching for some type of protection against violence. While reading a chapter in the Bible last night I stumbled upon an outline for a prayer to end violence. If you read Psalm 140 one verse at a time, you can claim each promise as you pray.
Rescue me, LORD, from evildoers; protect me from the violent, Psalm 140:1.
Rescue and protect me O Lord.
Who devise evil plans in their hearts and stir up war every day, Psalm 140:2.
Deliver me from evil, temptations and war.
They make their tongues as sharp as a serpent’s; the poison of vipers is on their lips, Psalm 140:3.
Save my family from gossip, rumors and words that can damage their souls.
Keep me safe, LORD, from the hands of the wicked; protect me from the violent, who devise ways to trip my feet, Psalm 140:4,
Shelter me from wicked attempts to do harm; provide a hedge of protection against violent threats.
The arrogant have hidden a snare for me; they have spread out the cords of their net and have set traps for me along my path, Psalm 140:5.
Guide my path in life, exposing any traps that arise along the way.
I say to the LORD, “You are my God.” Hear, LORD, my cry for mercy, Psalm 140:6.
Answer my plea for mercy.
Sovereign LORD, my strong deliverer, you shield my head in the day of battle, Psalm 140:7.
Shield me from the obstacles that stand in your way.
Do not grant the wicked their desires, LORD; do not let their plans succeed, Psalm 140:8.
Let the efforts of the wicked fail.
Those who surround me proudly rear their heads; may the mischief of their lips engulf them, Psalm 140:9.
Foil mischievous plans to do harm against the innocent.
May burning coals fall on them; may they be thrown into the fire, into miry pits, never to rise, Psalm 140:10.
May the accusers be burned by the words that they spew.
May slanderers not be established in the land; may disaster hunt down the violent, Psalm 140:11.
Cut down those who seek to emulate terrorist acts.
I know that the LORD secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy, Psalm 140:12.
Secure justice for those who are unable to help themselves.
Surely the righteous will praise your name, and the upright will live in your presence, Psalm 140:13.
Expect the righteous to prosper; praise the Lord for what God has done and will continue to do!
When the timing is right, may the words of this Psalm inspire a prayer to end violence.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 