Psalm 5 - Oct. 2

Today our text comes from Psalm 5.  The theme of this week from Mark 9 is an invitation to examine our lives and our assumptions to recognize that it is not always the outsiders, but sometimes we ourselves who might be the ones who are against God. May God bless you as you hear his word.   Listen to my words, Lord,     consider my lament. Hear my cry for help,     my King and my God,     for to you I pray. In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice;     in the morning I lay my requests before you     and wait expectantly. For you are not a God who is pleased with wickedness;     with you, evil people are not welcome. The arrogant cannot stand     in your presence. You hate all who do wrong;     you destroy those who tell lies. The bloodthirsty and deceitful     you, Lord, detest. But I, by your great love,     can come into your house; in reverence I bow down     toward your holy temple. 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. This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. As you journey on, go with the blessing of God:     Guide us waking, O Lord, and guard us sleeping, That awake we may watch with Christ, and asleep rest in his peace. May Almighty God bless, preserve, and keep us, this day and forevermore.  Amen.