Sermon: A Prayer in Conflict

“A Prayer in Conflict”                                 Psalm 17 May 25, 2025                                              Rev. Mark Winton    ----more---- Psalm 17:1 Hear a just cause, O Lord; attend to my cry! Give ear to my prayer from lips free of deceit! [2] From your presence let my vindication come! Let your eyes behold the right! [3] You have tried my heart, you have visited me by night, you have tested me, and you will find nothing; I have purposed that my mouth will not transgress. [4] With regard to the works of man, by the word of your lips I have avoided the ways of the violent. [5] My steps have held fast to your paths; my feet have not slipped. [6] I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God; incline your ear to me; hear my words. [7] Wondrously show your steadfast love, O Savior of those who seek  refuge from their adversaries at your right hand. [8] Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings, [9] from the wicked who do me violence, my deadly enemies who surround me. [10] They close their hearts to pity; with their mouths they speak arrogantly. [11] They have now surrounded our steps; they set their eyes to cast us to the ground. [12] He is like a lion eager to tear, as a young lion lurking in ambush. [13] Arise, O Lord! Confront him, subdue him! Deliver my soul from the wicked by your sword, [14] from men by your hand, O Lord, from men of the world whose portion is in this life. You fill their womb with treasure; they are satisfied with children, and they leave their abundance to their infants. [15] As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness; when I awake, I shall be satisfied with your likeness.         I.  Prayer= Entrusting Conflict to the Lord     II.  Prayer Exposes What I value in Conflict    III.  Conflict points us to Jesus More Than David