In times of trouble …
may the God of Israel
keep you safe from all harm.
Psalm 20:1
The Irish have a famous old prayer. It’s a perfect blessing for a friend who’s embarking on a grand adventure …
May the road rise up to meet you,
may the wind be ever at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face
and the rain fall softly on your fields.
And until we meet again,
may God hold you in the hollow of his hand.
May … may … may … may … Time and again, God is asked if he may and might bless a good friend’s journey.
That’s what this Psalm is too, another famous old blessing. Nine times in the first five verses, God is asked if he may and might bless a good friend’s life …
- 1 May the Lord respond to your cry … in times of trouble.
- 1 May the God of Israel keep you safe from all harm.
- 2 May he send you help from his sanctuary.
- 2 May he … strengthen you …
- 3 May he remember all your gifts.
- 3 May he look favorably on your burnt offerings.
- 4 May he grant your heart's desire.
- 4 May he … fulfill all your plans. …
- 5 May the LORD answer all your prayers.
Here’s what I would like to suggest today … Read back through this list, and attach a name beside each of these petitions. Who do you know, for example, who is in times of trouble and needs a response to their cry? Who do you know who needs to be kept safe from harm today?
Now pray those names again with additional confidence from Psalm 20, saying, “6 I know that the LORD saves … He will answer …”
In Christ’s Love,
a guy who’s excited about
your life’s adventure
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