3-6-22 Sermon Notes “Let Us P.R.A.Y.”
I’m not much of a fan of bumper stickers, but I saw one the other day that I really liked. I think it caught my attention because we are in our 40 Days of Prayer for the season of Lent. The sticker read: “Life Is Fragile – Handle With Prayer.” It’s sort of corny, I know…but how true is it?! Life is not only fragile, it is stormy, difficult, painful, joyful… That is why I say that it is always time to pray. Always!
Psalm 25 gives us a good reminder of the difficult journey we call life. The word “way” is used four times in this Psalm (vv 4, 8, 9, 12) and “paths” once (v. 10). The psalmist cries out to God for: (a) wisdom to make decisions (b) protection from his enemies who hate him (c) forgiveness and mercy for his own sins. David’s message is clear: “There’s no way I will make it without God’s help!” I think it is pretty cool that a message from David’s time is so relevant to us today.
To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
2 O my God, in you I trust;
do not let me be put to shame;
do not let my enemies exult over me.
3 Do not let those who wait for you be put to shame;
let them be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.
4 Make me to know your ways, O Lord;
teach me your paths.
5 Lead me in your truth, and teach me,
for you are the God of my salvation;
for you I wait all day long.
6 Be mindful of your mercy, O Lord, and of your steadfast love,
for they have been from of old.
7 Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions;
according to your steadfast love remember me,
for your goodness’ sake, O Lord!
8 Good and upright is the Lord;
therefore he instructs sinners in the way.
9 He leads the humble in what is right,
and teaches the humble his way.
10 All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness,
for those who keep his covenant and his decrees. (Psalm 25: 1-10 NRSV)

Something else cool about Psalm 25 is that it is an “acrostic.” Each line of Psalm 25 starts with a letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Acrostics can help us to remember things, so I will be sharing with you a prayer acrostic this Sunday that I find helpful. (I didn’t invent it, but I like to use it) We will be praying our way through the season of Lent, and I hope that you will join us!

See you Sunday,

Pastor Sam