Psalm 25:1-10 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 25:1-10 on biblegateway.com
Verse 1To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
Verse 2O my God, in you I trust; do not let me be put to shame; do not let my enemies exult over me.
Verse 3Do not let those who wait for you be put to shame; let them be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.
Verse 4Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths.
Verse 5Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all day long.
Verse 6Be mindful of your mercy, O Lord, and of your steadfast love, for they have been from of old.
Verse 7Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to your steadfast love remember me, for your goodness' sake, O Lord!
Verse 8Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in the way.
Verse 9He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way.
Verse 10All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his decrees.
Devotion
Political issues have impacted faith conversations in ways that set this fall apart from other election years. Hot-button issues such as abortion, video lottery and medicinal marijuana have led to difficult congregational conversations. Discussing topics that are close to our hearts and encompass divergent viewpoints are necessary for communal discernment, creating space for God’s Spirit to move and act among us.
Rather than requesting God’s blessing of a personal agenda, the psalmist prays for molding that will take place within as God’s mission shapes the faithful servant. “Make me to know your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths.” Likewise, we should pray for God’s mission to be ours as the Spirit moves in and among our conversations and our differences.
Prayer
God of creation, your hand is at work in ways that we do not always readily perceive or recognize. Help us to know in the most difficult of conversations that you are present. Make your ways known. Amen.