Psalm 25:1-8 (NRSV)
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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.
Devotion
I returned to serve a congregation in Brooklyn after 9-11-01. It's been a year of pain and prayer. The political detail that precipitated terrorism is difficult to discuss even as our nation marched and prayed through the first anniversary. We lament, remember pain, and try not to feel shame because we are afraid and angry.
In Psalm 25 the poet cries out: “G*d! Why! Do not let me be put to shame! Let not my enemies exult over me! Make me know your ways!”
This lament is prior to reason and prayed from the dust and ashes. Lament Psalms give us food in weak season; a watchful eye when we only see fear; a mindful spirit when we only feel anger.
Pray the Psalm and remember there are many who have asked for your prayers, like a lament, to help grieve and find God's way out from the rubble.