Messenger of Joy

Make haste, O God, to rescue me; O Lord, come quickly to my aid.  – Ps 70:2

Reflection. The Psalmist is in great distress, pleading with God to intervene.  Have you ever known such desperation?  This Psalm ends on a positive note, “You are my help and my deliverer”           (Ps 70:6).  Have confidence, because in your hour of need God will be with you.

Prayer. Dear Lord, I believe.  Help me in my unbelief.

Too heavy for us are our sins, and only You can blot them out.  - Ps 65:4

Reflection. The Lord comes to set His people free, and bring them to the promised land.  Delivering us from our slavery to sin, He sets us on the path to heaven.  Be grateful that you have the wisdom to understand the stakes.

Prayer. Lord, let Your face of love shine upon me that I may live forever in Your light.

I will bless You all my life; with uplifted hands I will call on Your name.  - Ps 63:5-6

Reflection. The Scriptures tell us three things about God:  God is powerful; God is kind; and God rewards “each person in accordance with his deeds: (Ps 62:13).  Lift up your heart and have a new confidence, and remember charity overcomes a multitude of sins.

Prayer. Father in heaven, make me a prayerful person.  Teach me to rejoice in the knowledge of Your love.

O God, hear my cry and listen to my prayer … I will abide in Your tent forever and find refuge in the shelter of Your wings.  - Ps 61:2, 5

Reflection. Do not lose hope believing that God’s silence is a sign that He has abandoned you.  The Psalm continues, “For You, O God, have heard my vows and granted me the heritage of those who fear Your Name” (Ps 61:6)

Prayer. Divine Lord, I plead for Your help, and I believe You will hear and answer me.

Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.  This will make you children of your heavenly Father.  - Mt 5:44-45

Reflection. Hatred is the enemy of happiness.  Avoid as much as possible anyone who persecutes you, but do not descend into hatred.  Jesus said, “I have told you these things so that … your joy may be complete” (Jn 15:11).

Prayer. Lord of life, bless me with the strength to at least strive for the impossible, namely to love my enemy.

For you have been my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.  - Ps 59:17

Reflection. Which is your real enemy?  Is it Satan, or are your own sins your greatest enemy?  Be aware of the opponent within, and ask God to protect you from your own inordinate desires.

Prayer. Lord, cleanse me of my sins and shield me from temptation.

Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine.  – Isa 43:1

Reflection. Don’t let yourself believe that you are a poor helpless creature, alone against the world.  Not so!  The Lord claims you as His own; He will not let you go.

Prayer. Heavenly Father, I am under the shadow of Your wings; You alone give me peace.

Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem!  For He … blesses your children within you.  – Ps 147:12-13

Reflection. St. Augustine said, “We are an Easter People, and Alleluia is our song.”  When the going gets rough, think of God’s constant blessings.  This eternal truth will lift your drooping spirit.  It is all in the mind.

Prayer. Jesus, teach me how to control my thoughts with the truth of our faith.  Help me to reject fear.

An honorable name is more to be desired than great riches.  – Prov 22:1

Reflection. Being a crowd pleaser is no way to build a good reputation.  But standing up for the truth against public opinion is.  Stay focused and do the right thing.

Prayer. Lord, I want to do Your Will.  I leave my reputation to the history books.

Have mercy on me, O God, in accord with Your kindness.  - Ps 51:3

Reflection. The Book of Psalms is a spiritual treasure.  Jesus told a parable about a tax collector who stood off at a distance and prayed, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner” (Lk 18:13).  Jesus praised him for his humility, and the tax collector “returned to his home justified” (Lk 18:14).

Prayer. Dear Lord, give me a humble heart, that I may win Your blessing.