“Rescue me, O Lord, from evil men and women; protect me from people of violence who devise evil plans in their hearts and stir up dissension and war every day. They make their tongues as sharp as a serpent’s; the poison of vipers in on their lips. Selah”
Father, as I pray this, I think of those who have made, planted and exploded bombs to hurt and kill random people, or targeted specific ones. And those who have taken lethal violent action, abusing their power for evil. Some kill themselves in the process; some lay booby traps for even further devastation. The news reports on them and their stories.
Some have political agendas or serious emotional or mental issues. Some are simply evil, and enjoy the resulting death and destruction.
Making their “tongues as sharp as serpents” allows them to masquerade as “normal” until their deed is carried out. The poison in their words allows them to fool people around them into thinking nothing is wrong. Or possibly even lead others into the same darkness in which they operate. Their lies and deceit create confusion even after the fact, so that truth is hard to discern.
Father, “keep me from the hands of the wicked; protect me from people of violence who plan to trip my feet. They have hidden a snare for me; they have spread out the cords of their net and have set traps for me along my path.”
“Do not grant the wicked their desires. O Lord; do not let their plans succeed…”
Father, beyond those who would seek to kill, there are those who would delight in keeping me and others from Your righteous path; from living a godly life. Those who would enjoy the moral failure of any believer. Protect me and my loved ones from any who would act or plan to draw us away from You, or cause us to stumble in our pursuit of a closer relationship with You.
Do not allow ego, misunderstanding, or emotions to lead me away. Do not let me fall into hopelessness or depression that would keep me distant from You. Protect my mind, my emotions, my body, and my spirit from any and all attacks,\.
Thank You for the power in praying Your Word.
Father, “secure justice for the poor and uphold the cause of the needy. You are my God! Hear, O Lord, my cry for mercy. O Sovereign Lord, my strong Deliverer…” Amen
Daily Bible Prayer 