December 10
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PSALM 86 A GOD WHO IS SLOW TO ANGER
10 For you are great and do wondrous things; you alone are God.
11 Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth;
unite my heart to fear your name.
12 I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart,
and I will glorify your name forever.
13 For great is your steadfast love toward me;
you have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol.
14 O God, insolent men have risen up against me;
a band of ruthless men seeks my life, and they do not set you before them.
15 But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.
16 Turn to me and be gracious to me; give your strength to your servant,
and save the son of your maidservant. 17 Show me a sign of your favor,
that those who hate me may see and be put to shame
because you, LORD, have helped me and comforted me. – Psalm 86:10-17
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A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
You are a God of mercy and of steadfast love
Help me to walk in your way and discern truth
This world we live in is full of lies and deceit
Cover me with your protection so I won’t be deceived.
O Lord, teach me to be enduring, kind and gentle
You are full of love, is patient and is slow to anger
Forgive me when I easily give in to offense
Change my heart so that I can quickly forgive.
Praise to you O Lord who is so merciful and full of compassion
Guide my life so that I will love others and never be in isolation
Remind me that all things you give me is for your own pleasure
Keep me focused on your word that is truth and is such a treasure.
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REFLECTION
• What did the psalmist mean when he said “unite my heart to fear your name in verse 11?