April 9
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PSALM 140
Deliver me, O LORD, from evil men;
preserve me from violent men,
2 who plan evil things in their heart
and stir up wars continually.
3 They make their tongue sharp as a serpent’s,
and under their lips is the venom of asps. Selah
4 Guard me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked;
preserve me from violent men,
who have planned to trip up my feet.
5 The arrogant have hidden a trap for me,
and with cords they have spread a net;
beside the way they have set snares for me. Selah
– Psalm 140:1-5
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PSALM 140 PLEA FOR DISCERNMENT AND DELIVERANCE FROM EVIL
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
O Lord, I come before you on my knees to plead you for mercy
Grant me grace to face with boldness the plots of the enemy
I know that you are always with me especially during temptations
Do not let me be lured by my own desires and sinful cravings.
Guard my mind and help me to see with your guidance what is evil
Do not let the arrogant succeed in all the traps that he set for me
Instead, let them fall from their own wicked plans of tricking me
I plead that you deliver me from all deceptions and lies so I can stay free.
Help me to never engage in provocations for arguments and conflicts
But keep me only speaking your words so that evil can be exposed
Give me boldness to declare your truth and follow your word always
Keep me away from those who scheme to distract and destroy the saints.
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REFLECTION
• How can we easily discern traps and tactics of the enemy to lure us to sin?