April 23
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PSALM 35 THE LORD DELIVERS THE POOR & NEEDY
9 Then my soul will rejoice in the LORD, exulting in his salvation.
10 All my bones shall say, “O LORD, who is like you, delivering the poor
from him who is too strong for him, the poor and needy from him who robs him?”
11 Malicious witnesses rise up; they ask me of things that I do not know.
12 They repay me evil for good; my soul is bereft.
13 But I, when they were sick – I wore sackcloth; I afflicted myself with fasting;
I prayed with head bowed on my chest.
14 I went about as though I grieved for my friend or my brother;
as one who laments his mother, I bowed down in mourning.
15 But at my stumbling they rejoiced and gathered;
they gathered together against me; wretches whom I did not know
tore at me without ceasing; 16 like profane mockers at a feast,
they gnash at me with their teeth. – Psalm 35: 9-15
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PRAYER FOR PROTECTION FROM MOCKERS by ILMA
My Lord, I come to you for deliverance, I revel at your mercy and grace
To the oppressed, crushed in spirit and broken hearted, you are close
Many unbelievers have inched their way to your communion of saints
I pray that you will not allow them to corrupt your faithful servants
They are wolves in sheep’s clothing that have entered your sheepfold
Keep them away from contaminating your flock and creating confusion
I ask you Lord to deal justly with those who perpetuate sorcery and evil
Especially those who cunningly device tactics to destroy your people
Give your servants discernment to expose such mockers among us
Keep us bold to confront and not tolerate the spirits that seduce
Do not let lovers of self be comfortable in the communion of saints
They will only use your resources for their own selfish agenda and gains
Let your word penetrate and cut through their hardened hearts
Do with them what needs to be done to stop their evil plans.
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REFLECTION
• Why must all Christians be wary of evil plots to infiltrate and corrupt the saints?