HEART TO HEART

Pastor Linda MacDonald, Nova Scotia

PRAYING PSALM 91

Praying scripture is a powerful thing. It is, first of all, praying Truth –the will of God according to His Words. It also releases faith by hearing truth. “Now, faith comes by hearing –the Word of God.” Romans 10:17

Let’s look at Psalm 91 in the light of praying it:

1 You who live in the shelter of 'Elyon, who spend your nights in the shadow of Shaddai, “Father, you are The Most High God. You are above everything that ever was made –more powerful than any force in this universe. You allow me to live in relationship with you tucked tightly beneath you shadow. When the rest of the world is asleep, you are there with me and for me. You neither slumber nor sleep. (Psalm 121:4).

 2 who say to ADONAI, "My refuge! My fortress! My God, in whom I trust!" You are my place of safety –a hiding place where I am surrounded by high walls that protect me from the enemy. I can rely on you and know that you have my best interests at heart. You are our help and our shield. (Psalm 115:9)

3 he will rescue you from the trap of the hunter and from the plague of calamities;  -Abba Father, you save us from the wiles of the enemy. When the devil sets traps for us –hidden traps, you protect us and expose them. You also, many times, hold your hand in front of disasters that are heading our way. What an awesome God you are!

4 he will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his truth is a shield and protection. Father, you wrap your arms around us restraining us from doing that which is displeasing to you. We find ourselves nestled instead under your warm and soft feathers, protected from all harm. Your word (which is truth) deflects the weapons of the enemy and keeps us safe when his darts fly in our direction.

5 You will not fear the terrors of night or the arrow that flies by day, I have nothing to fear ( seen or unseen things) when I am near you.

6 or the plague that roams in the dark, or the scourge that wreaks havoc at noon. No matter what evil is afoot, in the darkest part of the night or in the light of day when the sun blots out my vision, I am safe with you.

7 A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand; but it won't come near you. On all sides you destroy enemy forces. I have no need to live in fear. ‘You haven’t given me the spirit of fear but of power and of love and a sound mind’.” (2 Tim 1:7)

8 Only keep your eyes open, and you will see how the wicked are punished. I will watch and see you work on my behalf. I can trust that you will do justice and mercy as you represent me. I will be careful to give you praise for your mighty acts.

9 For you have made ADONAI, the Most High, who is my refuge, your dwelling-place. You only Adonai –My God, do I serve. I love no other gods. I am yours alone.

10 No disaster will happen to you, no calamity will come near your tent; when I live safely under you wings (near to you), I am completely safe. Only that which is good for me will find its way to me. I am secure in you.

11 for he will order his angels to care for you and guard you wherever you go. You have assigned angels to guard me and to watch over my coming in and my going out. You word declares that angels are “all merely spirits who serve, sent out to help those whom God will deliver.” Hebrews 1:14

12 They will carry you in their hands, so that you won't trip on a stone. I am placed in their hands so I need not be afraid of falling. I am fully protected.

13 You will tread down lions and snakes, young lions and serpents you will trample underfoot. No matter what evil or harm comes my way, you are there to protect me from it all. I have authority in your name to overcome the actions of the enemy.

14 "Because he loves me, I will rescue him; because he knows my name, I will protect him. I know that you are there for me, my Saviour and LORD. You not only know my name but you knew me before the foundations of this earth were formed. You have promised to have only good plans for me. “For I know what plans I have in mind for you,' says ADONAI, 'plans for well-being, not for bad things; so that you can have hope and a future. When you call to me and pray to me, I will listen to you.” Jeremiah 29:11-12

15 He will call on me, and I will answer him. I will be with him when he is in trouble. I will extricate him and bring him honour.

When I call for you, you are always right there –even when I do not feel your presence. You rescue me from troublesome places and events. You lift up my head so that I can walk with dignity. You never condemn your own. (Romans 8:1)

16 I will satisfy him with long life and show him my salvation." I can rest assured of living a full life with you by my side, looking out for me. You give me salvation –freedom from the effects of my sin although I can do nothing on my own to merit it.

You are Yeshua –you name means “salvation”. I walk in your truth today Father. I trust in your unfailing love.

Amen and a big AMEN!

Pastor Linda