February 6 (Fifth after Epiphany) - Psalm 112:1-9 (10)
Fear of and great delight in your commandments, O Lord, is by the psalmist's witness the best we can bequeath to generations yet to come. Who we worship and thus become in ourselves speaks volumes to those coming after us. If in us they see generous, just, and fearless people whose hearts are firm and secure in the Lord, their own confidence will be bolstered. The wicked may see such in us and be angry, but "the desire of the wicked comes to nothing."
Help us, O God, to have that perspective in all our living. Stay close by us in moments when we are tempted to wander away from you. Graft your Spirit into our living, and help us to reflect that Spirit in all we do and say.
Only in that way will we truly praise you, and bring both honor to your name. Amen.
February 13 (Sixth after Epiphany) - Psalm 119:1-8
As days get longer, so do the psalms, Lord, this one the longest of all. In but a few verses at the beginning, reminiscent of Psalm 1, the stage of life is set for us with reminders that those are happy in life "whose way is blameless ... who keep [your] decrees and seek [you] with their whole heart."
Your laws and decrees are lifted up in every verse of this psalm. Even so, may we lift them up every day of our lives. Keep us focused on learning and observing your word. Only so will we be kept from shameful ways of our own.
We need your help, O Lord, as we journey through this life. Simply yearning to be steadfast in keeping your statutes is not enough. We need and will continue to need the enabling power of your Spirit. Amen.
Sunday, February 20 (Seventh after Epiphany) - Psalm 119:33-40
In this continuing season of lights, Lord, we need the light of your presence to guide us. We need to be taught by you, given understanding into the mysteries of your ways and will. Turn our hearts and our eyes from looking at vanities and give us true life in you.
You have promised to receive us, poor and sinful though we are. We cannot hope to make our own way to you. But see the longing of our hearts for your righteousness and grant us life through your word and Spirit.
Deliver us also from the disgrace we always feel when your light shines upon us. Help us to see beyond the shadows of our own making the saving power of your light. And help us there to place our trust. Amen.
February 27 (Eighth after Pentecost) - Psalm 131
What beauty there is in simplicity, Lord, capturing in a few words not only the intense intense longing of our hearts but an equally intense confidence and joy in believing and belonging.
Save us from substituting great schemes of our own for simple faith in all you offer your people. Humble us under your mighty hand that we may be satisfied to live in the mystery of your will, even when we do not fully understand it. Help us, Lord, to put our trust in you and not in our feeble attempts to fully grasp all you are and offer.
Make us to be, with the psalmist, like a child at its mother's breast, feeding on your word and Spirit, and confident in hope. You have never disappointed those who look to you, Lord. Waken us to our need of the wholeness you alone offer, that we may every live in the only hope that truly satisfies. Amen.
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