A Psalm and A Prayer
Psalm 41

Psalm 41

Leader: Happy are those who consider the poor; the Lord delivers them in the day of trouble.

People: The Lord protects them and keeps them alive. They are called happy in the land. You do not give them up to the will of their enemies.

Leader: The Lord sustains them on their sickbed. In their illness He heals all their infirmities.

People: As for me, I said, “O Lord, be gracious to me. Heal me, for I have sinned against you.”

Leader: My enemies wonder in malice when I will die and my name perish. Even my bosom friend in whom I trusted, who ate of my bread, has lifted the heel against me.

People: But you, O Lord, be gracious to me, and raise me up. You have upheld me because of my integrity, and set me in your presence forever.

“Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting.” O God, our Savior, may we experience Your presence in our lives day by day. May we be empowered by Your Spirit to share the good news of Jesus Christ with others. May we find ways to demonstrate Your love, justice, and mercy to those in need in our world today, even as we pray in Jesus’ name: “Our Father. . .”