Prayer for Illumination
Almighty God, on earth’s first day you caused light to shine out of darkness. Now flood my heart with light from your Word. O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, you are the light of the world. As I read and speak and listen, shine and through me, Jesus. Amen. ~The Worship Sourcebook, p. 143
Scripture: Psalm 90
Psalm 90 is a psalm of Moses and is probably the oldest psalm in the Psalter. In this psalm, Moses reflects on the brevity of human life and God’s eternal nature. Moses compares human life to a passing shadow and a vapor that quickly disappears. In contrast, Moses asserts that God is eternal and His years have no end. The psalm concludes with a prayer for God’s protection and guidance, and a request for Him to establish His people in righteousness.
Using the ACTS model of Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication, read through Psalm 90 and then pray the following:
Adoration
Look for anything that tells you what God is like or points to His character and give Him praise.
“Father, I praise you that you are my dwelling place and I can place my trust in you” (90:1).
“Father, I praise you that you are eternal and everlasting and your years know no end” (90:2-4).
“Father, I praise you that you are all-knowing and that nothing I do escapes your divine attention” (90:8).
“Father, I praise you that even your anger and wrath are perfect and that you are never capricious or unkind” (90:11).
“Father, I praise you that you are merciful and full of pity towards your children” (90:13).
“Father, I praise you for your satisfying love that is steadfast and true” (90:14).
“Father, I praise you that you are all-powerful and glorious” (90:16).
For a video to help you pray Psalm 90, watch this:
Confession
As you acknowledge who God is and adore Him for all that He is, confession is a natural consequence. This is a moment of introspection as you ask God to search your heart for areas that displease Him.
90:8 speaks about how even secret sins are exposed in the light of God’s presence. Take some time and allow the Holy Spirit to search your heart for anything that is hidden and that may hinder fellowship with the Lord.
90:12 speaks about gaining a heart of wisdom. In what ways have you trusted in your own “wisdom” rather than God’s? Allow the Holy Spirit to search your heart and make your confession to God.
90:14 speaks of God’s love bringing satisfaction and joy. What has been robbing you of joy? Allow the Holy Spirit to search your heart and make your confession to God.
Thanksgiving
This is a time to express gratitude for what God has done and for who He is. Allow the Scripture you have read to feed your thanksgiving.
90:1 speaks of God being our “dwelling place.” Think about those specific times where God has been this to you and give Him thanks.
“Father, I thank you that you are faithful to teach me to evaluate my life in the light of eternity” (90:12).
“Father, I thank you that in you I find my satisfaction and joy” (90:14).
“Father, I thank you for showing your favor and power to my children (90:16).
Supplication
In this moment, pray for yourself and others that you will be able to put into practice what you have read and heard.
“Father, have pity on me today as I face the trial of……”
“Father, show your favor to ___________ (name) today as they face the trial of……”
“Father, show your glorious power to ____________ (name) today.”
“Father, ‘Let the favor of the Lord God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands; yes, establish the work of our hands’” (90:17).
Hymn of Reflection
O God, our help in ages past,
our hope for years to come,
our shelter from the stormy blast,
and our eternal home.
Under the shadow of Thy throne,
Thy saints have dwelt secure;
sufficient is Thine arm alone,
and our defense is sure.
Before the hills in order stood,
or earth received its frame,
from everlasting Thou art God,
to endless years the same.
A thousand ages in Thy sight
are like an evening gone,
short as the watch that ends the night,
before the rising sun.
Time, like an ever-rolling stream,
bears all its sons away;
they fly forgotten, as a dream
dies at the opening day.
O God, our help in ages past,
our hope for years to come,
be Thou our Guide while life shall last,
and our eternal home!
Closing Prayer
Father, before the world was created, you existed. From everlasting to everlasting, you are God. The world is contingent, but you are necessary. We are creatures who rely on you to sustain us, but you are Creator and rely on no one, yet you have chosen to pour out your love upon us. We praise you, Lord, for your eternal love. Amen.
Comments