Psalms – Hymns and Prayers of God’s people

Whilst reading Psalm 15, it could be so easy just to tick off all the attributes of a Christian and think to ourselves that we measure up.  WRONG, WRONG, WRONG!  God measured up, in sending Jesus to the cross for us.  Jesus paid the price and now we, as baptised children of God, live in the power of Jesus’ resurrection.

• We are God’s temple and the mercy seat where full forgiveness is freely given, and our Lord Jesus still calls us to himself.   Through his grace, we are made right with God and counted worthy to stand before the Father’s throne.
• Sincerity and the right treatment of others as taught in the Ten Commandments are emphasised as the foundation to worship.
• Sad to say that there are times when we come to worship in an unworthy manner – being at odds with someone or persisting in behaviours we know to be wrong.

Prayer: Dear heavenly Father, may our worship and life be acceptable in your sight through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Our prayers are so often like shopping lists of earthly wishes whether we need them or not. They can consume our thoughts day and night, to the point of anxiety and exhaustion. It is said that “there are two lines to heaven when praying, one a ‘please give me’ line, and the other a: ‘thank you God’ line – the ‘please give me’ line is always busy”. However, if we could spiritually think then we would firstly thank God, in the confidence that our God will supply all our needs in his time according to his good and gracious will.

In Psalm 16, the psalmist praises the LORD for numerous earthly blessings which climaxes in the hope for life in God’s presence beyond the grave.

We are reminded of our greater need to thank and praise God and make our spiritual blessings a priority on our shopping list to God.   Those who have the LORD have the source of all good things, and already the pleasures of heaven awaiting us.

Prayer: My Lord, you are the one who watches over me and keeps me, the One who provides for me and gives me strength, the One who stays with me and leads me towards those places that will bring me peace and blessing, including heaven where I will enjoy eternal life with you.  What would I do without your loving presence in my life?  My heart brims over with appreciation and love whenever I consider all the goodness you’ve poured out into my life.  In your precious Name. Amen.

About the Author

Jill Schefe

Jill is a Wimmera-ite growing up on a sheep and wheat farm. As a Lutheran deacon, Jill has been richly blessed supporting pastor husband Clarrie, mother to three adult children and six grandchildren. She was a recipient of the 2022 Servant of Christ award and has served on LWV and LWQ executives and various zone executives. Jill enjoys engaging Christ’s love with others. As formed in Christ, in retirement, Jill enjoys reading, Christian spirituality, music, gardening, travelling, and their recently sold farm, breeding cattle and horses. Jill is active in her local congregation as lay worker. She has a passion for an understanding of the Gospel in the life of everyday Christians.