Main Thought:
This psalm mixes descriptions of persecution with praise to God. Particularly notice how the wicked fall into their own trap, but our feet and heart are steadfast in the Lord. Today we commemorate Daniel and his three friends, who were persecuted for their faith yet their enemies were thrown to the lions and into the fire.
Psalm 57:1-7
Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me,
for in you my soul takes refuge;
in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge,
till the storms of destruction pass by.
I cry out to God Most High,
to God who fulfills his purpose for me.
He will send from heaven and save me;
he will put to shame him who tramples on me.
God will send out his steadfast love and his faithfulness!
My soul is in the midst of lions;
I lie down amid fiery beasts—
the children of man, whose teeth are spears and arrows,
whose tongues are sharp swords.
Be exalted, O God, above the heavens!
Let your glory be over all the earth!
They set a net for my steps;
my soul was bowed down.
They dug a pit in my way,
but they have fallen into it themselves.
My heart is steadfast, O God,
my heart is steadfast!
I will sing and make melody!
Prayer
God, who has commanded us to pray and has promised to hear, behold that we are not able and know not how to pray ass we should. Grant us Your Spirit, the Spirit of prayer, to teach us to pray in spirit and truth, and to intercede for us with sighings that cannot be uttered; and whenever we pray, hear us from heaven, Your throne, through Jesus Christ. Amen.
A Prayer for the Commemoration of Daniel and the Three Young Men
Lord God, heavenly Father, You rescued Daniel from the lions’ den and the three young men from the fiery furnace through the miraculous intervention of an angel. Save us now through the presence of Jesus, the Lion of Judah, who has conquered all our enemies through His blood and taken away all our sins as the Lamb of God, who now reigns from His heavenly throne with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.