Scripture Focus: Psalm 119:153-156, 159-160
153 Look on my suffering and deliver me,
    for I have not forgotten your law.
154 Defend my cause and redeem me;
    preserve my life according to your promise.
155 Salvation is far from the wicked,
    for they do not seek out your decrees.
156 Your compassion, Lord, is great;
    preserve my life according to your laws.

159 See how I love your precepts;
    preserve my life, Lord, in accordance with your love.
160 All your words are true;
    all your righteous laws are eternal.

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Reflection: The Law’s Heart Cries for Deliverance
By Emily Bianchini 

The author of Psalm 119 is a devoted reader and follower of the Torah. In a similar way, we Christians have the Bible. Today’s reading shows us how the description of God’s character through his word teaches us to cry out to God in the midst of suffering. 

The ancient world was full of suffering. So is ours. The psalmist describes facing persecution at the hands of the wicked who reject the laws of God for their own. We may face suffering from wicked, lawless humans or unfortunate circumstances. Yet, what this psalm shows us is that we can cry out to God. 

The Bible teaches us to cry out to God because he is a responsive Father. In Exodus 3:7, God said he heard the cries of his people Israel in bondage in Egypt. The heart of the law, the psalmist knows, is God hears the cries of the oppressed and does mighty works of deliverance for his people. 

The psalmist sees the character of God through the story of the exodus and echoed in the laws for Israelite society. God heard the cry of his people once before. Now the psalmist cites his devotion to the laws and appeals to God by framing requests in accordance with God’s word. 

The psalmist knows the character of God revealed in the Torah and appeals to God to for salvation. We have the opportunity to know the character of God both through Scripture and the person of Christ. Psalm 119, which celebrates the Torah,  can serve as a model for Christians in their relationship to God through his word. 

Let’s pray a prayer based on today’s Scripture: 

Heavenly Father, you are the God who saves. 
Thank you for the gift of salvation made available by your Son Jesus.
I know that in this world I will experience trouble and I ask for your grace in the midst of suffering. 
If it is your will, please deliver me from this evil. 
Yet I will continue to trust your character, for I know that you are good. 
I pray this in the name of Jesus, Amen. 


Divine Hours Prayer: The Call to Prayer
Let all who seek you rejoice ann be glad in you; let those who love your salvation say forever, “Great is the Lord!” — Psalm 70.4

– From The Divine Hours: Prayers for Summertime by Phyllis Tickle.


​Today’s Readings
Isaiah 55 (Listen 2:11)
Psalms 119.145-176 (Listen 15:24)

​This Weekend’s Readings
Isaiah 56 (Listen 2:11), Psalms 120-122 (Listen 2:12)
Isaiah 57 (Listen 3:37), Psalms 123-125 (Listen 1:52)

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