At Mt. Carmel we open worship by praying the Psalms back to God. This one is from Psalm 119:137-144.
Most holy and gracious God.
You are righteous, LORD, and your judgments are just. The decrees you issue are righteous and altogether trustworthy.
Lord, this morning we praise You, for Your judgments are just, flowing from Your perfect character. When affliction tempts us to question You, steady us. We know You are always right, and Your decrees are altogether trustworthy. Teach us to rest our lives and our eternities upon them.
My anger overwhelms me because my foes forget your words. Your word is completely pure, and your servant loves it. I am insignificant and despised, but I do not forget your precepts.
Lord, this morning let zeal for Your honor consume us as it consumed Christ, who cleansed Your temple. Your word is completely pure. Purify us by it, for the word that cleansed Your disciples cleanses us still. And though we are small and despised as the world counts worth, let neither contempt nor glamour move us from Your precepts.
Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and your instruction is true. Trouble and distress have overtaken me, but your commands are my delight. Your decrees are righteous forever. Give me understanding, and I will live.
Lord, Your righteousness is everlasting, and in Christ You have made it ours. The forgiveness You grant is an everlasting forgiveness. When trouble and distress overtake us, make Your commands our delight. By Your Spirit, Lord and giver of life, give us understanding that we too may live. We pray this in the name of Jesus Christ, our righteousness. Amen.