At Mt. Carmel, we open our Sunday morning worship service by praying the Psalms back to God. This one is from Psalm 119:153-160.
Eternal Father, fountain of life, apart from You we are dust.
Consider my affliction and rescue me, for I have not forgotten your instruction. Champion my cause and redeem me; give me life as you promised. Salvation is far from the wicked because they do not study your statutes.
Father of mercies, look on each of our afflictions this morning and rescue us. Forgive our cold hearts and give us the life You promised through the gospel, for salvation was far from us until the Lord Jesus Christ came near. Draw those who are still far off near to Him this morning.
Your compassions are many, LORD; give me life according to your judgments. My persecutors and foes are many. I have not turned from your decrees. I have seen the disloyal and feel disgust because they do not keep your word.
Lord, give us this morning more love, more faith, and more courage. Let Your Holy Spirit wake us from our ease and keep our feet from turning, and refresh all who suffer for Your name.
Consider how I love your precepts; LORD, give me life according to your faithful love. The entirety of your word is truth, each of your righteous judgments endures forever.
Lord, You have kindled in our hearts a love for Your word, and not one line of it will fail until all is fulfilled. In the name of the resurrection and the life, Jesus Christ, who gives life to all He wills, we pray. Amen.