RHYTHMS Devotions
In the sermon series Rythms, we are going to look at what it means to create healthy, spiritual RHYTHMS that last — following Jesus, better decision making, building community, living on mission, and even having a day of rest. Join us for Rhythms, as we learn to develop spiritual practices for the new year!
Join us in 21 days of devotions and prayer. Each day we will look and mediate on a psalm…to reinforce these new RHYTHMS!
DAY 1
Today’s Reading: Psalm 1
We are taking 21 days as a church to focus on prayer.
During this time we are going to use the prayer and songbook of the people of God, the Psalms. Read and meditate on the psalm each day with us and then, in response, pray that psalm in your own words. Pastor Alan has provided an example of how he prayed the psalm as well!
Our desire is to see our people develop the rhythm of prayer during this time.
Here in Psalm 1 we have the gateway in to the prayer and songbook of the people of God. We see that any who would delight in the law of the Lord and not walk in the counsel of the wicked will be blessed. The imagery of a tree planted by streams of water is used for the one who meditates on the word of God. Meaning, there will always be fruit in the life of one who loves and meditates on the Word of God!
Prayer: In response, take the words of Psalm 1 and make it your own prayer! For example:
Father, I want to experience the blessing that only comes from delighting and meditating on your Law. Help me to not walk in the counsel of the wicked. Give me the wisdom and discernment to not stand in the way of sinners. Please give me the desire to meditate on your law day and night and to delight in it! I want to bear fruit for You. Help me to be like a tree planted by streams of water. Help me to be continually nourished by you and Your word. Amen.
DAY 2
Today’s Reading: Psalm 4
“Answer Me When I Call”
In Psalm 4, King David expresses quiet trust in troubling circumstances. David’s recollection of past experiences of deliverance gives him confidence that what God has done before, He will do again.
The psalm reminds the reader to not give in to anger that would lead them to take revenge. The way to prevent sin is found in verse 4 – ponder in your hearts and be silent.
Remind yourself in a quiet moment of the trustworthiness of God, and He will give you genuine joy despite your circumstances (Philippians 4:12-13).
Prayer: Father, please answer me like you have in the past. Be gracious to me and hear my prayer. Although there are those that may be against me, I know that you chose me, set me apart, to have a personal relationship with you.
Help me to meditate on your trustworthiness instead of giving in to my anger and seeking retribution on my own.
Thank you for giving me a joy through Jesus Christ that does not depend on my circumstances, whether good or bad. I will rest in your peace because ultimately nothing can separate me from your love.
Amen.
DAY 3
Today’s Reading: Psalm 5
“Lead Me in Your Righteousness”
This psalm is known as an individual lament, whose primary function is to lay a troubled situation before the Lord, asking him for help.
This is the first instance of a psalm with prayers for the personal downfall of enemies. It is an honest call for help that expresses urgency and expectation. The psalmist praises God for loving what is right and hating what is evil. He recognizes that it is only because of the abundant and steadfast love of God that we can have a relationship with Him.
The warning to evildoers in this psalm would serve also as a warning to the singers of a potential judgment to come if they followed a similar path, but faithful believers can sing for joy as the Lord “spreads his protection” over his children.
Prayer: Father, I am desperately crying out to you. Please hear my prayer.
I know you are not a god that delights in wickedness. Your character is holy, righteous and just. Help me to allow you to deal with those that might do me harm.
Thank you, Lord, that because of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, I have direct access to you.
Lead me in your righteousness and make my choices obvious. Help me to rejoice in your presence and protection even if I don’t feel like rejoicing.
May the joy of my salvation be contagious and a witness for you!
Amen.
DAY 4
Today’s Reading: Psalm 8
“How Majestic is Your Name”
In the Bible, the name reflects the character and reputation of the person; so, praising God’s Name is praising God…meaning that this psalm is a hymn of praise!
God’s Name is most magnificent and He is worthy of all praise, glory, and honor that we give Him. Because of its language, this Psalm can be categorized as a “Nature” Psalm. Consider taking a walk today and admiring the beauty of God’s creation and His attention to detail.
And remember that you have been fearfully and wonderfully made by the Hand of God!
Prayer: Dear God, thank you for being our majestic King and Sovereign Lord. Thank you for creating me in your image, with your hands, and with a divine purpose.
With the dominion and glory that you have given me, help me to be a wise steward and live for your glory.
Thank you for being mindful of me and caring for me. And Lord even in the midst of hard times help me to focus on your majesty and always praise your great Name!
In Jesus name, Amen.
DAY 5
Today’s Reading: Psalm 13
“How Long, O Lord?”
The first 4 words of this Psalm accurately describes so many of us now. “How long, O Lord?!” How long will this trouble last, how long will the we suffer? How long Lord!? It’s totally okay to have honest prayers with God and to pour out your heart to Him!
We have to trust God and His answers. Even when He tells us “no” or “wait”, we must remember that God does the very best things, in the very best ways, at the very best times, and always works things out for our good and for His glory.
Our job is to trust Him even in times of waiting and uncertainty. Don’t allow what you are seeing to cause you to doubt what God has said. Remember that He has promised never to leave us or forsake us!
Prayer: Father, I bring everything to you: my doubt, fear, and anxiety. Thank you that you care for me and that I can bring everything to you in prayer.
Help me to wait on you patiently knowing that, even when I don’t see or feel you, you are behind the scenes working all things out for my good and for your glory.
Help me to be confident in your steadfast love, knowing that you promise to never leave me or forsake me. Lord, I put my faith, hope, and confidence in you and you alone.
Amen.
DAY 6
Today’s Reading: Psalm 16
“You will not Abandon my Soul”
It makes all the difference when you take refuge in God alone, doesn’t it?
This Psalm begins with a petition. David is simply asking God to “Keep me safe.” Yet the psalmist does not look to anything or anyone but God alone for safety. He trusts Him fully for his safety as seen in verses 2-4.
In verses 5–6 the psalmist addresses the Lord himself as his true, spiritual inheritance and credits him with good gifts in life. David’s life was blessed, and he realized he had a delightful earthly inheritance; however, David recognized that no earthly inheritance was greater than his spiritual inheritance which was his relationship with God!
The next stanza of the psalm, verses 7–8, shows us the natural result of turning to God and trusting Him for our needs: Praise! This praise is met with affirmation that God will not abandon His followers.
Finally, the Psalm concludes with the psalmist’s joy and the confidence that the Lord will protect him from death. This shows us how awareness of God’s presence brings both direction in this life and hope for all eternity!
Today, Psalm 16 can show us that we can experience joy in God’s presence and catch a glimpse of our salvation as eternal life. Read Psalm 16 and take refuge in the Lord alone: ask Him to keep you safe, and continually proclaim the joy of your salvation! It will make all the difference in your life.
Prayer: Father, I thank you for loving me and sending your son Jesus to pay the price for my sins. Thank you for giving me eternal life through trusting and believing in Jesus.
Father, help me to remember I can take refuge in you and give me the confidence and strength to follow you daily. Father You are a great God and there is no one greater than you!
I praise you because I know that You will always guide me to what is best for me. Father, there is nothing greater than having a relationship with you and knowing you have given me eternal life.
Amen.
DAY 7
Today’s Reading: Psalm 17
“In the Shadow of Your Wings”
Psalm 17 is a special use of the psalm of lament; it is a prayer of protection and a protest of innocence. Though David sometimes suffered under the heavy hand of God due to unconfessed sin in his life, there were other occasions in which he insists that his present troubles are not caused by any fault in his life. In such a case he calls upon God to vindicate him.
God indicates through this psalm that He has special concern for people who experience undeserved suffering, even though He allows the trouble to come for reasons that may never be known in this life.
David’s prayer begins with a plea for vindication. By protesting his innocence, David hopes to convince God to move on his behalf and deliver him from his trouble. In verses 3-5, David acknowledges God’s testing. God knows David’s needs as well as what is in his heart; David’s prayer helps him to focus on the source of his strength and reaffirm his determination to live a pure life. In verses 6-9 David presents in poetic language the mercy of God. David asks for God to show the wonder of His great love and hide him in the shadow of His wings. David renews his plea for vindication in verses 13-14. In the last verse David, having rejected the idea that the pleasures of this life are ultimately fulfilling, anticipates the day when he will awake in glory and be made in the likeness of God.
This psalm is a protest of injustice and a plea to God for His justice to prevail. Christians can be equally honest with God in prayer: taking our concerns about injustice and suffering to God is a basic part of the Christian response to evil and suffering! If we experience injustice, we can approach God, knowing that eventually He will correct the situation. And while we may not see that correction in this life, we can rest assured that God will one day correct all injustice and have complete victory!
Prayer: Father, hear my prayer! I do not understand why Christians go through suffering and frankly I do not like it. But I know your ways are greater than mine and your knowledge exceeds my comprehension.
Lord, I trust in your mercy and grace for I know your justice will prevail. Your justice may not occur in my lifetime, but the final victory is yours. I think you Lord for being a righteous judge, a saving Lord, and a comforting spirit.
Amen.
DAY 8
Today’s Reading: Psalm 19
“The Law of the Lord is Perfect”
Here in Psalm 19 we see some of the more famous words of the Psalms displayed: “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight.” We find hope for things such as: revival of the soul and wisdom (v.7), rejoicing and enlightenment (v.8), a clean heart and righteousness (v.9).
But as we read, we see those elements we desire in life as coming from the outflow of our loving the perfect law and testimony of the Lord! We have to understand the value of God’s commandments and precepts (v.8), and develop a holy and righteous fear of the Lord (v.9).
Hence, the author pleads with his Master on the outset, to let his mouth and his heart be pleasing to the Lord!
Prayer: O God, Your name is holy. Your glory is displayed in everything I see around me.
Please teach me Your ways and help me look to the truths You have provided through Your word as I walk with You today.
Make clear to me the places I am most vulnerable to fail You, and give me strength to walk upright in the face of temptation.
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight!
Amen.
DAY 9
Today’s Reading: Psalm 20
“Trust in the Name of the Lord Our God”
Here in Psalm 20 we find an example of a liturgical song that would have possibly been used on the day of battle. This psalm is a cry on behalf of the King as he enters into battle! It evokes a sense of holy confidence in the Lord and his ability to overcome the enemy!
As we approach prayers of supplication on behalf of our brothers and sisters in Christ, we can proclaim the Lord’s might over the enemy with bold confidence, and we can (although we often forget to) “shout for joy” when the Lord shows His dominion over the enemy!
Prayer: God of all power & dominion, I ask You to do a mighty work in _______ today. As I lift them to You in prayer, I pronounce Your power over sin and darkness, and claim Your promise to be faithful to Your will!
May Your kingdom come, and Your will be done. Hear my prayer, O God!
Amen
DAY 10
Today’s Reading: Psalm 22
“Why Have You Forsaken Me?”
Psalm 22 is not only the experience of every believer, but it is also a very specific prophecy of the sufferings of Jesus. It begins with the most anguished cry in human history, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” Jesus spoke these words at the depth of His suffering on the cross.
We may have thought this cry was unique to Him, but Jesus was actually quoting Psalm 22:1, where we see these words first uttered by the psalmist, speaking for all of God’s people who struggle over and over in the flesh with a sense of being forsaken by God.
When we express our sadness and feelings of forsakenness to God, we “lament”. This psalm is indeed a lament, but also teaches us a follow up in talking to God. The psalmist switches from expressing his great sadness to remembering his great God, a God who is holy and sovereign, a God who rescues His people!
Agonized prayer and hopelessness turn to ardent praise for the success of the cause of God! Failure is swallowed up in victory, and victory is celebrated in a worldwide kingdom, among the nations. And best of all, continuance is woven into our stories – it shall be told to the coming generation, to a people yet unborn. What a great God!
Prayer: Father, we cry out to you today in all our humanity. Why are You so far from saving us? Why do You not answer? We know you are acquainted with suffering. We believe You understand our sadness and feelings of being forsaken. We know that you care for us. But sometimes we feel so alone. Sometimes we don’t know where you are. Be present in our lives. We need you. Help us live in assurance that You are here.
We also know you are a great God. You are the Ruler of all. You do not despise those who seek You. So we praise Your name among the nations. We know that You rescue and deliver those who glorify You and stand in awe of Your great name. Help us to recognize Your work in our world, so indeed we share Your story with the next generation! Thank you for Your promises to Your people, Oh God! Amen
DAY 11
Today’s Reading: Psalm 23
“The Lord is My Shepherd”
One of the most beloved chapters in the entire Bible, Psalm 23 is a beautiful picture of providence — of a loving God who both guides and provides, who journeys with us along the way.
Poetic word phrases like “my shepherd”, “I shall not want”, “restores my soul”, “leads me beside still waters”, “comfort me”, “my cup overflows” provide soothing respite to our frazzled, stressed-out lives. Reading Psalm 23 is sort of like turning on a sound machine and letting the world disappear in the white noise of its peacefulness.
Rest here today!
Prayer: Dear God, Thank You for being a Good Shepherd that I can trust my life to. For your guidance and care in all my days, thank you. For giving me rest, thank you.
For restoring my soul when no one else could, thank you. For leading me, even in hard places, thank you. For Your comfort, thank You. For protection and provision, thank you. In you, I have everything that I need. For peace, thank you.
For hope in all my tomorrows, thank you. For ongoing goodness and mercy, thank you. Thank you that I have everything I need right now. Because of you, I lack for nothing.
I couldn’t be more grateful. Amen.
DAY 12
Today’s Reading: Psalm 24
“The King of Glory”
This psalm celebrates God, the King of Glory, and His holiness. It begins recounting God as Maker and Creator and highlighting God’s personal involvement in all aspects of life, from the biggest mountains to the tiniest molecule.
Then, there is a shift to knowing this God who is holy and highly exalted. As a sinful person, David knows there is a problem: mankind needs clean hands and a pure heart, and this cannot be acquired through traditions or rituals. Those who seek God need His righteousness.
The King of Glory must come, and in the person of Jesus He made the ultimate sacrifice so that we can come to Him!
Prayer: God, thank You for making me and this world. I’m grateful that You care for every part of it, especially my personal world.
You are bigger than any problem or struggle I have, and I trust You with all of it. I want to love and seek You more. Thank You for making a way through Jesus.
Examine my heart for anything that is unclean, impure, or false, and give me the courage to confess it and repent from it. You are the King of Glory, the Lord of Hosts, and I will exalt You today!
Amen.
DAY 13
Today’s Reading: Psalm 27
“The Lord Is My Light and My Salvation”
This Psalm of David highlights a tension between fear and faith in life. David mentions wars and enemies, abandonment by those closest to him, and isolation as potential obstacles to his daily relationship with God.
However, there is a resounding statement of faith that he wants to seek God and his plans. It is this priority and confidence in God that helps him make his decision to trust God and seek his face instead of fear!
David knows God’s answer may not be immediate, and so he declares his faith in verse 13, I believe that I will see the goodness of the Lord…and he encourages his hearers and readers to do the same: wait, be strong and take courage. There is no one to fear but God!
Prayer: Father, there are times when I am afraid. Circumstances and issues can seem so large and overwhelming; help me to see that You are right here. You care for me and won’t ever leave me, and so I will seek You.
I will take courage and be strong when I feel oppressed and stressed. Remind me how You have been good to me and that You will be good in my future as well. You are my shelter and stronghold and You hear me, so I will run to You!
I will turn to You first and I will wait for You to lead and guide me.
Amen.
DAY 14
Today’s Reading: Psalm 29
“Ascribe to the Lord Glory”
In Psalm 29, David extols God’s absolute greatness and majesty! He is all powerful and His people are encouraged to ascribe to the Lord all the glory due Him. His very voice is over the waters and shakes the wilderness.
God is described in incredible ways to provoke awe and wonder at His greatness!
It is overwhelming to consider the fact that human beings can have the privilege to know and worship this wonderful and amazing God! But David also recognizes that this great and all-powerful God has care and compassion for His people and will strengthen and bless them with His perfect peace.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, there is no one like you! You are high and lifted up and Your Name is great!
I worship you and give to you all of the glory that you deserve. My God, you are holy and supreme in heaven, and over all creation, and may my lips always praise you.
Thank you for the compassion and peace you give to me!
Amen.
DAY 15
Today’s Reading: Psalm 30
“Joy Comes in the Morning”
Psalm 30 reminds us of not only God’s greatness, but that He is our very help in times of need. David looks back over God’s faithfulness in the past and looks forward to the days ahead with continued gratitude and praise!
God is our healer and our hope when we are depressed or in despair. He turns our morning and sorrow into joy and gladness!
When He convicts us and we turn from our sin, His anger only lasts for a moment; His kindness and forgiveness, on the other hand, last for a lifetime!
Prayer: Heavenly Father, You have been so faithful to me and delivered me over and over from my greatest fears!
When I have cried to You for help, You rescued me and healed me. When I have confessed my sin, You have been faithful to forgive me, and Your anger did not last forever.
Your hope and joy are mine for a lifetime. May my voice join the multitude of saints who continually praise your Name. May I never fail to give thanks to You, my Lord!
Amen.
DAY 16
Today’s Reading: Psalm 32
“Blessed Are the Forgiven”
Have you ever felt the weight of unconfessed sin? Have you ever held onto guilt and shame because you didn’t want anyone to know your faults?
If you have, you know the weight and exhaustion David writes about in this Psalm, and the contrast of the blessing that comes with a confession. By the blood of Jesus, our sins our forgiven, our iniquities covered, our faults erased. The One who we have wronged becomes our shelter and hiding place!
It’s like a parent coming in with a big bear hug when we’ve failed to let us know that everything will be okay. Feel yourself in the arms of God as you read this Psalm.
Accept his forgiveness, respond to His instruction and rejoice!
Prayer: Father, I confess that I have sinned. I repent of those attitudes and actions that have grieved You.
Forgive me; give me both wisdom and strength to walk in Your paths. And give me Your joy as I trust in Your ways!
Amen.
DAY 17
Today’s Reading: Psalm 33
“The Steadfast Love of the Lord”
Imagine. There was a moment in which the sun sparked into light for the first time. A moment when the first blade of grass emerged through the skin of a new earth. A moment when the bird first learned its song and animals first took steps. A moment when the night sky first appeared in its grandeur and the smallest cell first demonstrated its intricate design.
Before all of this, God was. He spoke and it all became. He breathed and life began.
The Psalmist reminds us here that our salvation is not in kings or armies or military might, but only in God, the Creator of all. So, let Him be your help and shield! And If God has chosen us in Christ to be His people, how can we not rejoice? How can we not give thanks? How can we not sing and shout for joy?
Read this Psalm with a heart of gratitude and joy! Our God is bigger than any problem or difficulty, and our hope is in Him. Remember how great He is and how much He loves you!
Prayer: Oh God, You are the author of life and salvation! Let me continually be in awe of You!
I am thankful that You have given me life and that in Christ You have called me to be Your child. Help me trust in You alone and give my heart Your gladness.
Let Your steadfast love be upon me as I hope in You!
Amen.
DAY 18
Today’s Reading: Psalm 34
“Taste and See That the Lord Is Good”
This is a wonderful Psalm of praise & is a great example of how much God loves us & how He will rescue us as we cry out to Him!
We are encouraged to give praise and thanksgiving to God no matter our circumstances. We are all facing difficult times, so I wonder as you made it through your day yesterday, if God’s praise was continually on your lips?
With so many distractions around us, praising God is often the last thing we think about. Life is hard…and sometimes scary. That’s why the last verse in this passage is helpful. The world we live in will try to get you to look everywhere else except to Him, but no matter what you are facing right now, seek the Lord and He will answer and deliver you from all your fears!
Vs 17 says, “When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles.” Call out to Him, bless Him, and make it a point today to allow HIS praise to be continually in your mouth!
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, that I can praise you in any and all situations. Thank you that, when I seek you, you answer me and deliver me from all of my fears! Father, thank you that you provide for me; you care for me and you always take care of all my needs!
I will cry out to you in praise because I know that you hear me & will comfort my broken heart!
Amen.
DAY 19
Today’s Reading: Psalm 36
“How Precious Is Your Steadfast Love”
Love is one of the most misused and misunderstood words in the English language. For some it means some kind of warm fuzzy feeling toward someone; and for others it just means a physical relationship.
But the love of God, that which He is and has toward us, is shown in both words and action. It is that which seeks the good of another, always looking for the best interest of others.
But love is only a part of the nature of God. He is also faithful and cannot lie. His righteousness cannot be changed or broken – regardless of the situation. His justice is demanding and must be fulfilled. All of these make up the true nature of God, the essence of who He is. His nature determines His actions.
His righteousness does not allow Him to be in fellowship with those who do not submit to His will. The justice of God demands that sin be punished. Sin demands death.
But in His love He gave Jesus, His Son to live as one of us and then die for our sin! Thus, God is true to Himself. Since we belong to God and are to be like Him, we love each other with the same love that Jesus has loved us!
Prayer: Thank you, God for your love that is beyond my ability to really understand. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be yours and to have the promise of eternal life with you when I go to heaven.
Make your love so real in my heart that I will love others just as you have loved me. Help me open my heart to your Spirit so He can mold and shape me to be more like you every day.
Please use me to help others be strong as they seek to overcome sin and live for you. Empower all of us to win each battle against the evil one every day as we put you first in all things.
I pray this in the name of Jesus! Amen.
DAY 20
Today’s Reading: Psalm 38
“Do Not Forsake Me, O Lord”
Psalm 38 is a psalm of confession, repentance, and petition. David describes the sorrow, pain, and suffering he is experiencing as a result of his sins in vivid and descriptive detail! He has been brought low through conviction over his sins, and his enemies want to capitalize on it.
In spite of his suffering and sorrow, David continues to place his hope and confidence in the Lord for salvation from his enemies. He confesses his sin and turns from it in repentance (v.18), and then cries out to the Lord for deliverance from those who seek his downfall.
This psalm demonstrated that, even in the midst of our own propensity to sin and fall short of God’s glory, we are not beyond the reach of God’s grace and compassion! David knew well the richness of God’s mercy, and because of that he was able to cry out to Him for both pardon and deliverance in spite of the weight of conviction which he felt!
We can do the same today.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I know that I am a person who, apart from the grace of Jesus, stands guilty before you. Even now that I have been rescued and redeemed by your Son and am being sanctified by your Spirit, I still continue to give evidence of my desperate need for a Savior each and every day through my sin.
I pray that, like David, you would lead me to deep seated conviction whenever I sin against you, and that your conviction would lead me to swift repentance and restoration! Help me not to run away from you when I rebel, hiding in fear and in shame, as I am often tempted to, but to instead run to you and your grace, knowing that you will meet me in your compassion.
In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
DAY 21
Today’s Reading: Psalm 40
“My Help and My Deliverer”
In this psalm, David expresses a broad range of emotions to the LORD: he celebrates God’s deliverance, praises God for His holiness and wondrous works, proclaims God’s salvation and faithfulness to others, expresses sorrow for his sins, asks God to save him from his enemies, and rests in God as his help and deliverer.
This psalm is an important reminder of a few key truths. It reminds us that, when we remember the ways that God has moved in power on our behalf to bring about deliverance and salvation in the past, we can have confidence that He will do the same for us both now and in the future! His grace and salvation towards us in the past guarantees His grace and salvation towards us in the present and going forward!
David remembered how God had saved him before and expressed confidence and trust in Him to do it again. If God went to all the trouble of doing that for us in the past, He isn’t going to hold out on us and let us fall now!
Another truth that this psalm reminds us of is this: when we are excited about the mercy, grace, and salvation that God has poured out on us, we tell others about it! The LORD had moved in power on David’s behalf, and he couldn’t hold it in, he had to praise Him to others!
The deliverance David received was temporal; ours is eternal. How much more should we be excited and ready to proclaim what God has done for us in Jesus Christ!?!
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank you and I praise you that you hear us when we cry out to you!
You have rescued, restored, redeemed and renewed me in and through Jesus Christ, and I cannot hold it in! You are holy and glorious beyond all understanding and imagination; help me to be faithful to proclaim your wondrous deeds before others!
I will tell of all you have done for me and be a witness to your love and faithfulness! I thank you for the promise of your mercy, for I need it each and every day.
Help me to continually place my trust in you alone and to rest in the fact that you take thought for me despite my poor and needy state. You are my help and my deliverer!
In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.