PSALM LXIII.

Prayer, as Psalm xlii. Written by David, probably, on the same occasion as the preceding.

(I. Thirst for God.)

1 O God, Thou art my God; early will I seek Thee: My soul thirsteth for Thee,

my flesh longeth for Thee

In a dry and thirsty land, where no water is 2 To see Thy power and Thy glory,

So as I have seen Thee in the sanctuary.

(II. Praise.)

3 Because Thy lovingkindness is better than life, My lips shall praise Thee.

4 Thus will I bless Thee while I live:

I will lift up my hands in Thy Name. 5 My soul shall be satisfied

as with marrow and fatness;

And my mouth shall praise Thee with joyful lips: 6 When I remember Thee upon my bed,

And meditate on Thee in the night watches. 7 Because Thou hast been my help,

Therefore in the shadow of Thy wings will I rejoice. 8 My soul followeth hard after Thee;

Thy right hand upholdeth me.

(III. Ruin of the wicked.)

9 But those that seek my soul, to destroy it, Shall go into the lower parts of the earth.

10 They shall fall by the sword:

They shall be a portion for foxes.

(IV. Triumph of the believer.)

11 But the King shall rejoice in God;

Every one that sweareth by Him shall glory :
But the mouth of them that speak lies

shall be stopped.

REFLECTIONS.

1. A good man seeks the knowledge and the favour of God with intense desire; delights in His worship on earth; and looks forward to everlasting glory and blessedness. He does not seek his happiness from the world: the power and glory of God in Christ Jesus are the things which he wishes to see and understand.

2. The good man has joy in all his trials; for he knows the divine goodness, remembers God, meditates on Him, calls upon Him, is satisfied with the communication of His mercy and grace, and therefore praises Him with joyful lips. Past experience produces confidence with regard to the future. He cleaves to God in mind and heart, and is upheld in his pious course by an almighty power.

3, 4. The wicked shall perish; their devices shall fail, and only bring confusion on themselves: they shall soon be put to silence. But the righteous shall rejoice in Him whom they revere and honour. Shame and ruin await the ungodly; but joy and triumph await the true worshippers and faithful servants of God.

PRAYER.

O Lord our God, fill our souls, we beseech Thee, with earnest desires to know and love Thee, and to

find our happiness in Thee. Grant that we may see Thy power and glory; uphold us in the way of righteousness; and may our souls cleave to Thee, that we may bless and praise Thee now and evermore, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

PSALM LXIV.

Prayer, as Psalm iv. Written by David, probably, when persecuted either by Saul or Absalom.

(I. Prayer.)

1 Hear my voice, O God, in my prayer:
Preserve my life from fear of the enemy.
2 Hide me from the secret counsel of the wicked;
From the insurrection of the workers of iniquity:
(II. Conduct of the wicked.)

3 Who whet their tongue like a sword,
And bend their bows to shoot their arrows,

even bitter words:

4 That they may shoot in secret at the perfect: Suddenly do they shoot at him, and fear not. 5 They encourage themselves in an evil matter: They commune of laying snares privily; They say, Who shall see them?

6 They search out iniquities;

They accomplish a diligent search:

Both the inward thought of every one of them, and the heart, is deep.

(III. Their fall.)

7 But God shall shoot at them with an arrow;

Suddenly shall they be wounded, 8 So shall they make their own tongue to fall upon themselves:

All that see them shall flee away.

9 And all men shall fear,

And shall declare the work of God;

For they shall wisely consider of His doing.

(IV. Joy of the righteous.)

10 The righteous shall be glad in the Lord, And shall trust in Him;

And all the upright in heart shall glory.

REFLECTIONS.

1. The Church has always need to pray against the secret counsels and violent deeds of the ungodly. Every one has need to pray daily for preservation.

2. How often have the powers of the world plotted against the true followers of Christ! Their malice, art, counsels, and activity are here vividly portrayed; and surely we cannot think of them without seeing what we owe to God for peace and safety.

3. The power, truth, and goodness of God will be seen in the overthrow of the wicked. Their own evil and crafty counsels shall be turned against themselves: and the punishment inflicted upon them will fill those around them with fear, who shall own in it the work of the just and holy God.

4. Though the righteous may be afflicted for a season, yet it becomes them to be thankful and to rejoice. Firm in their confidence, and upright in heart and conduct, they may be assured that God will bless and

preserve them, and in due time deliver them from all their enemies.

PRAYER.

Preserve, O Lord, Thy Church from all her adversaries. Frustrate their counsels, restrain their power, and grant that Thy faithful people may rejoice in Thee. Grant that all men may wisely consider Thy righteous dealings, and fear Thee, and turn to Thee; to the glory of Thy Name, through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.

DAY 12.]

PSALM LXV.

EVENING PRAYER.

Thanksgiving, as Psalm xlvi. A Psalm of David, being a general hymn of praise for rain and fruitful seasons.

(I. Praise for divine grace.)

1 Praise waiteth for Thee, O God, in Zion: And unto Thee shall the vow be performed. 2 O Thou that hearest prayer,

Unto Thee shall all flesh come. 3 Iniquities prevail against me: As for our transgressions,

Thou shalt purge them away.

4 Blessed is the man whom Thou choosest, And causest to approach unto Thee,

That he may dwell in Thy courts:

We shall be satisfied with the goodness of Thy house,

Even of Thy holy temple.