Evening Prayer "veloci-TEA"

In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O LORD, will keep me safe. (Psalm 4:8, NLT)

Speedy conviction. That was the "veloci-TEA" of the realization that my evening prayers probably set the stage for my morning prayers and I ought to give that time more attention. A new prayer direction. Certainly the compiler of the Psalms, this "hymnal of the Jewish people" knew that. Interestingly enough, the evening prayers are mentioned in both Psalm 3 and Psalm 4 prior to the mentioning of the morning prayers in Psalm 5.

Scripture before sleeping may prompt prayers. God's word, in and of itself can be a prayer. "To the Lord I cry....I lie down and sleep....and will not fear" (Psalm 3:4-6) and David concludes  in 4:8, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. 

"It's David's confidence in God that enables him to lay himself down calmly and tranquilly to sleep, whatever dangers threaten him. He seeks his couch, and at once (יחדּו) slumber visits him. No anxious thoughts keep him tossing on his bed for hours." (http://biblehub.com/psalms/4-8.htm) Confidence in God comes from knowing Him through His word.

Anne Graham Lotz's, endorsed Daily Light for Every Day, includes morning and evening prayers. Equal scripture content for both. The "Graham/Lotz families read this "little" collection each day. It keeps them all on the same page. 

Last night I read the 5/16 entry from Daily Light and prayed those "very" appropriate verses for a decision a dear friend would be making on that "very" day. Grateful for the "velodi-TEA of conviction that had me speedily changing my direction of evening prayers. 

Communion of the Heart

11/2/09
Unity, spiritual union, close association, relationship. All these are results of an open heart communing with God’s heart through His word. Last night as I was “communing with God” upon my bed, I selected Psalm 4, another psalm of David’s. Subtitle: Evening Prayer of Trust in God.

Psalm 4 (NASB) (notations, mine)

Answer me when I call O God of my righteousness! Thou hast relieved me in my distress. (Amen!)

O sons of men, how long will my honor become a reproach? How long will you love what is worthless and aim at deception? [Selah)
Remember Selah denotes pause. Ponderings from my pause: What am I loving in my life that is useless or of no real significance---Is it robbing me of time and energy of that which is truly valuable. Help me, O Lord to discern.

But know the Lord has set apart the godly man for Himself: The Lord hears when I call to Him. (What a comfort to know that the Lord hears even me.)

Tremble and do not sin; Meditate in your heart upon your bed and be still. [Selah (I can tell You this fear that I am facing tomorrow, and in turning it over to You, I do not sin.)

Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, And trust in the Lord. (Sacrifices that are righteous before Him---a broken and contrite heart. (Psalm 51:17) Trust Him not myself---Thee not me!)

Many are saying, “Who will show us any good?” Lift up the light of Thy countenance upon us, O Lord! (THOT: Is it salvation that is the shining of His face upon us?)

Thou hast put gladness in my heart, More than when their grain and new wine abound. (Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing….and girded me with gladness. Psalm 30:7)

In peace, I will both lie down and sleep, For Thou alone, O Lord, dost make me to dwell in safety. (My peace comes from Thee, and Thee alone!)

Today, choose one of these verses that speaks to your heart and meditate on it throughout the day. Tonight, meditate upon your bed and be still as you lie down to sleep in His peace.