The Mighty One, God, the Lord, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to where it sets (Ps. 50:1)
O Lord, you are mighty and holy. There is no one like you. You declare when the sun rises and where it sets. You are sovereign over creation. We rest in you.
From Zion, perfect in beauty, God shines forth. Our God comes and will not be silent; a fire devours before him, and around him a tempest rages. He summons the heavens above, and the earth, that he may judge his people (Ps. 50:2-5)
God, you are righteous, good, and your love shines forth from Zion. You will not be silent concerning your majesty and power; for the work of your hands are evident in this complex world. O Lord, we are a sinful people. Have mercy on us and blot out our transgressions.
Gather to me this consecrated people, who made a covenant with me by sacrifice. And the heavens proclaim his righteousness, for he is a God of justice. Listen, my people, and I will speak; I will testify against you Israel: I am God, your God.
You made a covenant with your people. A covenant is a promise that you will never leave or forsake us. You are a God of justice. You hear our prayers and rescue us during times of difficulty. Please hear our prayers and heal our souls.
I bring no charges against you concerning your sacrifices or concerning your burnt offerings, which are ever before me. I have no need of a bull from your stall or of goats from your pens, for every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills. I know every bird in the mountains, and the insects in the field are mine. If I were hungry I would not tell you, for the world is mine, and all that is in it. Do I eat the flesh of bulls or drink the blood of goats?
Heavenly Father, you created the cosmos. Every star belongs to you. The Earth and all the animals of the forest belong to you. You know every creature on the land and in the sea. There is nothing that escapes your knowledge. May we be thankful and recognize that there is no sacrifice or burnt offering that can change our relationship with you. Our heart and commitment to you is what you want from us.
Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High, and call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me.
Lord of hosts, we give you the praise. When calamity strikes in our lives, we will turn to you. When broken hearts need to be healed, it is wise to turn to you. God, you are the only one who can adequately deliver us from our trials. No amount of money, prestige, or earthly pleasure can fully satisfy us. You are the one who makes us alive, whole, and at peace. As we call on you, deliver us swiftly. We fully trust in you. May you be glorified in our lives. Amen.
Conform to Jesus 