Daily Prayer for February 3, 2025: Psalm 24

The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof,
    the world and those who dwell therein,
2 for he has founded it upon the seas
    and established it upon the rivers.

3 Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord?
    And who shall stand in his holy place?
4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
    who does not lift up his soul to what is false
    and does not swear deceitfully.
5 He will receive blessing from the Lord
    and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
6 Such is the generation of those who seek him,
    who seek the face of the God of Jacob.

7 Lift up your heads, O gates!
    And be lifted up, O ancient doors,
    that the King of glory may come in.
8 Who is this King of glory?
    The Lord, strong and mighty,
    the Lord, mighty in battle!
9 Lift up your heads, O gates!
    And lift them up, O ancient doors,
    that the King of glory may come in.
10 Who is this King of glory?
    The Lord of hosts,
    he is the King of glory!
(Psalm 24:1-10, ESV)

Prayer: Our Father and God, you are holy and mighty, the great King of heaven and earth, the maker of all things visible and invisible, the one who does all things will govern all his creatures and all their actions. We give you praise today because you have us in your hands. As the One who made all things by the word of your power, we can trust you and be confident that you can accomplish your perfect and righteous will in our lives. Because you are our God and we are your redeemed people, we should praise and worship you in the place of your heavenly dwelling. Though we are made for that purpose, we know that sin has caused a conflict and separated us from your comfortable presence. We do not have clean hands and a pure heart. We do not have lips that always speak the truth with integrity. We are prevented from dwelling with you. Yet, your beloved Son was crushed for our transgression to make the way clear for us to pass through the veil and behold your glory on your throne on earth. We confess and lament our sins, but we are also grateful that you forgive us when we plead with you. Please help us, Father, to worship you with hearts that are pure before you. We know that we can do what you command us through your Spirit. Please give us what you command and cause us to worship you with clean hands and true lips. Please keep us from living like those enemies of your Son whose lips said the right things, but their hearts were from you. Please grant us the sustaining grace to honor you with our lives in all ways we ask and pray through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Scripture Mediation: Psalm 24