Psalm 42

Scripture Reading:

 Why are you cast down, O my soul,
        and why are you in turmoil within me?
    Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
        my salvation and my God.
    
        My soul is cast down within me;
        therefore I remember you
    from the land of Jordan and of Hermon,
        from Mount Mizar. (Ps. 42:5–6)

A Prayer to Fix Our Eyes on the Father:

O Father of mercies and God of all comfort,
we look to you in time of need—
when we are alone, when we are attacked, when we are afraid.
Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.
Strengthen us where we are weak; lift us up when we are cast down.
Though our eyes often wander, we fix them now on you.
Keep us from stumbling.
Keep us from Satan.
Keep us from sin and show us Christ. Amen.

Kevin DeYoung

Hymn:

As the deer panteth for the water so my soul longeth after you.
You alone are my hearts desire, and I long to worship you
You alone are my strength, my shield; 
To you alone may my spirit yield 
You alone are my heart’s desire and I long to worship you.

“As the Deer”  Words & Music by Martin Nystrom

Benediction:

Therefore God accepts only the forsaken, cures only the sick, gives sight only to the blind, restores life only to the dead, sanctifies only the sinners, gives wisdom only to the unwise. In short, he has mercy only on those who are wretched, and gives grace only to those who are not in grace. 

Martin Luther (1483–1546)