The Psalm of Mary, Mother of Jesus - as Leigh Hears It

The Magnificat!

Luke 1:46-55

Not all of Israel's Psalms are found in the book of Psalms. There are some throughout the books of the Bible. This Psalm is found in the book of Luke. It was sung by Mary to her cousin Elizabeth when John the Baptist was still in utero and leaped for joy at Mary's calling when she visited them.

~*~

Mary, singing from her heart of hearts:

Deep within my soul, I celebrate God's glory, 

and my spirit rejoices in God, My Savior.

For He has seen where I live, in all of my lowliness

and humility:

and yet, because of His mighty acts, 

I will forever be proclaimed as blessed. Therefore, I will ever praise His name, giving Him all the glory and honor He is due.

May His mercy fall on all who fear,

honor and respect Him throughout eternity.

For He has shown His dominion over all

on earth by scattering those whose innermost

thoughts are filled with pride;

even those who rule from their lofty seats 

has He brought low.

He has lifted up the humble,

raising them from their humility.

He has filled the hungry in body and soul

with every good thing.

But the rich - those who seem satisfied

in body and soul - has He sent away empty-handed.

Yes, God has embraced Israel once more,

for He has remembered His mercy - 

His loving kindness - and His promised pardon 

to Abraham and his descendants throughout all time.

Amen!

Psalm Twenty Six

A Psalm of David ... and Leigh

 Defend me, O Lord; for I have dealt honestly and honorably in all of my ways: I have also placed my trust in You and have not slipped nor strayed from Your Path.

 Examine me from top to bottom, Father. Try me in every way and prove me innocent. For I am ever fully aware of Your unfailing love; it is always on my mind. And I truly rely on your faithfulness, every minute ... all day long.

 I do not associate with the old crowd - drug addicts, gangsters, and criminals - evil doers of all sorts. I hate them and all of their double-dealing ways.

 I wash my hands in Your purity and innocence, joining hands with those encircling Your altar ... dancing with them around Your Throne. Together we Sing Your songs of Praise and Thanksgiving ... telling stories of all Your marvelous works.

Lord, I love that You have taken up residence within my heart of hearts because You fill me with Your honor and glory. Please do not rank me among sinful men and women, or my life and livelihood murderous and bloodthirsty people. For everything they hold dear is full of wicked schemes, treachery, and bribes.

 But I will always walk in honesty and integrity; so deliver me and always deal mercifully with me. 

For I stand on solid and level ground with You: I will do all I can to bring a smile to Your face, Lord ... Always!

Amen.

Psalm 25, Verses 8-15

Continuation of  this Psalm of Leigh

This is my conversation with God as this day dawns anew. I am, yet again, asking God for His guidance, and pardon from my sin. And I am thankful that He always hears and answers our prayers. As followers of Christ, we all need to believe that God will do these things for each of us.

Our God is fair and just, therefore He directs His lost children back to His righteous paths; and He leads the meek and humble, step by step, in ways that are right.
 All of the Lord's ways are full of mercy and Truth; He is always loving and faithful to those who follow after them.
 I know that I don't always follow after You as closely as I should, Lord. Please forgive me, even if it is just for the sake of Your holy name.
 Lord, I know that You will direct those men and women - young and old - who fear, respect and honor You in the path that You have chosen for each of them. Their souls will be filled with your peace; and their spiritual children will inherit the earth. For all of Your secrets are hidden deep in their heart of hearts. You have confided with them from the beginning of Your relationship with them. You have shown them Your covenant which they have accepted. They have added their names along side those who have come before.
 Lord, may You always be the focus of my life. May my eyes ever be looking on Your face. For You alone have, can and will ever continue to rescue me from the snares of our enemy.
 I love You, Lord Jesus!
 Amen.

Psalm 25, Verses 1-7

A Psalm of David & Leigh

A conversation with God.

David is praying, and I with him, asking God for defense, 

guidance, and pardon from sin.

As followers of Christ, we know that God will do these things for us, also.

God's Defense is better than ANY castle walls!

Loving Lord I lift, I give up, my soul to You.

Father, I have placed all of my trust in You.

You will not allow me to bring shame upon You.

Neither will You allow my enemies, or Your enemies,

to triumph over me. No, they will find no joy in causing me harm.

Lord, I know that none who have placed their trust, their very hope,

in You will ever be put to shame. But those who act unfaithfully, yes all deceitful men and women, will stand before You in their shame.

Show me the direction You would have my life to take; 

help me to see the course my life should take.

Teach me to stay on Your Highway of and to Holiness.

Guide me into Your truth and instruct me, Lord. For You are my Savior, 

the very source of my life's existence.
I know You remember all of your lovingkindness and tender mercies,
and so do I. For they go back to the very beginning;
back to the first family and the Garden.
But in Your remembering, please remember not the sins of my childhood,
nor any of the rebellious acts that I have committed since ... please forget, as your merciful nature allows.