Daily Bible Reading – March 2023, "God’s Saving Word: Prayer"Sample

March 29

Introduction

Today’s reading opens with the psalm writer, with uplifted hands, asking God to receive his prayer “as incense.” Written in the wisdom tradition, today’s psalm includes a request to be kept from “wanting to do wrong” and concludes with a request for God’s protection from evildoers.

Scripture Reading

Psalm 141

Today’s Key Verse: Psalm 141:2

Receive my prayer as incense, my uplifted hands as an evening sacrifice.

Reflect

In Exodus 30:1, Moses is instructed to build an altar for burning incense, and Aaron is told “to burn sweet-smelling incense on it” (Exodus 30:7). The smoke from the burning incense represented the prayers that went up to God. What are your thoughts about this image for prayer? What prayers will you lift up to God today?

Pray

Sovereign God, trusting in your love, mercy, and care, I lift up my prayers to you this day, asking for your help and guidance in all I do and say. Place a sentry at the door of my lips and keep me from wanting to do wrong. All this I ask in your holy and precious name. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Psalm 142: A prayer for release from distress.