Your Nightly Prayer 🙏🏾 Psalm 18:2
Plead my cause, O LORD, with them that strive with me: Fight against them that fight against me. Psalm 35:1

DEVOTION
Based on Psalm 35
God tells us repeatedly throughout His Word not to be afraid of those who persecute us or who repay our good deeds with hurtful or careless ones. He makes it clear that He will vindicate us, defend us, and uphold us with His strength. We can’t always see Him at work on our behalf, but we can trust that He is. Because of this, we can sur­ render to Him our thanksgiving and praise, knowing that the victory is already ours. We can rest in His very words, “He takes pleasure in His servant’s well-being” (Psalm 35:27 CSB), which is His desire for us.

As you end the day and turn your mind and thoughts onto God, it’s okay to vent about all that troubles you, just as King David did. As you unburden your heart, you can then turn your thoughts to praise.
A.C.T.S. REFLECTION
ADORATION:
God says we will be persecuted in this world, but the Lord will defend us and uphold us. He will fight our battles and give us victory if we surrender to Him. So, tonight, open your heart to His strength and justice imparted to you.

CONFESSION:
Think of a time when you took up vengeance yourself against someone who was treating you unfairly or slandering your reputation. Confess any anger or resentment you have toward this person. Ask God to help you be patient and allow Him to avenge those who hurt you and persecute you.

THANKSGIVING:
Thank the Lord for His love toward you, greater than you can even imagine. Praise Him for His righteousness and heart of justice. Thank Him for the times when He has rescued you and helped you in the midst of trouble.

SUPPLICATION:
Lord, it’s hard not to retaliate when someone wrongs me. Help me to turn to You at once when I need Your defense for my cause. Help me to remember to call on You, that You are very near, and that You will help me. Remind me that I am Yours, my reputation is Yours, my life is Yours. You want my well-being. I praise You and love You for being my God. In Jesus' name. Amen.

PRAYER
“The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower.”
PSALM 18:2
Dear Lord, blessed are You, my Rock and my God. You alone deserve glory and praise, and I repent for any time I have tried to steal praise and recognition for myself. You look favorably upon the humble, and You deal graciously with the gracious. I do not want to slip into corruption and arrogance. I want to step into peace, favor, and rest. Support me in my pursuit of righteousness, and strengthen me as I battle my own pride. Tomorrow will have its temptations, so as I place my head on the pillow, train my mind and heart for the war against sin. Remind me that ultimate victory is found in You. As I lay my head down to rest tonight, shore me up in You. Ground me in humility and strengthen my bones for tomorrow’s mission. In Jesus’ name, I trust and pray, Amen.