Faith Daily Lectio Thursday, October 22, 2026 Evening Psalm
Thursday, October 22, 2026 · Thursday in the week of the Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 24)
Evening Psalm
Oratio (prayer)
Lord, You are my light and my salvation. As this day ends, send Your Holy Spirit as I pray Psalm 27, that I may not fear but wait on You in Jesus Christ. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Meditatio (meditation)
Psalm 27
A Psalm of David.
1The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
2When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.
3Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.
4One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.
5For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.
6And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.
7Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me.
8When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek.
9Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.
10When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up.
11Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.
12Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.
13I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.
14Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.
Consider even rereading in another translation.
You could also consider listening to this chapter, narrated:
KJV (Max McLean) · ESV (Max McLean) · NIV (dramatized)
You might read the whole reading slowly, aloud, more than once.
Consider this verse, for example:
“Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.” (Psalm 27:14)
What other lines speak to you?
The Law David knows enemies, false witnesses, and the fear that comes with them. He even faces the day "When my father and my mother forsake me" (v. 10). We fear many things, and we often seek safety anywhere but in God. We do not wait well.
The Gospel "The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?" (v. 1). Jesus is the Light of the world, and He is your salvation. He was forsaken on the cross so that you would never be forsaken: "then the LORD will take me up" (v. 10). And "in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion" (v. 5).
Prayer Lord, I confess that I have been afraid and have not waited on You. Forgive me for Jesus' sake. Be my light tonight, hide me in Your pavilion, and take me up when others forsake me. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Tentatio (trial)
Waiting can be the hardest trial of all. The Psalm ends, "Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD" (v. 14). Under trial it may help to rest in that promise tonight. You need not be strong in yourself. He strengthens your heart.
Evening prayer Lord, as I lie down, be my light in the dark. Strengthen my heart, keep me from fear, and teach me to wait on You. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Scripture quotations are from the King James Version.
My church home: Peace Lutheran Church, McMurray, PA. Looking for a church? See About Daily Lectio.
