I find joy in Your strength, O Lord, and in Your salvation I shall greatly rejoice! You have given me my heart's desire and have not withheld what I requested. For You presented me with the blessings of goodness. I asked life of You, and You gave it to me, even length of days forever and ever. Your glory is great in Your salvation; honor and majesty You have laid upon me. For You have made me most blessed forever; You have made me exceedingly glad in Your presence. Be exalted, O Lord, in Your own strength; I will sing and praise Your greatness. (Ps. 21:1-3a, 4-6, 13 kjv paraphrased)

Lord, You are my shepherd; I shall not want. You make me to lie down in green pastures; You lead me beside the still waters. You restore my soul; You lead me in the paths of righteousness for Your name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me. Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in Your house forever. (Ps. 23 kjv paraphrased)

"All my longings lie open before you, O Lord; my sighing is not hidden from you." "My tears have been my food day and night, while they continually say to me, ÎWhere is your God?'" "My life is consumed by anguish and my years by groaning; my strength fails because of my affliction, and my bones grow weak." O Lord, let Your lovingkindness be upon me, according as I have hoped in You. Grant me Your peace, the peace of Your kingdom at all times and in all ways, under all circumstances and conditions, whatever comes. Lord, be with me. (Ps. 38:9; Ps. 42:3 nkjv; Ps. 31:10 not paraphrased; Ps. 33:22 nas95; 2 Thess. 3:16 amp paraphrased, A Woman's Pilgrimage of Faith, 36)

Unto You, O Lord, I lift up my soul. O my God, I trust in You; let me not be ashamed; let not my enemies triumph over me. Yes, let none that wait on You be ashamed; let them be ashamed that transgress without cause. Show me Your ways, O Lord; teach me Your paths. Good and upright are You, Lord; therefore, You will teach me, a sinner, the right way. The meek You will guide in judgment, and the meek You will teach Your way. All Your paths, Lord, are mercy and truth for me as I keep Your covenant and testimonies. (Ps. 25:1-4, 8-10 kjv paraphrased)

Arise, Lord! Lift up Your hand. Do not forget me, for I am helpless. "O Lord, how long will this go on? Will you hide yourself forever?" "How long must I wait? When will you punish those who persecute me?" "I am sick at heart. How long, O Lord, until you restore me?" "I weep with grief; encourage me by your word." "I am in trouble, so do not hide your face from me. Answer me quickly!" I truly trust in You, Lord. Because You, O God Most High, always love me, I will not be overwhelmed. (Ps. 10:12 paraphrased; Ps. 89:46a nlt; Ps. 119:84 nlt; Ps. 6:3 nlt; Ps. 119:28 nlt; Ps. 69:17 God's word not paraphrased; Ps. 21:7 ncv paraphrased, A Woman's Pilgrimage of Faith, 45)

"My soul is in anguish. How long, O Lord, how long?" Why do You hide Your face from me and forget my misery and oppression? You have walled me in so that I cannot escape; You have weighed me down with chains. "Turn, O Lord, and deliver me; save me because of your unfailing love." "I will exalt you, O Lord, for you lifted me out of the depths." (Ps. 6:3 not paraphrased; Ps. 44:24; Lam. 3:7 paraphrased; Ps. 6:4; Ps. 30:1a not paraphrased, A Woman's Pilgrimage of Faith, 47)

Lord, I give to You the glory due Your name; I worship You, Lord, in the beauty of holiness. Your voice is upon the waters; God of glory, You thunder; O Lord, You are upon many waters. Your voice is powerful; Your voice is full of majesty. Your voice breaks the cedars; yes, Lord, You break the cedars of Lebanon. Your voice divides the flames of fire. Your voice shakes the wilderness; You shake the wilderness of Kadesh. In Your temple everyone speaks of Your glory. O Lord, You sit enthroned upon the flood; yes, Lord, You are enthroned as king forever. Lord, You give strength to Your people; You bless Your people with peace. (Ps. 29:2-5, 7-8, 9b-11 kjv paraphrased)

"Listen to my cry for help, O God. Pay attention to my prayer." "My eyes fail from weeping, I am in torment within." "Have pity on me! O Lord, be my helper!" "O God, do not remain silent. Do not turn a deaf ear to me. Do not keep quiet, O God." "O Lord, listen to my prayer. Open your ears to hear my urgent requests. Answer me because you are faithful and righteous." "I call on you, O God, for you will answer me; give ear to me and hear my prayer." (Ps. 61:1 god's word; Lam. 2:11a; Ps. 30:10b god's word; Ps. 83:1 God's word; Ps. 143:1 god's word; Ps. 17:6, A Woman's Pilgrimage of Faith, 46)

O Lord, "Hear the sound of my prayer, when I cry out to you for help. I raise my hands toward your Most Holy Place." "God, you will be praised in Jerusalem. We will keep our promises to you. You hear our prayers. All people will come to you. Our guilt overwhelms us, but you forgive our sins. Happy are the people you choose and invite to stay in your court. We are filled with good things in your house, your holy Temple. You answer us in amazing ways, God our Savior. People everywhere on the earth and beyond the sea trust you." (Ps. 28:2; 65:1-5, all ncv)

I will sing to You all my life, Lord; I will sing praise to You, my God, as long as I live. May my meditation be pleasing to You as I rejoice in You. I will constantly tell of all Your wonderful acts. I will glory in Your holy name; my heart seeks You and rejoices. "I thank and praise you, O God of my fathers." I exalt You and worship at Your footstool; You are holy. I worship You, Lord, in the splendor of Your holiness. Praise be to Your name forever and ever, for wisdom and power are yours. (Ps. 104:33-34, 105:2b, 3 paraphrased; Dan. 2:23a not paraphrased; Ps. 99:5; 96:9a; Dan. 2:20 paraphrased, A Woman's Walk with God, 156)

"My heart is beaten down and withered like grass because I have forgotten about eating." "I eat ashes like bread and my tears are mixed with my drink." All my days I eat in darkness, and I have much sorrow and sickness and anger. O satisfy me early with Your mercy and unfailing love that I may rejoice and be glad all my days. Then "my soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you." (Ps. 102:4, 9 god's word not paraphrased; Eccl. 5:17 nkjv; Ps. 90:14 kjv paraphrased; Ps. 63:5 not paraphrased, A Woman's Pilgrimage of Faith, 49)

May I have the wisdom, Lord, that comes from heaven, which is first of all pure, then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. May I be a peacemaker, who by sowing in peace raises a harvest of righteousness. Help me to encourage others, so that we may build each other up. And I will respect those who work hard for You, Lord, who are over me in the Lord and who admonish me. I will hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. I will live in peace with others. I will make sure that I do not pay back wrong for wrong, but I will always try to be kind to Christians and to everyone else. (James 3:17-18; 1 Thess. 5:11a, 12-13, all paraphrased, A Woman's Journey Toward Holiness, 137)

O my Security, if I try to make my life secure, I will lose it, but if I lose my life, I will keep it. "The truth is, a kernel of wheat must be planted in the soil. Unless it dies it will be alone, a single seed. But its death will produce many new kernels, a plentiful harvest of new lives." And if I love my life in this world, I will lose it. If I despise my life in this world, I will keep it for eternity. (Luke 17:33 nrsv paraphrased; John 12:24 nlt not paraphrased; John 12:25 nlt paraphrased, A Woman's Pilgrimage of Faith, 61)

O Lord of my Life, the world offers me only the lust for physical pleasure, the lust for everything I see, and pride in my possessions. These are not from You, Father. They are from this evil world. And this world is fading away, along with everything I crave. Therefore, Jesus, as You've instructed, I won't worry about everyday lifeÛwhether I have enough food, drink, and clothes. Life consists of more than food and clothing. I look at the birds. They don't need to plant or harvest or put food in barns because, heavenly Father, You feed them. And I am far more valuable to You than they are. (1 John 2:16-17a; Matt. 6:25-26, all nlt paraphrased, A Woman's Pilgrimage of Faith, 62)

Ever-caring Comforter, "The suffering you sent was good for me, for it taught me to pay attention to your principles." So "do not be far from me, for trouble is near and there is no one to help." Oh, that I may persevere and endure hardships for Your name and not grow weary. Strengthen me with all power according to Your glorious might so that I may have great endurance and patience. Now let this encourage me to endure persecution patiently and remain firm to the end, obeying Your commands and trusting in You, Jesus. (Ps. 119:71 nlt; Ps. 22:11 not paraphrased; Rev. 2:3; Col. 1:11; Rev. 14:12 nlt paraphrased, A Woman's Pilgrimage of Faith, 63)

Lord and Savior, "I know very well how foolish the message of the cross sounds to those who are on the road to destruction. But we who are being saved recognize this message as the very power of God." So I must never be ashamed to tell others about You, Lord. And I won't be ashamed of Christians either, even those in prison for You, Christ. With the strength You give me, I'll be ready to suffer with them for the proclamation of the Good News. So, as one who has been chosen by You, as one holy and beloved, I will put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. I will set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity. (1 Cor. 1:18 nlt not paraphrased; 2 Tim. 1:8 nlt; Col. 3:12 nas95; 1 Tim. 4:12b paraphrased, A Woman's Pilgrimage of Faith, 64)

"Praise the Lord, God our Savior, who helps us every day. Our God is a God who saves us." "God, order up your power; show the mighty power you have used for us before." "Kingdoms of the earth, sing to God; sing praises to the Lord. Sing to the one who rides through the skies, which are from long ago. He speaks with a thundering voice. Announce that God is powerful. He rules over Israel, and his power is in the skies. God, you are wonderful in your Temple. The God of Israel gives his people strength and power. Praise God!" (Ps. 68:19-20a, 28, 32-35 ncv)

Your ways, O God, are without fault. Your words, Lord, are pure. You are a shield to ___________________, who trust in You. Who is God? Only the Lord. Who is the rock? Only our God. O God, You are their protection. Make their ways free from fault. Make them like deer that do not stumble, that can stand on the steep mountains. Protect them with Your saving shield. Support them with Your right hand. Stoop to make them great. Give them better ways to live so that they will live as You want them to. (Ps. 18:30-33, 35-36 ncv paraphrased)

How lovely is the place where You dwell, O Lord of hosts! My soul longs, yes, even faints for Your courts; Lord, my heart and my flesh cry out for You, the living God. Yes, the sparrow has found a house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even near Your altars, O Lord of hosts, my King and my God. I am blessed that I dwell in Your house; I am still praising You. I am blessed because my strength is in You; I have set my heart on Your ways. (Ps. 84:1-5 kjv paraphrased)

I will sing to You, Lord, a new song because You have done miracles. By Your right hand and holy arm You have won the victory. Lord, You have made known Your power to save; You have shown the other nations Your victory for Your people. You have remembered Your love and Your loyalty to your people. All the ends of the earth have seen Your power to save. "Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth; burst into songs and make music. Make music to the Lord with harps, with harps and the sound of singing. Blow the trumpets and the sheep's horns; shout for joy to the Lord the King. Let the sea and everything in it shout; let the world and everyone in it sing. Let the rivers clap their hands; let the mountains sing together for joy."(Ps. 98:1-3 paraphrased; Ps. 98:4-8, not paraphrased, all ncv)

Jesus, You said that when I realize my need for You, I am blessed because the kingdom of heaven is mine. When I grieve and mourn, I am blessed because You will comfort me. When I am humble and meek, I am blessed because I will inherit the earth. When I hunger and thirst after righteousness, I am blessed because I will be filled. When I am merciful, I am blessed because I will obtain mercy. When I am pure in heart, I am blessed because I will see You, O God. When I am a peacemaker, I am blessed because I will be called Your child. When I am persecuted for righteousness' sake, I am blessed because the kingdom of heaven is mine. When people revile me and persecute me and say all manner of evil against me falsely, I am blessed for Your sake, O Lord. Therefore, I will rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is my reward in heaven. (Matt. 5:3-12a kjv paraphrased)

O Most High, "I have been banished from your sight." "My loved ones and my friends stand aloof from my plague, and my relatives stand afar off." "You have caused my companions to shun me; you have made me a thing of horror to them. I am shut in so that I cannot escape." "You must defend my innocence, O God, since no one else will stand up for me. You have closed their minds to understanding." Restore me, O God; make Your face shine upon me that I may be saved. (Jonah 2:4a; Ps. 38:11 nkjv; Ps. 88:8 nrsv; Job 17:3-4a nlt not paraphrased; Ps. 80:3 paraphrased, A Woman's Pilgrimage of Faith, 79)

O ever-caring Lord, friends speak proudly, every one with neighbors; with flattering lips and with a double heart they speak to me. Lord, cut off all insincere lips and the tongue that speaks hurtful things. Rise up to rescue me, as I have longed for You to do. Lord, You will keep me safe; You will always protect me from such people. "Now let your unfailing love comfort me, just as you promised me, your servant. Surround me with your tender mercies so I may live." (Ps. 12:2-3 kjv; Ps. 12:5 nlt; Ps. 12:7 ncv paraphrased; Ps. 119:76-77a nlt not paraphrased, A Woman's Pilgrimage of Faith, 81)

"There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord." "The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; he frustrates the plans of the peoples." Yes, Lord, "I know that you can do all things and that no plan of yours can be ruined." Therefore, I will commit my works to You, Lord, and my plans will be established. "I will hurry, without lingering, to obey your commands." (Prov. 21:30; Ps. 33:10 nrsv; Job 42:2 ncv not paraphrased; Prov. 16:3 nas95 paraphrased; Ps. 119:60 nlt not paraphrased, A Woman's Pilgrimage of Faith, 80)

Almighty God, "I have endured your terrors, and now I am in despair." "You have taken my loved ones and friends far away from me. Darkness is my only friend!" "Ruthless witnesses come forward. . . . They repay me evil for good and leave my soul forlorn." I am waiting patiently for You, Lord, to help me; turn to me and hear my cry. Lift me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. Set my feet on solid ground and steady me as I walk along. (Ps. 88:15b, 18 god's word; Ps. 35:11a-12 not paraphrased; Ps. 40:1-2 nlt paraphrased, A Woman's Pilgrimage of Faith, 82.)

O Lord of Peace, I'll get rid of my bitterness, hot temper, anger, loud quarreling, cursing, and hatred. I'll be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry, for my anger can never make things right in Your sight. I won't sin by letting anger gain control over me. I'll think about it overnight and remain silent. I'll think about the things that are good and worthy of praise. I'll think about the things that are true and honorable and right and pure and beautiful and respected. (Eph. 4:31 god's word; James 1:19-20 nlt; Ps. 4:4 nlt; Phil. 4:8 ncv, all paraphrased, A Woman's Pilgrimage of Faith, 92)

O God of Wisdom, "a fool gives full vent to anger, but the wise quietly holds it back." "One given to anger stirs up strife, and the hothead causes much transgression." Therefore, I will not be quickly provoked in my spirit. I will cease from anger and forsake wrath; I will not fret, it only causes harm. "Do not hide Your face from me; Do not turn Your servant away in anger; You have been my help; Do not leave me nor forsake me, O God of my salvation." For "Who is like you, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like you, majestic in holiness, awesome in splendor, doing wonders?" (Prov. 29:11, 22 nrsv not paraphrased; Eccl. 7:9a; Ps. 37:8 nkjv paraphrased; Ps. 27:9 nkjv; Ex. 15:11 nrsv not paraphrased, A Woman's Pilgrimage of Faith, 93)