2Samuel 24; Galatians 4; Ezekiel 31; Psalm 79

prayer arising:

Lord I get angry when I read a passage where 70,000 people die of plague because David committed some act of sin that I don't understand - what does this mean? I don't understand.

For the sake of Your glory, hear me, so that I can recount Your praise. Don't let pride in me deny my eyes from seeing all things given as gifts - You make beautiful and abundant - let me live thankfully.

Jesus - finding it difficult to praise when the picture of those 70,000 people is before my eyes. I hear Paul's question - what has happened to your joy?

Let Your Spirit in me cry out 'Abba, Father' - and in the joyful freedom of a son, living in Your promise, let me ask - why?

Amen.