We are living in some crazy times, are we not? Praying scripture over ourselves and our loved ones should be nothing new but also something we are actually doing. And this Psalm is a perfect example of what we can, and should be, praying.
Two things…
1. Down where it repeats twice about lions and serpents, I wanted to know why that was mentioned twice. [I was surprised when I saw this repetition when I was rewriting the prayer…] So I started doing some research and I found out that “lion” stands for more out in the open violence, where “serpent” stands for more secret, unseen spiritual warfare. And I believe it was repeated twice to serve as a warning and as encouragement!
2. I have just recently fallen in love with the TLV (Tree of Life) version. TLV was translated by Jewish scholars and holds as close as it can to Hebrew while still being in plain English. This prayer is a mix of the CSB version, the TLV version and my own wording.
So, here you go. Pray away!
Thank you God, that we who live under the protection of the Most High (Elyon) dwell in the shadow of the Almighty (Shaddai).
We will say concerning ADONAI (the Lord), who is our refuge and our fortress, our God in whom we trust: You Yourself will rescue us from the bird trap, from the destructive plague. You will cover us with Your feathers and we will take refuge under Your wings. Your faithfulness will be a protective shield.
We will not fear the terror of the night,
the arrow that flies by day,
the plague that stalks in darkness,
or the pestilence that ravages at noon.
Though a thousand fall at our sides and ten thousand at our right hand, the pestilence will not reach us. We will only see it with our eyes and witness the punishment of the wicked.
Because we have made You – ADONAI, our refuge and Most High - our dwelling place, may no harm come to us; no plague will come near our homes.
For You will give Your angels orders concerning us, to protect us in all our ways. They will support us with their hands so that we will not strike even a foot against a stone. You, God, will tread on the lion and the cobra; You will trample the young lion and the serpent.
Because we have our hearts set on You, You will deliver us; God, You will protect us because we know Your name. When we call out to You, You will answer us; You will be with us in trouble. You will rescue us and we will give You honor. You will satisfy us with a long life and show us Your salvation.
Psalm 91
*translated by me into a prayer that can be prayed daily for protection for yourself and your family.
ShannonFabulous 