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DAILY WORD · KING JAMES VERSION

A daily rhythm of Scripture and prayer.

Read carefully. Reflect honestly. Put God’s Word into practice, one day at a time.

Open Heavens

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The Scripture, reflection and prayer below are City of Praise readings, separate from Open Heavens.

Wednesday, October 28, 2026

City of Praise reflection

Courage and spiritual endurance — Psalms 38:9-16

Courage and spiritual endurance

Today’s Scripture: Psalms 38:9-16 (KJV)

  1. Lord, all my desire is before thee; and my groaning is not hid from thee.
  2. My heart panteth, my strength faileth me: as for the light of mine eyes, it also is gone from me.
  3. My lovers and my friends stand aloof from my sore; and my kinsmen stand afar off.
  4. They also that seek after my life lay snares for me: and they that seek my hurt speak mischievous things, and imagine deceits all the day long.
  5. But I, as a deaf man, heard not; and I was as a dumb man that openeth not his mouth.
  6. Thus I was as a man that heareth not, and in whose mouth are no reproofs.
  7. For in thee, O Lord, do I hope: thou wilt hear, O Lord my God.
  8. For I said, Hear me, lest otherwise they should rejoice over me: when my foot slippeth, they magnify themselves against me.
Read the full chapter in KJV ↗

Guided reflection

Read Psalms 38:9-16 slowly, then read the surrounding chapter. Attend to the poetry and its setting. A lament gives voice to suffering; a proverb teaches wisdom rather than a mechanical guarantee; quoted human speech should be weighed in the whole book. Attend especially to Psalms 38:11: “My lovers and my friends stand aloof from my sore; and my kinsmen stand afar off.” Observe: Who is speaking or acting, and what changes across these verses? Identify a word, action or contrast in Psalms 38:9-16 that helps you explain the passage in your own words. Reflect: What response to difficulty is encouraged here, and what shortcuts does it rule out? Ground your answer in Psalms 38:11 and its surrounding verses. If the connection to this month’s theme is indirect, let the passage’s own meaning lead. Respond: Face one postponed responsibility prayerfully, without retaliating or giving in to fear. Write one sentence explaining how your response follows from Psalms 38:9-16, and return to it this evening.

Put the Word into practice

Choose one truth from today’s passage. Write down one practical step you can take today, then ask God for grace to follow through.

Today’s prayer

Father, as I consider Psalms 38:11, give me courage joined with humility. Let the truth of this passage correct my assumptions and shape my response today. Help me practise what is faithful to Your Word. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Part of our Scripture-led study plan. Read the passage in context and use the prompts for personal reflection.

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