Make It Plain – The Presidential Prayer Team

Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us. – Psalm 90:17

If you, as a believer, contemplate the short span of years you are given on this Earth, the words of an old spiritual may reflect the thoughts that come to mind on such occasions: “Sometimes I feel discouraged/ And think my work’s in vain.”

You are not the first to have these thoughts. Psalm 90, from which today’s verse is taken, is “A Prayer of Moses, the Man of God.” The prophet who led Israel out of Egypt, and who met God face-to-face on the mountain, had an intimate relationship with the Lord. He trusted Him and knew Him as his dwelling place (Psalm 90:1). Moses also knew humanity – people return to dust at the end of their years, and those years come to an end like a sigh (vv. 3, 9).

Therefore, Moses prayed: “Teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom“ (v. 12). It is a prayer that asks the Lord to make plain the work He wants you to do, and then give you the strength to do it. As the old spiritual continues: “Don’t ever feel discouraged/ For Jesus is your friend/ And if you lack of knowledge/ He’ll ne’er refuse to lend.”

Start your day with prayer that God will lay on your heart the plans He has for you. He will give you discernment and purpose in your efforts if you make His work your work. Pray for those in this nation, especially those who govern, that they may know God’s truth and seek to follow the Lord’s guidance. Then, may you enjoy the “favor of the Lord” in your daily life.

Today’s Verse: Psalm 90:17

Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us,
    and establish the work of our hands upon us;
    yes, establish the work of our hands!

All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Recommended for further reading: Psalm 90:1-2, 12-17

¹ Lord, you have been our dwelling place
    in all generations.
²Before the mountains were brought forth,
    or ever you had formed the earth and the world,
    from everlasting to everlasting you are God.

¹² So teach us to number our days
    that we may get a heart of wisdom.
¹³Return, O Lord! How long?
    Have pity on your servants!
¹⁴Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love,
    that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.
¹⁵Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us,
    and for as many years as we have seen evil.
¹⁶Let your work be shown to your servants,
    and your glorious power to their children.
¹⁷Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us,
    and establish the work of our hands upon us;
    yes, establish the work of our hands!