Be gracious to me, O LORD, for I am in distress; my eye is wasted from grief; my soul and my body also. For my life is spent with sorrow, and my years with sighing; my strength fails because of my iniquity, and my bones waste away. Because of all my adversaries I have become a reproach, especially to my neighbors, and an object of dread to my acquaintances; those who see me in the street flee from me. I have been forgotten like one who is dead; I have become like a broken vessel. For I hear the whispering of many-- terror on every side!-- as they scheme together against me, as they plot to take my life.

Lord, my two young charges are in trouble, one denying You and Your transformation, the other struggling with her faith and obedience to Your word. Help Betty and me as we mentor them and guide them into a knowledge of Your saving grace. It is heartbreaking to watch them destroy themselves because they refuse to trust You with their lives, desiring the fleshpots of Egypt to the milk and honey of the promised land.

Today's readings in the Psalms:

Morning: Psalm 79

Mid-day: 119:113-120

Evening: Psalm 5

Voices Together is available as an annual daily devotional and can be purchased at the Fellowship Of Ailbe bookstore.