"Like as a lion that is greedy of his prey, and as it were a young lion lurking in secret places." - Psalms 17:12

Heavenly Father,

I come before You today, burdened by the weight of the battles that surround me, and I draw strength from Your Word, especially as I reflect on Psalm 17:12. The verse reads, "Like as a lion that is greedy of his prey, and as it were a young lion lurking in secret places." Lord, these words depict the fierce and ravenous nature of danger that often lurks in the shadows of my life.

In my heart, I recognize that there are forces out there, much like a lion on the hunt, seeking to pounce on my spirit, my peace, and my well-being. I acknowledge, O God, that sin and temptation often lie in wait, eager to ensnare me when I least expect it. I feel the chill of fear sometimes, knowing that these unseen threats can attack unexpectedly, just as a lion does its prey.

Father, just as this natural world offers both danger and safety, I find comfort in knowing that I am under Your constant protection. You are my refuge and my fortress, a shield that stands firm against the devouring lion who lurks. I pray for Your divine shielding against every scheme of the enemy that seeks to unravel my faith and lead me to destruction.

Lord, please illuminate the dark corners of my life where the young lions lie in wait. Show me the paths that lead to danger, and grant me the wisdom to avoid them. If there are negative influences or temptations that have crept silently into my life, reveal them to me. I desire a heart that is pure and eyes that see clearly, and I ask that You guide me away from any pitfalls that threaten my spiritual walk.

Heavenly Father, I ask for Your strength to resist the lure of temptation. The predator is cunning and fierce, but I trust that You have empowered me to stand firm in my faith. Help me remember the bravery of David, who too was pursued by lurking dangers and yet recognized that You were his shield and stronghold. Give me the tenacity and courage to face the roaring lions of discouragement, betrayal, and despair and to rely not on my strength alone, but to lean entirely upon You.

As I traverse the valleys of life, I pray for divine discernment to recognize when I am being quietly preyed upon. May I never underestimate the subtlety of the enemy; let me be vigilant and wise so that I do not fall prey to the stealthy attacks against my joy, my faith, and my ability to love. Lord, instill in me a spirit of vigilance and readiness, that I may continually watch and pray, paying heed to the warnings of my heart and the whispers of Your Spirit.

I pray for all who find themselves in moments of weakness or vulnerability. May Your protective hand be upon them, Lord. Surround us with Your angels, and let us find solace in the promise that as we abide within Your presence, we shall be shielded from the ferocious beasts that stalk in the hidden recesses of life.

Thank You, Lord, for being my protector, my guide, and my strength. I embrace this day, knowing that though lions may lurk, I have confidence that I am not alone. My heart rejoices in Your salvation, and I declare that no weapon formed against me shall prosper, for You, O Lord, are my deliverer.

In the name of Jesus Christ, my Savior and Shield, I pray.

Amen.

Artwork for Psalms 17:12

Psalms 17:12 - "Like as a lion that is greedy of his prey, and as it were a young lion lurking in secret places."

Psalms 17:12 - "Like as a lion that is greedy of his prey, and as it were a young lion lurking in secret places."

"Like as a lion that is greedy of his prey, and as it were a young lion lurking in secret places." - Psalms 17:12

"Like as a lion that is greedy of his prey, and as it were a young lion lurking in secret places." - Psalms 17:12

Psalms 17:5 - "Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not."

Psalms 17:5 - "Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not."

Psalms 136:17 - "To him which smote great kings: for his mercy endureth for ever:"

Psalms 136:17 - "To him which smote great kings: for his mercy endureth for ever:"

Psalms 17:2 - "Let my sentence come forth from thy presence; let thine eyes behold the things that are equal."

Psalms 17:2 - "Let my sentence come forth from thy presence; let thine eyes behold the things that are equal."

"Then believed they his words; they sang his praise." - Psalms 106:12

"Then believed they his words; they sang his praise." - Psalms 106:12

Psalms 12:7 - "Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever."

Psalms 12:7 - "Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever."

"For the arms of the wicked shall be broken: but the LORD upholdeth the righteous." - Psalms 37:17

"For the arms of the wicked shall be broken: but the LORD upholdeth the righteous." - Psalms 37:17

Psalms 60:12 - "Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies."

Psalms 60:12 - "Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies."

"The dead praise not the LORD, neither any that go down into silence." - Psalms 115:17

"The dead praise not the LORD, neither any that go down into silence." - Psalms 115:17

"The earth opened and swallowed up Dathan, and covered the company of Abiram." - Psalms 106:17

"The earth opened and swallowed up Dathan, and covered the company of Abiram." - Psalms 106:17

Psalms 86:12 - "I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore."

Psalms 86:12 - "I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore."

"And they sinned yet more against him by provoking the most High in the wilderness." - Psalms 78:17

"And they sinned yet more against him by provoking the most High in the wilderness." - Psalms 78:17

"For God is my King of old, working salvation in the midst of the earth." - Psalms 74:12

"For God is my King of old, working salvation in the midst of the earth." - Psalms 74:12

"The LORD is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works." - Psalms 145:17

"The LORD is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works." - Psalms 145:17

"I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD." - Psalms 116:17

"I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD." - Psalms 116:17

Psalms 90:17 - "And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it."

Psalms 90:17 - "And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it."

"They drop upon the pastures of the wilderness: and the little hills rejoice on every side." - Psalms 65:12

"They drop upon the pastures of the wilderness: and the little hills rejoice on every side." - Psalms 65:12

"Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live, and keep thy word." - Psalms 119:17

"Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live, and keep thy word." - Psalms 119:17

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Psalms 17:10 - "They are inclosed in their own fat: with their mouth they speak proudly."

Psalms 107:17 - "Fools because of their transgression, and because of their iniquities, are afflicted."

Psalms 107:17 - "Fools because of their transgression, and because of their iniquities, are afflicted."

Psalms 102:17 - "He will regard the prayer of the destitute, and not despise their prayer."

Psalms 102:17 - "He will regard the prayer of the destitute, and not despise their prayer."

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"There will I make the horn of David to bud: I have ordained a lamp for mine anointed." - Psalms 132:17

"Shall thy wonders be known in the dark? and thy righteousness in the land of forgetfulness?" - Psalms 88:12

"Shall thy wonders be known in the dark? and thy righteousness in the land of forgetfulness?" - Psalms 88:12

Psalms 118:17 - "I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD."

Psalms 118:17 - "I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD."

Psalms 135:17 - "They have ears, but they hear not; neither is there any breath in their mouths."

Psalms 135:17 - "They have ears, but they hear not; neither is there any breath in their mouths."

"Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice" - Psalms 96:12

"Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice" - Psalms 96:12

"Blessed art thou, O LORD: teach me thy statutes." - Psalms 119:12

"Blessed art thou, O LORD: teach me thy statutes." - Psalms 119:12

Psalms 37:17 - "For the arms of the wicked shall be broken: but the LORD upholdeth the righteous."

Psalms 37:17 - "For the arms of the wicked shall be broken: but the LORD upholdeth the righteous."

"I may tell all my bones: they look and stare upon me." - Psalms 22:17

"I may tell all my bones: they look and stare upon me." - Psalms 22:17