Psalm 17:5 
“My steps have held to your paths; 
my feet have not stumbled.” (NIV)

I’m not trying to get my way 
In the world’s way. 
I’m trying to get your way. 
Your Word’s way.

I’m staying on your trail;
I’m putting one foot. 
In front of the other.
I’m not giving up.  (MSG)

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The New International Version rendering of verse 5 sounds like a prayer of reflection at the end of the day. The Message paraphrase of verses four and five sounds like a prayer of preparation at the beginning of the day. Maybe we could use them as bookends for our days. 

In the morning, we pray the words from The Message. 

I’m not trying to get my way 
In the world’s way. 
I’m trying to get your way. 
Your Word’s way.

I’m staying on your trail;
I’m putting one foot. 
In front of the other.
I’m not giving up. 

Here is the intention we ask God to direct, ask Jesus to lead, and ask the Spirit to empower. 

In the evening, we pray these words from the New International Version. 

“My steps have held to your paths; 
my feet have not stumbled.”

What we seek in the morning and review in the evening gives us gratitude for how God shows us the way we should go, and guides and provides for us along that very way. 

If this sounds simple, it’s because it is. If you think it simplistic, you’re missing the heart of the matter. Jesus spent a lot of time in those last hours before the crucifixion telling his disciples to abide in him. Sometimes we get separated from our Savior. Returning to him is always in our best interest. He is easy to find. He never ignores the heartfelt request of his treasured loved ones. 

Begin your day with the intention of walking with God along his way. 

Don’t give up. 

Finish well. 

Let us pray. 

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I will walk the path God lays before me in his strength, for his purpose, and to his glory. 

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Our Father, show me the way I should go. Lead me, step by step, thought by thought, moment by moment, through this day. Give me the strength I need for today, and the stamina I need for the long run. When I lie down tonight, I want to be able to say, “My steps have held to your path, my feet have not stumbled.” Thank you for guiding and providing. Thank you for empowering me for your purpose. Amen.