God's people need lifting up. They're heavy by nature. They have no wings, or if they do, they're like the dove long ago that lay among the pots. They need God's grace to soar with wings covered with silver and feathers of gold.

While sparks fly upward naturally, our sinful souls tend to fall. Lord, lift them up forever! David said, "To you, God, do I lift up my heart," and he knew others need lifting up too. When you ask this blessing for yourself, remember to seek it for others as well. God's people need to be lifted up in three ways.

First, they need a lift in character. Raise them, Lord; don't let Your people be like the world! The world is trapped in wickedness. Lift them above it! The world chases wealth and pleasure; Lord, lift Your people above these pursuits. Keep them from being 'muck-rakers,' those who obsess over earthly treasures!

Set their hearts on their risen Lord and heavenly inheritance. Believers also need strength in conflict. In battle, give them victory when they seem to fall. If the enemy seems to triumph, help them take up the sword of the Spirit and win.

Lift up Your children's spirits in conflict; don't let them sit in the dust forever. Don't let the enemy overwhelm them, but let them, like Hannah, sing of Your deliverance. Finally, Lord, lift them up at the end. Bring them home, raise their bodies from the tomb, and lift their souls to Your eternal glory.