Acknowledging Our Need For God As We Pray His Words Back To Him

Today the only words of prayer we are going to use are direct words from Psalm 86. We begin by acknowledging our need for God and His trustworthy power and presence available to us because we are His sons and daughters.

Bend down, O Lord, and hear my prayer;  answer me, for I need your help. Protect me, for I am devoted to you. Save me, for I serve you and trust you. You are my God.  Psalm 86:1-2

Then we come seeking forgiveness and mercy based on God’s wonderful character and willingness to be there for anyone who calls on Him for help:

Be merciful to me, O Lord, for I am calling on you constantly. Give me happiness, O Lord, for I give myself to you. O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help. Psalm 86:3-5

Whatever our troubles are today we should pause and name them before the Lord because He listens and answers especially when we have a sense of urgency and find ourselves in trouble: 

Listen closely to my prayer, O Lord; hear my urgent cry. I will call to you whenever I’m in trouble, and you will answer me.  Psalm 86:6-7

In our weakness, God is our strength and it is so good to remind ourselves of that in God’s presence.  We are helpless without Him but can do anything as He works in us because:  

No pagan god is like you, O Lord. None can do what you do! All the nations you made will come and bow before you, Lord; they will praise your holy name. For you are great and perform wonderful deeds. You alone are God.  Psalm 86:8-10

And as God alone is God, we do well to acknowledge and surrender to His ways, inviting Him to teach us His ways, to purify us from whatever self-centered desires seek to keep us from that

Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may live according to your truth! Grant me purity of heart, so that I may honor you.  Psalm 86:11

When we take even a few moments to pause and reflect on God’s help in our lives and to find the comfort and strength that comes when we surrender all the chaotic and concerning things in our hearts and circumstances, it only makes sense to speak our gratitude

With all my heart I will praise you, O Lord my God.  I will give glory to your name forever, for your love for me is very great. You have rescued me from the depths of death.  Psalm 86:12-13

From that safe place of being held in the middle of God’s great love we can speak about the enemies that surely are around us and seek to wreak havoc on us and on those we love and affirm that God will act against them on our behalf as we ask Him, and will give us compassion, strength, unfailing love, and even a sign of His favour as we live with Him today. 

O God, insolent people rise up against me; a violent gang is trying to kill me. You mean nothing to them. But you, O Lord, are a God of compassion and mercy, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness. Look down and have mercy on me. Give your strength to your servant; save me, the son of your servant. Send me a sign of your favor. Then those who hate me will be put to shame, for you, O Lord, help and comfort me.  Psalm 86:14-17