Praying To Be Heard

We are just a few days now into the season of Lent.  For 40 days Jesus spent time in the wilderness praying as He prepared Himself for the ministry God had in store for Him.

I don’t know what Jesus prayed during those days but the Psalm that is assigned for us to read today in the Lent Bible readings covers many themes for our lives.

The writer of this prayer acknowledges His need for God first and turns His heart towards God.  And so with him we pray:

Hear, O Lord, and answer me. For I am suffering and in need. Keep my life, for I am faithful to You. You are my God. Save Your servant who trusts in You.

Psalm 86:1-2

Who of us doesn’t want kindness and joy, or forgiveness and help in troubled times?  That’s what forms the next requests.

Show me loving-kindness, O Lord. For I cry to You all day long. Bring joy to Your servant. For I lift up my soul to You, O Lord. For You are good and ready to forgive, O Lord. You are rich in loving-kindness to all who call to You.

Psalm 86:3-5

Hear my prayer, O Lord. Listen to my cry for help.  I will call to You in the day of my trouble. For You will answer me.

Psalm 86:6-7

And then I like what the writer prays next.  He expresses his appreciation to God for who God is, and for what God has done.  I think this not only honours God but it builds faith in our hearts that God will act in great ways in our needy areas as well.

There is no one like You among the gods, O Lord. And there are no works like Yours. All the nations You have made will come and worship before You, O Lord. And they will bring honor to Your name. For You are great and do great things. You alone are God.

Psalm 86:6-10

And then we finish up with the writer of this Psalm with a recommitment of our lives to learn from God and to walk in His ways. 

Teach me Your way, O Lord. I will walk in Your truth. May my heart fear Your name.  O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You with all my heart. I will bring honor to Your name forever. For Your loving-kindness toward me is great. And You have saved my soul from the bottom of the grave.

Psalm 86:11-13

Let’s have a great day as we pay attention to God’s voice and follow His guidance.