Let My Prayer Come Before You

O LORD, God of my salvation, when, at night I cry out in your presence, let my prayer come before you; incline your ear to my cry.

For my soul is full of troubles, and my life draws near to Sheol. I am counted among those who go down to the Pit; I am like those who have no help, like those forsaken among the dead, like the slain that lie in the grave, like those whom you remember no more, for they are cut off from your hand. You have put me in the depths of the Pit, in the regions dark and deep. Your wrath lies heavy upon me, and you overwhelm me with all your waves. Selah

You have caused my companions to shun me; you have made me a thing of horror to them. I am shut in so that I cannot escape; my eye grows dim through sorrow. Every day I call on you, O LORD; I spread out my hands to you. Do you work wonders for the dead? Do the shades rise up to praise you? Selah

Is your steadfast love declared in the grave, or your faithfulness in Abaddon? Are your wonders known in the darkness, or your saving help in the land of forgetfulness?

But I, O LORD, cry out to you; in the morning my prayer comes before you. O LORD, why do you cast me off? Why do you hide your face from me? Wretched and close to death from my youth up, I suffer your terrors; I am desperate. Your wrath has swept over me; your dread assaults destroy me. They surround me like a flood all day long, from all sides they close in on me. You have caused friend and neighbor to shun me; my companions are in darkness.

Psalm 88:1-18

It seems strange for sacred writings to include scenes of spiritual failure, but it reflects an important principle. The psalmists do not rationalize anger or give abstract advice about pain; rather, they express emotions vividly and loudly, directing their feelings primarily at God. The psalms present a mosaic of spiritual therapy in process. In the psalms you will find: doubt, paranoia, giddiness, delight, hatred, joy, praise, vengefulness, and betrayal. When we face God we do not have to cover our failures, He already knows about them. It is far better for us to bring our weaknesses to Him, who alone has the power to heal.

An honest talk with God is the first step in finding peace of mind.

Our Daily Bread – August 5, 2008