A prayer of David
Psalm 87:1-7
1 Incline your ear, O Lord, and answer me, for I am poor and needy. 2 Preserve my life, for I am godly; save your servant, who trusts in you—you are my God. 3 Be gracious to me, O Lord, for to you do I cry all the day. 4 Gladden the soul of your servant, for to you, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. 5 For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you. 6 Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer; listen to my plea for grace. 7 In the day of my trouble I call upon you, for you answer me.
I love the Psalms of the Old Testament. They are filled with prophecy, songs, accounts of God’s faithfulness throughout Israel’s history, and intimate reflections that reveal a richly personal relationship between the writers and the everlasting God.
In Psalm 87 we find David pleading with the Lord from a weakened state. Perhaps it was physical, maybe it was mental, but likely a bit of both. His frankness is refreshing because we have all been in places like this – poor in spirit, needy, constantly calling for help.
In addition to his stated needs he does two other important things throughout this chapter.
First, he asks the Lord directly, without any ambiguity, exactly what he desires of the Lord and how – Incline your ear to me, answer me, Preserve my life, save your servant… This is a biblical example of how we are to approach the Lord with our needs.
Secondly, David addresses what he knows God will do for him. This was surely based on his knowledge of scripture and his faith that was honed through past mercies God had granted him – You are good and forgiving, you steadfastly love all who call upon you, you answer me. Knowing God’s attributes which are evidenced in scriptures allows us to boldly ask Him for help in time of need.
What are your needs today? Have you cried out to Him during your time of trouble? He will listen and he will come to you rescue. Be of good cheer!
As we get closer to meeting in person once again, I encourage you to be in prayer for each other and know that we as elders are in prayer for you!
Scott Walker
Vero Bible Fellowship Elder Team