For the Afflicted (Prayer from Psalm 102)

 

(This was from my letter to my congregation this week - 28 June 2023)

You probably know one or two people, or more, who are in some serious difficulties right now. I know of several who are either in dire straits or facing dark miseries. Parents grieving over their kids (younger ones and adults). Relationship plights that are sucking hope out of some souls. Hearts breaking. Tears flowing. Bleak futures that are empty of direction. Therefore, my attention was freshly caught this morning in my Bible reading and prayer time by Psalm 102 and it gave me focus in prayer for these I know. The inscription of the Psalm tells it all: “A Prayer for One Afflicted, When He Is Faint and Pours Out His Complaint before the LORD.” This is the how my prayer looked this morning:

 

“Thank you for providing this Psalm and making it part of your Sacred Scriptures and giving us words to say! There are some I know right now who are afflicted and faint, some aggrieved by heartbreaking troubles in their immediate families, and other circumstances, such as XXXX, XXXX, XXXX, XXXX, XXXX, XXXX, XXXX, XXXX, etc. Lord, hear their prayer, hide not your face from them in this day of their distress. Answer them speedily, for they have become thin wisps like smoke, withered hearts with loud groanings, desiccated by grief, lonely, sleepless, and more. It feels as if your indignation and anger are washing over them; that you have taken them up and thrown them down and made them sheer as shadows.

 

But, you are sovereign over all, and especially over your church. It is time to rise up and replenish your church. And thank you that you have regard for the prayer of the destitue, and do not despise their prayer. May it be told for generations to come how you have rescued them from dire straits.

 

Ah, Lord, nevertheless, it feels as if you have broken their strength in midcourse and shortened their days.  I say with, and for, these ‘take me not  away in the midst of my days – you whose years endure throughout all generations!’ Even in the midst of the most climatic situations, the most world shattering events, you do not change and you will ensure that your children will dwell secure and be established before you. It is to you, then, we pour out our grief and pain and fear. Hear our prayer, and let our cry come unto you, for the sake of your dearly loved Son, who walks with us even through the valley of the shadow of death. Amen.”

 

For those of you up to your eyeballs in dark worries and conditions, Psalm 102 was written just for you. I hope today’s letter encourages you. Spend time in that Psalm, and maybe use this prayer if it helps. And if you know others going through catastrophic circumstances, pray things like this for them. Spend time in Psalm 102 for their sakes.

 

“Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15). 

 

Pastor Mike


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