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Psalm 6:1-10

LORD, do not rebuke me in your anger or discipline me in your wrath. Have mercy on me, LORD, for I am faint; heal me, LORD, for my bones are in agony. My soul is in deep anguish. How long, LORD, how long? Turn, LORD, and deliver me; save me because of your unfailing love. Among the dead no one proclaims your name. Who praises you from his grave? I am worn out from my groaning. All night long I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears. My eyes grow weak with sorrow; they fail because of all my foes. Away from me, all you who do evil, for the LORD has heard my weeping. The LORD has heard my cry for mercy; the LORD accepts my prayer. All my enemies will be overwhelmed with shame and anguish; they will turn back and suddenly be put to shame.

Think

Sometimes our prayer is very personal. We can find ourselves pouring out our heart to God when no one else is listening. Psalm 6 is an anguished prayer. It is personal and honest. David is crying out from the depths of his heart ‘How long, Lord, how long’ before the terrible darkness and pain in his life is over?

Out of this intense honesty comes beautiful hope. Through deeply honest prayer, his desperation is transformed into a glorious confidence that ‘The Lord has heard my cry for mercy’.

All of us go through periods of great anguish in our lives. It is vital at such times that we pour out our hearts to God in honesty and humility holding nothing back. How wonderful that God hears our prayers and acts on behalf of those who entrust themselves to Him (Isaiah 64:4)

Ponder

  • What are the similarities and differences between your prayers and David’s (Ps 6.1-7) when you are going through terrible times?
  • How does a Christian obtain the confidence of verse 9?

Pray

Be as honest as you can before the Lord today, bringing the deep things of your heart to Him – looking for His salvation and help.

PRAYER & PRAISE

Psalm 118:28-29 (NIV 1984)

You are my God, and I will give you thanks; you are my God, and I will exalt you Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.

  • Father, we praise and thank You that Your love for your people never changes, it endures forever.
  • Lord, You are a good and faithful God, worthy of all praise, may our hearts always rejoice in You, our Saviour Redeemer.
  • Lord, we ask that You would guide and lead us as we select those who will lead us as a church
  • Thank You, Lord, for bringing David back safe and refreshed, he asks that we would pray for him to have a humble, joyful, believing heart. (Phil 3:10)
  • We pray for encouragement for our Senior Sisters group as they meet and for Lindie as she shares Your word
  • Lord, for those we are aware of who are in need of prayer.