Psalm 69:13

“But as for me, my prayer is to you, O LORD.” King David knew how to cry out to God. As a person “after God’s own heart” David found himself calling upon his God in good times and in bad. Prayer was a regular part of his walk. But especially when life seemed against him, he persistently presented his requests and laments before the Lord. Many of his psalms express this, and particularly Psalm 69.

Psalm 69 is unique in that it looks back and looks ahead in the flow of Biblical history to times of trial and fear in the lives of God’s people. Phrases like “Deliver me from sinking in the mire; let me be delivered from my enemies… Let not the flood sweep over me...” (vss 14-15) recall the exodus from Egypt when Israel crossed over on dry land fearing the Egyptian army chasing after them. They experienced God’s deliverance when in their fear “the people of Israel cried out to the LORD.” (Ex 14:10)

Psalm 69:4 seems to anticipate a later point in Biblical history when rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem was opposed during the days of Ezra and Nehemiah: “Many are those who hate me without cause; mighty are those who would destroy me, those who attack me with lies.” (vs 4) For over 100 years their efforts to rebuild were interrupted time and again by those who hated them. As discouraging as their enemies were, this band of returning exiles trusted the Lord, looked to their leaders, and eventually completed the project. “Fear was on them because of the peoples of the lands, and they offered burnt offerings to the LORD morning and evening.” (Ezra 3:3) In their distress they called upon the Lord. And God heard and answered their prayers over and over again during the 100 years of opposition.

In the life and trials of Jesus, Psalm 69 became the backdrop for his suffering and his trust in his Father: “Zeal for your house has consumed me, and the reproaches of those who reproach you have fallen on me” (vs 9); “I looked for pity, but there was none… for my thirst they gave me sour wine to drink.” (vss 20-21) Jesus continually poured out his heart to his Father in the midst of the most severe tribulation. And he counselled his disciples that in their times of trial they would need to rely on the Spirit through prayer. In this context Jesus quoted Psalm 69:4, “They hated me without a cause,” forewarning his disciples that they would face the same abuse. (John 15:20,25)

What is the lesson from Psalm 69? Life is full of challenges. Our best visions and hopes are often interrupted by unforeseen circumstances and conflicts, disagreements within the church, opposition from those who don’t believe, and personal inabilities and flaws. These are the things that discourage us and tempt us to give up. But the laments of King David, the prayers of Israel as they feared an army behind them, the trust of those who rebuilt the Temple in the midst of opposition, and ultimately Jesus himself instruct us to call upon the name of the Lord. Prayer is God’s primary means of leading us into renewal and hope. Make it primary in your life. “But as for me, my prayer is to you, O LORD!”

Lord, remind me at this moment and through out my day that you are my God. I can turn to you with any fear, anxiety, sorrow, uncertainty, complexity, or sense of loss. Like your servants of old, may I draw on your power to replace discouragement by hope, and the grip of confusion by wisdom. Help me in my prayers to sincerely affirm the redemption of this world wrought through Jesus Christ. In this way give me a fresh vision of my role in the ultimate defeat of all evil and a fresh vision of your Glory finally revealed when all flesh shall see it together. May your Holy Spirit faithfully lead me to step into your presence this day through frequent prayers and immersion in the truth of your word. Shape me more and more by the gospel into the image of your Son. Amen

A Prayer of St. Chrysostom:  Almighty God, you have given us grace at this time with one accord to make our common supplication to you; and you have promised through your well-beloved Son that when two or three are gathered together in his Name you will be in the midst of them: Fulfill now, O Lord, our desires and petitions as may be best for us; granting us in this world knowledge of your truth, and in the age to come life everlasting. Amen