God’s Saving Word: Prayer

Introduction

Psalm 4: In this individual prayer, the writer expresses both a plea for God’s help as well as trust in God’s safety.

Scripture Reading

Evening Prayer for Help

4 Answer me when I pray,
    O God, my defender!
When I was in trouble, you helped me.
    Be kind to me now and hear my prayer.

2 How long will you people insult me?
    How long will you love what is worthless
    and go after what is false?

3 Remember that the Lord has chosen the righteous for his own,
    and he hears me when I call to him.

4 Tremble with fear and stop sinning;
    think deeply about this,
    when you lie in silence on your beds.
5 Offer the right sacrifices to the Lord,
    and put your trust in him.

6 There are many who pray:
    “Give us more blessings, O Lord.
    Look on us with kindness!”
7 But the joy that you have given me
    is more than they will ever have
    with all their grain and wine.

8 When I lie down, I go to sleep in peace;
    you alone, O Lord, keep me perfectly safe.

Today’s Key Verse:  Psalm 4:3

Remember that the LORD has chosen the righteous for his own, and he hears me when I call to him.

Reflect

Reread verses 2-5. What is the psalm writer’s response to those who are initiating insults? In verse 7 the writer speaks of the joy that comes from the Lord.  In what ways do you experience the joy of the Lord?

Pray

Almighty God, you are my place of safety, and you hear me when I call out to you. In you, Lord God, I put my trust; your love and kindness fill me with joy. When I lie down, I sleep peacefully and safely in your love. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Psalm 46: God is always with us.