Psalm 142: Brought Low
Suitable for prayers of Intercession Let us pray … we pray for the needs of others and ourselves using the words of Psalm 142: I cry out loud in anguish, I cry out loud to God. Is anyone out there? Does anyone care? Lord, we pray for those who are suffering - for those who are lonely for those who live alone, and those who feel lost in a crowd. Wherever I go I am attacked, my own thoughts suck me down into dark traps. No one knows me, no one cares. Lord, we pray for those who are suffering - for those with mental illness and those struggling with addiction for broken families and lonely marriages. My spirit is faint, but you know the way out. I long for the safety that can only be found in you, O God. Listen, Lord! Help me, Lord, for I am brought very low. Lord, we pray for those who are suffering - Give signs of hope to those who live in darkness. Give strength and skill to those who work to help others. Bring me out of captivity, bring me into the land of the living. Bring me out in gratitude and humility. Bring me into the company of good people. You will be gracious to me, I know it! Lord, we pray for ourselves - Thank you for all the ways you have restored us, for your love and care and friendship. You know our heart, you know our needs. You will be gracious to us, we know it. |
Psalm 142: The prison escape
One of the problems with Psalms is that they can get a bit repetitive. Try reading Psalm 142 alongside Acts 12; that brings it to life in a fresh way. Psalm 142 is David’s voice, hiding in a cave, but it can also be Peter’s voice, stuck in prison afraid for his life. And it can also be our voice when things go badly and we can’t get through in our own strength. “Save me from those who falsely accuse me! I am trapped, alone, hopeless - Bring me out of prison! I have more work to do among your people. Be good to me, rescue me!” Peter escaped from prison, walking through locked doors in a daze. After he came to he said: “Now I am quite sure that the Lord sent an angel and rescued me!” (Acts 12:11) |
Note on the photo:
A beautiful big drift wood stump at sunset. Foxton Beach.
A beautiful big drift wood stump at sunset. Foxton Beach.