Psalm 4

Psalm 4 (NRSV)
1 Answer me when I call, O God of my right!
You gave me room when I was in distress.
Be gracious to me, and hear my prayer.

Dear Lord,
The poet prayed, “Answer me when I call….” I admit my amazement that you answer. I confess that I marvel that the poet dares to plead “answer me”, and you do. You, the Master of the Universe, the creator of galaxies and generator of stars, and carver of black holes in the universe, you answered the poet and you promise to answer us. What kind of mystery do we have here that we call and you answer?

Let me never take the mystery of prayer for granted. Let me never assume that I deserve to be answered or that you owe it to me to respond to my petitions. Let me never forget that prayer is pure grace, a gift undeserved and freely given.

I confess that there are seasons when prayer seems to be something less than mystery. I confess my doubts that you hear and respond. Receive my confession with understanding and pardon my partial belief and grant me the grace of your presence and response.

Stir my memories of answered prayer. Stir my soul with memories of your presence and power. And help me to pray.

Pray God’s grace on others who are in special need.
Ask God to bless you in the ways that you need today.
Name 5 things for which you are grateful and say “Thank You” to God.

Amen


2 How long, you people, shall my honor suffer shame?
How long will you love vain words, and seek after lies? Selah
3 But know that the Lord has set apart the faithful for himself;
the Lord hears when I call to him.


4 When you are disturbed,a do not sin;
ponder it on your beds, and be silent. Selah
5 Offer right sacrifices,
and put your trust in the Lord.
6 There are many who say, “O that we might see some good!
Let the light of your face shine on us, O Lord!”
7 You have put gladness in my heart
more than when their grain and wine abound.
8 I will both lie down and sleep in peace;
for you alone, O Lord, make me lie down in safety.
[1]

a Or are angry

[1] The Holy Bible : New Revised Standard Version. Nashville : Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1989