Psalm 6

Psalm 6 (NRSV)

1 O Lord , do not rebuke me in your anger,
or discipline me in your wrath.
2 Be gracious to me, O Lord , for I am languishing;
O Lord , heal me, for my bones are shaking with terror.
3 My soul also is struck with terror,
while you, O Lord —how long?
4 Turn, O Lord , save my life;
deliver me for the sake of your steadfast love.
5 For in death there is no remembrance of you;
in Sheol who can give you praise?
6 I am weary with my moaning;
every night I flood my bed with tears;
I drench my couch with my weeping.
7 My eyes waste away because of grief;
they grow weak because of all my foes.

Lord,
I pray for all who are “weary with moaning”, for all who exhausted with the sorrow and pain that never goes away. I pray for all who pray for healing and never seem to experience health. God, let your healing waters flow. Where bodies will not be mended, grant the consolation and power of your Spirit that the soul might be made whole.
Transform our grief and tears into something strong and whole. Turn sorrow into celebration and fear into hope.
Some of our “enemies” are impersonal. We are struck down by illness. We are attacked by economic and political forces that are beyond any single soul’s control. We turn to you for help and comfort. Confront our foes with your own love and grace.

8 Depart from me, all you workers of evil,
for the Lord has heard the sound of my weeping.
9 The Lord has heard my supplication;
the Lord accepts my prayer.
10 All my enemies shall be ashamed and struck with terror;
they shall turn back, and in a moment be put to shame.
[1]

Lord,

The poet knows that you have heard the sounds of his sorrow. I stand forever amazed that you hear the sighs of silent tears.

A question Lord, What the poet would do with the notion that grown men don’t cry? Not only does the poet weep, but he knows that you honor tears.

“The Lord has heard my supplication; the Lord accepts my prayer.” Grant to me that same confidence. Touch my heart and mind with a firm assurance of your love.

Pray that God will give you the grace necessary for your own circumstances.
Pray for others who are in need of healing.
Name 5 things for which you are grateful and say thank you to God.

In Christ’s name,
Amen.

[1] The Holy Bible : New Revised Standard Version. 1996, c1989. Nashville: Thomas Nelson.