Psalm 31

Lord,
It’s been a while since I’ve been here. I’ve been in several worship services and have certainly prayed along the way but it’s been a long time since I have sat with the poet and contemplated your presence. It’s been a while since I’ve prayed the Psalm.

Why? I’ve been travelling a lot and I’ve been busy and it’s not been convenient. And, for reasons that I do not know, I found this Psalm to be intimidating. It’s feels long. I know that longer ones are coming but this seems like a lot.

And since I am confessing, I’m feeling a bit of repetition. The newness of the thing has worn off and you know how I with routine. I am addicted to periodic doses of adrenalin, the rush that comes with things new. Staying with things has never been the strength of my life.

Lord, make these moments fruitful. Grant to me your presence, your Spirit.

Psalm 31 (NRSV)
1 In you, O Lord, I seek refuge;
do not let me ever be put to shame;
in your righteousness deliver me.
2 Incline your ear to me;
rescue me speedily.
Be a rock of refuge for me,
a strong fortress to save me.
3 You are indeed my rock and my fortress;
for your name’s sake lead me and guide me,
4 take me out of the net that is hidden for me,
for you are my refuge.
5 Into your hand I commit my spirit;
you have redeemed me, O Lord, faithful God.

Lord,
The poet is praying for deliverance from defeat and failure. To speak the obvious, he wants to win. And he believes that he deserves to win, that he really should win, because his cause is your cause.

He is anxious and fearful and decidedly short of confidence. (Who hasn’t been in that place?) So he declares that he is taking refuge Lord, in you. He wants you to do for him what he cannot do for himself.

You, he prays, you are capable of stepping up and saving the day. In his anxiety, he deliberately speaks of your ability to save and he calls you his Rock and Fortress.

Lord, I don’t want to fail either. I don’t want to be caught in the net of frustration and incompetence. So, with the poet I pray, be my strength, my fortress, my rock, my protection and my guide. May your cause be mine and grant me victory in it.

PERSONAL PRAYERS
Give your fear and anxiety to God and ask God to be your rock and fortress.
Ask God to make the intentions of your life consistent with God’s purpose and character.
Name 5 things for which you are grateful and say “Thank you” to God.

In Christ’s name,
Amen.

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