Hello, I’m Daniel Westfall on the channel “Pray with Me”.
Psalm 142 follows the poet from trouble to hope, from a fainting spirit to resounding praise, from isolation to community.
The psalm is titled “A poem of David, a prayer when he was in the cave”. It’s a psalm for when you feel like you’re stuck in a cave, crowded into a cold, dark corner; when your enemies harass and threaten, when your mind sinks slowly into depression, when you can’t pull yourself out.
You are not alone. The poet complains,
I have no refuge;
no one cares for my life (v. 4b).
The poet has no escape from his enemies, no friend who cares if he lives or dies. Let’s join the poet in praying our way out of the cave.
Our father:
You are our refuge,
our portion in the land of the living (v. 5).
When we are stuck in a cave, when darkness crowds us, when enemies pursue, we turn to the simplicity of faith. You, O Lord, are our refuge, our helper, our bodyguard. You defend us from enemies, you shield us from their arrows. You protect us from their slander.
Save us from darkness in our minds. The cold northern winter seeps into our hearts, brings bleakness and lethargy. Light up our lives with the song of the angels and the testimony of the shepherds and the light of the new-born Christ.
Save us from darkness in our community. When we are friendless, teach us to be friendly. When discouraged, teach us hope. When overworked, teach us to rest. When others are weighed down with life, help us share their burden.
Save us from darkness in the world. As America retreats from the role of global peacekeeper, as Russia and China expand their influence, we look for a Messiah to bear the weight of government on his shoulders, a Savior whose name will be Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isa 9:6).
With the poet we pray,
Set us free from our prison,
that we may praise your name.
Let the righteous gather together
because of your goodness to them (v. 7).
Amen
I’m Daniel on the channel “Pray with Me”.
YouTube channel: Pray with Me – YouTube
Pray with Me 