Real Hope: PsalmsSample

A Powerful Prayer

This psalm is a prayer by Israel for God’s forgiveness. And for judgement on the nations that have attacked Israel. The people request a resolution and an end to God’s judgement on them, and they acknowledge their sins and seek to honour Him again. In vv1–4, they start with a litany of what has happened to them. Their nation has been invaded, people have been killed, the temple has been violated, and the nation is being treated with contempt.

In vv5–8, they cry out for mercy and the cessation of God’s judgement; they request that He deals with the nations that ignore Him and that He redress the situation. They acknowledge their sin and the sins of their forefathers and seek forgiveness and deliverance. In vv9–12, they pray for God’s forgiveness and for Him to help His people and redress the acts of their enemies, including judgement, for the contempt, these nations have shown God and His people. In v13, they say they will respond with praise and acknowledgement through every generation.

We can hear the heartfelt cries of God’s people in dire situations. And rightly they should be calling out to God for His help. This psalm is echoed in Daniel’s prayer in Daniel 9:4–19 where he concludes with, ‘We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your mercy’ (Daniel 9:18b).

This powerful prayer reminds us that we can rely on God in any and every situation because of His love and mercy. This is shown most clearly through Jesus, so we too can praise Him forever through all generations, and proclaim His name.

Written by DAVID BARKER