Friday, June 19, 2020  

Today’s Scripture Reading  |  Psalm 86:1–10, 16–17

Incline your ear, O Lord, and answer me,
for I am poor and needy.
Preserve my life, for I am devoted to you;
save your servant who trusts in you.
You are my God; be gracious to me, O Lord,
for to you do I cry all day long.
Gladden the soul of your servant,
for to you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving,
abounding in steadfast love to all who call on you.
Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer;
listen to my cry of supplication.
In the day of my trouble I call on you,
for you will answer me.
There is none like you among the gods, O Lord,
nor are there any works like yours.
All the nations you have made shall come
and bow down before you,
O Lord, and shall glorify your name.
For you are great and do wondrous things;
you alone are God.
Turn to me and be gracious to me;
give your strength to your servant;
save the child of your serving girl.
Show me a sign of your favor,
so that those who hate me may see it and be put to shame,
because you, Lord, have helped me and comforted me. (NRSV)

Reflection
I saw a headline recently on the increase in the number of people praying. The headline did not surprise me at all, so I did not bother reading the article.

As I read the words of this ancient prayer in Psalms, I could almost hear a community of people praying it with me it felt so relevant to me today. The idea that people were praying a prayer thousands of years ago that I could still pray today gave me comfort. Yes, there will be days of trouble and there will be days I feel like crying all day long, but God is still present. God was there when David wrote this prayer, and God is there for me as I read these words. The thought helps me to trust in the better days ahead, to trust in God who does great and wondrous things, because that is the same God who inclines an ear to my prayer.

As I pray in times of sorrow, may I not forget the great works of God. May I always remember that God has helped and comforted thousands before me and will help and comfort thousands after me. And still God is listening and answering my prayer.

Prayer
God, thank you for your everlasting presence. Thank you for hearing my prayer and answering my prayer. You listen to me and comfort me in my sorrow. You give me strength when I am weak. You celebrate with me in times of joy. For this I am ever grateful. Amen.

Written by Katie Patterson, Youth Ministry Program Manager

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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