Friday, March 24, 2023

Today’s Scripture Reading 
Psalm 130

Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord.

Lord, hear my voice! Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications!

If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities, Lord, who could stand?

But there is forgiveness with you, so that you may be revered.

I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope;

my soul waits for the Lord more than those who watch for the morning, more than those who watch for the morning.

O Israel, hope in the Lord! For with the Lord there is steadfast love, and with him is great power to redeem.

It is he who will redeem Israel from all its iniquities. (NRSV)

Reflection

When I read this psalm, I was immediately reminded of Mendelssohn’s “I Waited for the Lord” from the Hymn of Praise. Years ago, several other voice students and I formed an ensemble, and when we performed, that piece was often on our programs. Although that text is based on Psalm 40, it also provides a deep sense of comfort. That was one thing I loved about singing this music.

I had the same feeling when I read Psalm 130. Here the psalmist cries out to the Lord for mercy and knows the Lord will provide forgiveness. The psalmist also speaks of waiting for the Lord and putting hope in the Lord, because with the Lord, there is unfailing love.

It is deeply comforting to know that the Lord hears our cries and is always there for us.

Prayer

Dear Lord, thank you for always hearing my voice and being attentive to my cry. Thank you for your compassion and the comfort of your unfailing love. Amen.

Written by Pamela Spann, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church

Reflection and prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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