Prayers in the Dark

Today's full One Year Bible reading:
Genesis 13:5-15:21 ~ Matthew 5:1-26 ~ Psalm 6:1-10 ~ Proverbs 1:29-33

As I've been reading and blogging through the Psalms this week the image of studying an ancient Hebrew hymnal keeps surfacing in my mind. Modern hymnals are remarkable tools for corporate worship, in that they are filled with such a broad range of responsive readings, hymns, choruses, and spiritual songs. The books of Psalms, with all it's varieties of worship expressions, is much the same.

Psalm 6 is an individual lament. This song would have ministered in a specific and unique way in the life of almost every worshiper. It is attributed to David and could very likely be in reference to the many desperate situations and circumstances he faced. We will all likely need a psalm like this at some point in our lives, if not at many points in our lives.

I am worn out from groaning;
all night long I flood my bed with weeping
and drench my couch with tears.

My eyes grow weak with sorrow;
they fail because of all my foes.

Away from me, all you who do evil,
for the LORD has heard my weeping.

The LORD has heard my cry for mercy;
the LORD accepts my prayer.

Psalm 6:6-9 (NIV)

Today, as an act of worship, call upon the name of the Lord, and rest in knowing that He hears your prayers. Being sorrowful over sin is a very good thing if and when it leads us on the path of true repentance. Ultimately, our worship should be filled with faithful assurance that God hears our humble plea for mercy and forgiveness.

We should come to Him like the psalmist does in verse 4, "save me because of your unfailing love." Another translation says it this way, "save me for the sake of your steadfast love." Notice he does not seek help based on his own merits, but only for the sake of the love and glory of God. May He be glorified through our prayers in the dark.