Focus

Let yourself become open to God and the knowledge that comes from the Word. Ask God for peace at this time.

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Read

Psalm 6 (NRSV)

O LORD, do not rebuke me in your anger,
or discipline me in your wrath.
Be gracious to me, O LORD, for I am languishing;
O LORD, heal me, for my bones are shaking with terror.
My soul also is struck with terror,
while you, O LORD—how long?

Turn, O LORD, save my life;
deliver me for the sake of your steadfast love.
For in death there is no remembrance of you;
in Sheol who can give you praise?

I am weary with my moaning;
every night I flood my bed with tears;
I drench my couch with my weeping.
My eyes waste away because of grief;
they grow weak because of all my foes.

Depart from me, all you workers of evil,
for the LORD has heard the sound of my weeping.
The LORD has heard my supplication;
the LORD accepts my prayer.
All my enemies shall be ashamed and struck with terror;
they shall turn back, and in a moment be put to shame.

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Reflect

Sometimes it is hard to pray for ourselves. I know people who have no problem with this whatsoever—children, for example. Our early understanding of God may often be oversimplified to the point we imagine God almost like a genie, ready and waiting to fulfill our wishes. As we mature, though, something tightens that vision of an open line of communication. Suddenly, we sense there are things we can’t or shouldn’t ask of God. We are far more comfortable praying for others, expressing gratitude, giving praise, and even confessing our sins, but for many of us, praying for ourselves just seems…“wrong.” Is it that we feel selfish? Is it that we fear our prayers won’t be answered? Do we lack the words to speak on our own behalf? Why is it so hard to ask God to help us?

In Psalm 6, the psalmist made a very powerful plea to God. He spoke of his weakness and his worry, begging God to relieve his suffering and protect him from his enemies, all of which he did unapologetically. The psalmist admitted that it was hard to be patient when he was in such pain, but that he knew God would come through for him. Even in his misery, his faith was unwavering. He knew that God had heard his prayer and that he was not alone.

What if you put yourself on your prayer list? How would you find the voice that allows you to speak openly to God—like the psalmist, like a child? Can you allow yourself to be vulnerable and honest, even if it seems desperate, self-centered, or small? How can you pray for yourself today?

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Pray

God, many times I cannot find the words to tell you how I need you in my life. Please help me to do so now. Amen.

Go with God.