When It’s Urgent
Opening Prayer
Mighty Lord and God, I praise You today as my creator, redeemer and sustainer. All the glory goes to You.
Read Psalm 70:1-5
For additional translations of the passage, use this link to Bible Gateway.
[1] For the director of music. Of David. A petition. Hasten, O God, to save me; O LORD, come quickly to help me. [2] May those who seek my life be put to shame and confusion; may all who desire my ruin be turned back in disgrace. [3] May those who say to me, “Aha! Aha!” turn back because of their shame. [4] But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation always say, “Let God be exalted!” [5] Yet I am poor and needy; come quickly to me, O God. You are my help and my deliverer; O LORD, do not delay. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
What confidence in God is expressed here?None of us can escape sudden crises: there are times in all our lives when emergency prayer is needed. In this psalm, David is under threat and needs God to help him—now! Four times in five verses he asks God to hurry up. He knows exactly what he wants God to do and his requests are focused and direct—he’s got no time for doubts. It’s a great example of how someone who is totally confident in God can pray. David is honest and straightforward and doesn’t attempt to be “holy” or hide his feelings. He doesn’t doubt that God is interested in his situation and that he has the power to turn it around. When was the last time you prayed with that much urgency? What happened?
Psalm 70 also gives an interesting insight into what can happen when God does dive in and resolve a bad situation. Not everyone is happy. It may be human nature to want our enemies to suffer, and the psalmist didn’t hesitate to express those feelings to God. But it’s perhaps equally important to watch our reactions when someone else is blessed. Do we really rejoice and feel glad?
Apply
How honest are you with God? Tell him your feelings right now. If you have an urgent request, get it off your chest.
Closing prayer
Gracious Lord, I know I can be totally honest with You. Thank You. I know that I always want to be.
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