Every
day something in my Psalm prayers gives me a way to talk with God about
something current in my life or world. Often more than one, and those often
give me a way to explore my ambivalences in the paradoxes and ambiguities of
life and Scripture. Today seemed particularly incisive, so I am sharing these
in the hope they may help someone else discern God’s path through their day.
Psalm
12:5
“Because the poor are despoiled, because the
needy groan, I will now rise up,” says the Lord; “I will place them in the safety for which they
long.”
As I began my prayers with this, I cried out, “Hurry
up God!” This seemed even more intense as I got to verse 7. “You, O Lord, will protect us; you will guard us from this
generation forever.” Of course, I recognize these Psalms were written
during specific times and situations in ancient Israel that are not identical
to our context, yet, they do resonate with our deep human yearnings.
Psalm 42:5,11;43:5
Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are
you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my help
and my God.
Psalm 72 is attributed to Solomon and is the quintessential
prayer for the king (and I would say for all in positions of public
leadership). Read the whole Psalm for its central theme of the responsibility of
the king (government) to bring justice to the poor, needy, and oppressed. It
also has an international flavor. Yes, it may well reflect Solomon’s sense of
his responsibility, and it certainly embodies messianic hopes, and I believe is
a model for how Christians in our time can and should pray for and advocate
with our leaders. Juxtaposed with today’s other Psalms and the distressing
developments out of Ukraine, it seemed especially urgent and incisive.
Psalm 102:1-2
Hear my prayer, O Lord; let my cry come to you. Do not hide your face
from me in the day of my distress. Incline your ear to me; answer me speedily
in the day when I call.
This whole Psalm seems to capture so much of the anguish of ambivalence.
Psalm 132:15
I will abundantly bless its provisions; I will
satisfy its poor with bread.
At the conclusion of this joyous song of gathering
for communal worship (sung while ascending to the Temple in Jerusalem) is this
affirmation of God’s priority on providing for the poor. I believe this is not
only affirmation but mandate for us (as we grumble about our minor inconveniences
and increased expenses) to pray together for the people suffering in Ukraine
and elsewhere.
