Slices
Prepare
Since Jesus has opened the Way, know that you enter God’s presence bringing your jumble of emotions and expectations, knowing you are welcomed. Reflect on this as you come to today’s reading.
Bible passage
For the director of music. With stringed instruments. Of David.
1 Hear my cry, O God;
listen to my prayer.
2 From the ends of the earth I call to you,
I call as my heart grows faint;
lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
3 For you have been my refuge,
a strong tower against the foe.
4 I long to dwell in your tent for ever
and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.
5 For you, God, have heard my vows;
you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name.
6 Increase the days of the king’s life,
his years for many generations.
7 May he be enthroned in God’s presence for ever;
appoint your love and faithfulness to protect him.
8 Then I will ever sing in praise of your name
and fulfil my vows day after day.
Explore
The psalm is a beautiful depiction of prayer as a journey into God’s presence. David probably wrote this psalm in exile after his son Absalom had usurped his throne. We sense his desperation and alienation (v 2), his longing to be safe in God’s tabernacle tent in Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6), where the ‘wings’ of the cherubim curved around the Ark of the Covenant.
We, like David, come to God with thoughts and emotions whirling around the difficulties we are facing. We too have our ‘end of the earth’ moments when we are at the end of our resources. The moment we call to God (v 1), our focus shifts. Prayer is an act of humility as we acknowledge our need for someone stronger, someone higher than ourselves (v 2).
In prayer we review and reflect on how God has met us in past events. David had sought refuge from his enemies in literal rocky mountains and fortresses. Here he recognises that God had been his true protector and place of safety (v 3).
David’s request for long life and restored kingship were based on God’s promise to him (2 Samuel 7:11–16). In prayer we give thanks for current blessings (v 5) and we remind God of his promises.
Respond
Use the pattern of prayer in Psalm 61 as you bring your needs to the Lord.
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Jeremiah 47,48; John 17
Pray for Scripture Union
Join Scripture Union Taiwan in praising God for deepening connections with kindergartens, tutoring programmes, Sunday schools, camps, short-term mission teams and elderly care centres. Pray that these diverse activities will enable people to find faith and grow in relationship with Jesus.
