Fervent Prayer

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Prayer during the West Africa Field Conference.



Scripture:

Psa. 70:0   To the leader. Of David, for the memorial offering.
1 Be pleased, O God, to deliver me.
O LORD, make haste to help me!
2 Let those be put to shame and confusion
who seek my life.
Let those be turned back and brought to dishonor
who desire to hurt me.
3 Let those who say, “Aha, Aha!”
turn back because of their shame.

Psa. 70:4    Let all who seek you
rejoice and be glad in you.
Let those who love your salvation
say evermore, “God is great!”
5 But I am poor and needy;
hasten to me, O God!
You are my help and my deliverer;
O LORD, do not delay!

Observation:

This Psalm of David repeats some lines and themes from previous Psalms. However, this one is short, and to the point. Here, there is a sense of urgency where we find it placed between two lengthy laments. Each lament concludes with words of praise, which may serve as a reminder that when the solution to a problem is not at hand, we must wait on the Lord. 

At the same time, while we are waiting, we may discover that it’s hard to distinguish our friends from our enemies. There are always those who are ready to cry out, “aha” and declare guilt without knowing the details. It’s when we hear the words from their mouths that we know that either they are declaring guilt, or joining in those who seek out salvation and speak, “God is great!” 

Application:

Whether applying to David’s life, the final moments of Jesus’, or our very own, this becomes a model of prayer. When we find ourselves in troubled circumstances we need to become engaged in fervent prayer. This prayer is a cry for help, for shame to be brought to enemies, and eventually, joy to friends. 

As we continue through this Holy Week, may we be led daily to the place of prayer. There are moments when we must engage in fervent prayer: moments when we find our hearts breaking because of what we are facing. Jesus, faced with the cross, cried out for help to his Father in prayer. Sometimes we simply don’t know what else to do but to cry out to God for help. 

Throughout this week may we join Jesus in fervent prayer. We seek the face of God in the midst of circumstances which may be beyond our comprehension, but the cross takes us to transformation.The night that he was betrayed Jesus was in the garden, engaged in fervent prayer.  When we join Jesus at the point of the cross, we discover the possibility of the image of God being stamped upon our lives. 

There is no guarantee that the Christian life will be easy because if we join Jesus, we will follow him on the journey.  The lenten journey will lead us to the cross, but also to the resurrection. Then we can rejoice in our salvation and say forevermore, “God is great!” 

I am in great need of God, and therefore, I seek his face, day in and day out. In this, we are challenged to live a life of fervent prayer. 

Prayer:

Lord, I need to learn more about prayer. Your gracious love and patience is overwhelming. Amen. 

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