Hear My Prayer

HEAR MY PRAYER

a prayer to open

Here’s my heart, Lord. Speak what is true.

Here’s my life, Lord. Speak what is true.

Answer me when I call to you,

O God who declares me innocent.

Free me from my troubles.

Have mercy on me and hear my prayer.

How long will you people ruin my reputation?

How long will you make groundless accusations?

How long will you continue your lies?

You can be sure of this:

The LORD set apart the godly for himself.

The LORD will answer when I call to him.

Don’t sin by letting anger control you.

Think about it overnight and remain silent.

Offer sacrifices in the right spirit,

and trust the LORD.

Many people say, “Who will show us better times?”

Let your face smile on us, LORD.

You have given me greater joy

than those who have abundant harvests of grain and new wine.

In peace I will lie down and sleep,

for you alone, O LORD, will keep me safe.

Between fifty and seventy million Americans suffer from sleep disorders or deprivation,^a which means that many of us don’t lie down and sleep in peace. Fear, anxiety, stress, and the 24/7 nature of our culture keep us awake. This psalm promises that when we place our trust in God, releasing to him our families, our jobs, our desires, and our dreams, he will fill us with joy and peace. How might our lives be shaped if we were to turn over every aspect of ourselves to God?

• Read this passage again slowly. What word or phrase stands out to you? Why do you think that particular word or phrase speaks to you? What does it say?
• What worries or fears keep you up or wake you up at night (whether it’s every night or just once in a while)?
• Think about the area of your life that you worry about most. What one step could you take to begin to release that area to God’s care and provision?

I long for your joy and peace to fill my soul and ease my mind, Lord. Illuminate for me the things I’m holding on to too tightly—things I need to release to your care. I want to trust every aspect of my life to you, but at times I am not even sure how to do that. Show me, and help me release my life into your care. Amen.