Tuesday 21st April
Read Psalm 5:1-3
Listen to my words, Lord, consider my lament.2 Hear my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray. 3 In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.
Psalm 5 represents a morning prayer (vs 3) that follows the evening prayer of Psalm 4 and it continues the pattern of initial complaint. David turns to God as he laments the character of those he sees in his kingdom. There are any number of situations that could have motivated the psalm, but it is a cry for help to his King & Lord, king David needs help in his oversight of a wayward/rebellious/wicked bunch and it could well be the supporters of Absalom. The initial appeal (vs1–3) is concerned with Yahweh’s awareness of David’s situation (give ear, consider, attend) and could well reflect a normal king’s role of hearing those who come before him with a need (as an example see 2 Sam. 14:4–11). David anticipates that the Lord will hear his prayer requests because of their close relationship. Do we expect God to hear, consider and attend to our requests for help and strength when times become difficult, why?
Geoff Hinch
