"Lord, hear my prayer, listen to my cry for mercy; in your faithfulness and righteousness come to my relief. Do not bring your servant into judgment, for no one living is righteous before you."

Psalm 143:1-2

This psalm is a song of lament by a man oppressed by enemies. Paralyzed by fear, deeply depressed, and close to despair, he prays. Traditionally, such prayers were offered in the evening, with the expectation that God’s answer would come in the morning (v. 8). The psalmist recognizes that he cannot approach God with any sense of entitlement based on his own merits. His appeal for help is founded on God’s name, character, and ‘unfailing love’ (v. 12). He knows all about grace!

Apply

Think back to times when you have cried out for God’s mercy. How did he answer?

Closing Prayer

Gracious God, I lift up to you people afraid in war zones who share the psalmist’s conviction that only you can save them. Give them courage as they trust in you and your love (edited from Encounter with God).